I have no fucking idea, but there’s only one way to find out.
Taking the compass out of my pocket, I stare down at it. It’s so strange to see it inactive, lazily spinning but never pointing in one direction for very long. I close my eyes, feeling the magic resonate within me until I know who’s getting it next.
Looking up, I find my cousins staring at me, waiting for my announcement. I suddenly feel like I have so much power. For just a moment, I’m the only one who knows which of them is going next. Thankfully for them, I’m not cruel.
I toss the compass over to Harbor who snatches it out of the air, pinning it to his chest. “Oh my gods. Really? My turn?”
“Yep. Sorry, Bently. Seems the compass wants to save the best for last.”
“Fine by me,” he says with a soft smile, turning towards Harbor. “Come on, look at it. Is it pointing in a direction yet?”
Harbor pulls it away from his chest, holding it out for us all to see. The compass seems to be calibrating for a moment before spinning wildly around and around and around. Finally, it slows, pointing in a North West direction.
Harbor makes a happy little noise, bouncing in his seat. “I hope it’s pointing towards the coast. I want my mate to be somewhere close to the beach so we can have our toes in the sand together.”
“Depends on how West the compass makes us go,” Bently says with a shrug. “Could end up in Canada and your beach will be more snowy.”
“Snow. Eww. I hope not.”
I can’t help but chuckle at Harbor’s nose wrinkle. “Maybe your spark loves snow forts. You won’t know until you find them.”
Harbor pouts. “But but but. Beaches!”
“Don’t worry, no matter where they are, you’re gonna be happy to meet them,” I tell him seriously. “Hopefully your spark has a better reaction to you though.”
Zeke puts his hand on my back, rubbing up and down. “Ray will be happy to meet you once she’s had some time to let everything sink in. Give her time.”
“She can have all the time she needs,” I promise, picking up another piece of bacon and popping it into my mouth. “I’m not surprised by her reaction. She had a normal life and then I showed up with all these complications and bonds and stuff. I feel bad.”
“Lady Fate wouldn’t have crossed your paths if She didn’t think Ray was ready for this next step of life. Focus on that, Casper,” Bently says, giving me a sympathetic look.
“You’re right. I guess I’m just a little jealous after seeing the way Jude and Willow’s meetings went, you know?”
Harbor reaches across the table and flicks me. “Comparison is the thief of joy. Just because your story is different doesn’t mean it’s bad.”
I do the mature thing and blow a fart with my mouth in his direction. Once we’re all done eating, I pick up everyone’s plates and take them over to the sink.
“I guess this is farewell for now,” Bently says, pulling me into a tight hug. I hug him back, squeezing him so tight that he makes a pained noise.
I look over at my mate with bright red cheeks. “I know we haven’t talked about this yet,” I start to say. Thankfully, Zeke must know what I’m going to say. He cuts me off, giving me an achingly soft smile.
“I want you to stay.”
“Oh,” I breathe out, feeling my stomach flutter happily at the confirmation. “Okay, good. I want to stay.”
“Then it’s settled!” Harbor says, dropping my bags onto the floor and when the fuck did he sneak out and grab those without me noticing? He’s like a little ninja! “You’re staying here with your mate while I head off to find my spark. This is so exciting!”
“I mean, you don’t have to leave right this second,” I say with a pout.
“Yes, we do. I’m not waiting around while my spark is out there missing me! Plus, I might find my true mate like you guys have and I want to start boning as soon as possible! I’ve been waiting so long already. I have needs, Casper.”
“Jesus Christ,” I breathe out with a groan, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Fine, weirdo. Get out of here and get your needs met.”
“That’s the spirit!” Harbor bounds over, pulling me into a hug. “I’m going to miss you but we’re still gonna do our Sunday calls. If you miss out I’ll turn the RV around and have Bently fight you. We both know he could take you down no problem.”
“He’d have to go through me,” Zeke tells him with a grin. “I don’t look quite as tough as Bently but I assure you, I’d take him down no problem.”
Hmm, I’m conflicted. On the one hand, I really don’t want anyone to fight. On the other hand, why is the idea of Zeke defending my honor or fighting someone on my behalf so fucking sexy?
Gods, what’s gotten into me? It’s like now that the can of worms that is my libido has been cracked open I can’t seem to put the lid back on.
Maybe my cousins leaving won’t be such a bad thing if it means getting to be alone with my mate.
“There will be no fighting,” Bently says with a laugh. Then he quickly adds, “and for the record, I would give you a run for your money.”
Bently and Harbor give me giant hugs. This is such a bittersweet moment. I’m so excited to start this next chapter but I’m starting to panic at the idea of my cousins leaving me here. What if I need them? What if I screw this up somehow and Zeke kicks me out? What if Ray never comes around?
Harbor squeezes my shoulders. “You’ve got this,” he says under his breath, giving me a knowing look. “This is your true mate. Things are gonna be great, Casper. Embrace them, okay? Don’t fight it.”
Harbor’s bluntness sometimes comes off as overbearing or borderline insensitive but other times, it’s exactly what I need to hear.
“Thank you,” I tell him seriously, hugging him one more time before he’s heading out the door with Bently. I sit in the doorway, watching them climb into the RV. I give them a wave as they pull away from the driveway and head down the road.
I turn away and close the door. Leaning against it, I let out a shaky breath, desperately trying to get my nerves under control. Just because they’re gone doesn’t mean everything is about to go to shit. I don’t need them as a crutch.
I don’t!
“You look like you’re about to toss up your breakfast,” Zeke says softly, ducking his head down so I look into his eyes. “You doing okay? Second thoughts?”
