She took a deep breath and let the scent of Jared roll over her while the streets around them rumbled with dangerous activity.
“I never thought I would get to hold you again. I’m sorry for not telling you how I felt sooner… and for all the things that the poison of that hate blade did to me—to us. It lied and used our deepest insecurities against us.”
“But the omen and my mother? You said you sent it, or Teague said that. I’m not sure what to believe anymore.” She buried her head against his shoulder and felt him nuzzle the top of her head.
“No, that was a lie. I control the Fae Reapers, but the Death Reaper or omen is controlled by the one who has the bone whistle.
“Annalora.”
“I believe so.”
“How do we stop this?” Mina had been so wrapped up in her own near death and Teague’s sacrifice and Jared’s presence that she hadn’t thought about the battle for a while. But it raged around them still. Annalora’s gnome army was here.
“I don’t know.” He grimaced and flickered.
Mina looked to Taz in alarm. “What’s happening?”
“His soul can’t survive like this for long,” she answered simply. “You destroyed his body beyond repair. I just saved a bit of his soul for you. I thought you’d be grateful.”
“No, I am. I just don’t want to lose him.”
“Then don’t,” she challenged, as if it were nothing. “Do something about it.”
“I don’t know how. I can’t lose them both.”
“It’s okay, Mina.” The corner of Jared’s mouth lifted, showing off his unbelievable grin. “You can let me go. I’m ready to leave.”
Helicopters thwacked and thundered overhead.
“I can’t let you go. Not now, not ever.”
“You don’t have to. I already told you, I will live on in here.” He pointed to her heart.
“So that wasn’t a dream?”
“No, we wouldn’t let you give up on yourself.”
“Then I’m not giving up on you. What can I do? I’m so sorry I caused all this in the first place, but I love you. I will fight for you.”
Jared pressed his forehead to hers. “I know, but there’s nothing I can do. It’s Taz’s power that’s sustaining me now.”
“The Grimoire!”
Mina reached into her bag and pulled out the Grimoire. “Taz split you before and bound your soul to a book. What if we did it again? What if we anchored your soul again?” He flickered, and urgency made her heart pound.
“To anchor my soul is to bind me eternally to you. And I can’t do that, Mina. As much as I love you, I can never be a slave to another’s whims again. Even if it’s a very pretty whim.” He kissed her nose sadly. “I don’t want to be enslaved.”
She pushed him away. “Why are you being so selfish? Why can’t you think of anyone but yourself?” she yelled, instantly regretting her words. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
Taz Clara spoke. “We have a problem.” She pointed to the tanks that rumbled past them.
Mina looked to Jared. Even as he flickered, his determination solidified. He nodded, and they began to run down the road after the tank. They were surprised when they met up with another Fae along the way. The young man had pointed ears and the bluest of blue eyes. He pulled a small sack of powder out of an ammo bag and tossed it on the tank’s wheels, turning them to cement.
“Who are you?” Jared asked.
“Theo, of the SFGG.” He saluted, then climbed up on top of the tank and used another bag of powder from his pouch to seal the door shut.
“The SFGG?” Mina asked.
“San Fran Godmother’s Guild at your service. Constance and the others are already on the bridge trying to control the situation.” He laughed and jumped down to run to another tank, disabling it just as fast. “Hey,” he shouted from the top. “I think I know you. You’re the Grimm.”
“Yes,” Mina answered.
“Then if you keep going forward,” he gestured with his hand, you’ll meet up with our leader. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
“Thank you,” Jared answered pushing ahead.
“Are you going to disappear on me?” she asked him.
“I’ll try not to.” He looked over his shoulder. Taz had retreated and was following them along the water line. “She’s taken back to the water. I think I’ll last as long as she has the strength.”
“I hope. I guess that’s the best answer I’m going to get.”
“Yep.” He reached out and grabbed her hand, and they ran together. She stumbled once or twice, and he helped, pulling her along after him. “By the way, I like what you’ve done with your hair.”
She blushed. “It’s apparently a family trait.”
“You should keep it.”
“I think I have to.”
He laughed and squeezed her hand again.
Theo was right. They soon met up with a large group of onlookers, who were really a group of Fae. It was easy to spot the one in charge. He was tall—impossibly tall—towering over seven feet, with a voice that carried easily. His arms and hands were like giant mallets, and he flung them around as he gave orders to his guild.
“It’s Strong Arm,” Jared said in surprise. “I thought I destroyed his guild long ago, but leave it to him to rebuild again. Think metallurgist—or, um, you would call them blacksmiths—but Fae.”
To his side, she saw Constance. Next to Constance, she saw a face that made her cry out. “Charlie!” Mina ran forward, pushing through the crowd.
Charlie’s eyes lit up. He flew off the podium and ran to jump into her arms.
“You’re safe,” she cooed, struggling under his weight. “And you’ve grown!” She laughed and put him down. Nan and Brody were on Charlie’s heels, and Nan was the second to wrap her in a hug. “Oh, it was terrible. The Reapers grabbed us at the pier but…” Nan stopped talking when she saw Jared. “You!”
Brody leaped in front of her and grabbed Mina, pulling her behind him.
Jared’s jaw ticked with anger, and he squared off in front of Brody. “Take your hands off of her, before you lose them.”
“No,” Brody growled, doing his best to be intimidating.
“Brody, wait.” Mina looped her arm through his and met his eyes, pleading. When she turned to look at Jared next, she swallowed. His gaze was locked on her arm holding Brody’s. He was about to let someone have it. Mina quickly let go and stepped in front of Jared. “He’s okay.”
Now it was Jared’s turn to pull her behind his back and keep her out of Brody’s reach.
“I won’t let you hurt her,” Brody threatened. He crossed his arms over his muscular chest.
“I’m not going to… ever.” Jared’s voice dropped low.
“If you do, I’ll kill you. Whatever it takes.” Brody eyed Jared, and something passed between the two boys. A silent conversation.
Jared squinted.
Brody raised his chin.
A minute passed.
Mina sighed and rolled her eyes.
