Chapter 29

“So, what’s next? Will we have a home to go back to in the north?” I asked, my gaze fixed on the ocean before us.

It was late in the evening. I was feeling a bit better, so Jekia had brought me to one of the secluded coves for some alone time.

We didn’t need to worry about the boys right now. They were safe in Vincent’s house with Vishu, who had been brought there by him shortly after I woke up.

Seeing Vishu again was a mix of joy and heartbreak. She was overjoyed to see us, crying as she hugged me and the boys.

But her tears were also for the loss of Edifel and our home. She hadn’t escaped the attack unscathed.

She had lost one of her left arms, and the spider half of her body was bruised and cut up.

But even in pain, she was determined to move forward and take care of me and the boys like she always had.

Even now, she was watching over and entertaining them, with some help from Misa, the spider who served Vincent. She reminded me a lot of Edifel, which was both comforting and sad.

Jekia was standing next to me, watching the ocean, the roar of the waves crashing on the shore filling the air. The sea breeze ruffled our hair, and his ears would flick back slightly with it.

“We will, but it might take some time before we have a real home. I don’t plan to rebuild it where it was, not after what happened there,” he replied.

I noticed the determined look in his eyes. Jekia had been quieter since he came back to me, but I understood he had a lot on his mind.

Despite all the help from the others, Jekia wanted to regroup mostly on his own. He felt like he had failed to protect us.

“I get that, and I want to help in any way I can,” I offered.

“I know you do,” Jekia sighed. He finally turned to look at me, squeezing my hand. “I wanted to apologize to you too, Lana, now that it’s just us.”

“Why?”

I honestly didn’t know why he was apologizing to me now. We had already talked about what had happened, and I thought we understood our own mistakes.

“Kamelle was right when she said that your capture was my fault for lying to you.

“I didn’t consider how you felt during my many absences over the past year. Even if you smiled and accepted it as my duty, I’m sure you had darker thoughts.

“It made you an easy target for them to trick and lure you,” Jekia explained.

I shook my head. “That’s true, but I share the blame too.

“I should have talked to you about my fears, not let them eat away at me.” I looked down, unable to meet his gaze.

“But I guess she was right about that too. I’m a human woman, and we do fear losing our man to another when he’s not around much, whether it’s justified or not.”

Jekia lifted my chin, forcing me to look at him. He didn’t look upset or angry, just understanding.

“I get that, and I don’t think it’s unreasonable. But I never lied to you about us being together.

“The reason I never tried to have a relationship with another woman is because I was committed and couldn’t change my mind.

“Once I chose a bride and slept with her, I sealed it so that we would be together for the rest of our lives.

“If I ever went to another woman with such intentions, I would not only lose my position but also be killed for breaking my oath and using another.”

“Huh?”

I stared at him, trying to process what he was saying.

I remembered him saying more than once after we met that I was his choice and he had claimed me, so no one could object.

The incident with the matchmaker also came to mind. He had been upset that Jekia chose me instead of a woman he considered more “suitable” for his status.

“You look surprised. Didn’t you understand the significance of my choice with you?” Jekia asked, a knowing smile on his face.

“I guess I didn’t,” I admitted, shaking my head.

“I know you told me that I was your choice, and I would eventually bear your children, but I didn’t realize that once you took me, you could never have another woman.”

“It’s one of the many rules imposed on us as rulers. As you know, the issue of heirs is incredibly important to everyone involved in overseeing this side.

“So, we were warned that they wouldn’t tolerate us having multiple women fighting for our attention, or creating multiple heirs with different women who would do the same.

“When we decided to have families, we had to choose wisely, because the woman we chose would be our partner for life,” Jekia explained.

~Wow~, I thought, ~they’re really strict with these rulers.~

“And they would have killed you if you went to another woman, even just for pleasure, after me?” I asked for confirmation.

Jekia nodded. “Yes. I would have been stripped of my position and executed, and my position given to someone they deemed worthy.”

My mind was buzzing as I took in all this information.

It made me curious about some things that had happened since we met, and I admit it also helped distract me from all the heavy thoughts weighing me down.

“I get that, but something doesn’t add up.

“You weren’t allowed to sleep with other women, yet I was allowed to share my bed with Sage, and they even ensured that one of my children was a kit born from him.

“How am I different, if my role is to be devoted to you?” I asked him.

“Normally, that wouldn’t have happened, but you’re different in several ways. First, you quickly evolved into an omega, making you extremely desirable to both me and Sage.

“Given the high chance that my intense desires could hurt you, we decided that Sage could be with you to satisfy those urges and keep you safe.

“Also, Sage has always been a ruler under me, and in the end, it worked out for him since you bore both my pup and his kit.

“It ensured a balance in the line of succession,” Jekia explained to me.

I sighed softly, looking back at the restless ocean. “I guess that makes some sense, but honestly, Jekia, I’ve always seen Sage more as a close friend than a lover.

“While I won’t deny that I enjoyed our time together, you’ve always been the one I wanted most.”

“I know,” Jekia nodded. “And I realize my jealousy was often misplaced. Sage never intended to truly take you from me.”

“You should know that some of the things I did were to get you to notice me more. I didn’t think I’d win your heart for a long time,” I told him.

“Was I really that stubborn in your eyes?”

“I think you were the most contrary man I’d ever met at first.”

Jekia laughed at that. It was good to see and hear. I didn’t think I’d seen him smile since the morning before the festival.

“Well, I guess I can’t argue with that. I know I didn’t make the best first impression, especially when you tried to run away from me just days after we met.

“But I’m glad you’re still here with me. I love you, Lana, and I look forward to many more centuries with you,” he said when he finished.

I moved a bit closer to him. “I feel the same way. Once things settle down, please spend more time with us. I love our family time together, and I also want more nights with you like the last one.”

“I can do that. I love being with you and our sons, and I admit I was a bit pent-up that night. Maybe I shouldn’t put things off so much anymore.”

“Maybe not,” I giggled as he kissed me.

The kiss was so familiar and loving. I could feel my heart racing.

Despite everything that had happened, and how my body was still recovering, part of me yearned to make love with him again, just to feel that wonderful rush of lust and love.

But I also knew that it would have to wait until we had more privacy.

“My beautiful Lana,” Jekia murmured as we pulled back slightly and he ran his claws through my hair.

“I’m so glad you came into my life. Even if I lost everything, you and the boys would be enough for me to pick myself up from the ashes.”

I couldn’t help but look down, feeling that same pain inside me. Yes, I loved Jekia so much, but I knew I could never forget Sage.

He was my first real friend in life, and the one who had led me to this place, not to mention Rin’s birth father.

I was sure Jekia could understand the mixed feelings I would always have about him.

“Jekia, do you know what happened to Sage? Did you see his body?” I had to know.

“No, but Emelio told me it was taken by the Sumarians who came to help us,” Jekia replied.

“Why would they take him instead of letting us bury him?” I asked.

That didn’t make sense. Surely, if Sage was dead, they wouldn’t have any use for his body.

Jekia looked around us as if making sure we wouldn’t be overheard. Once he was satisfied, he turned to me, speaking quietly.

“There are things that need to be kept quiet right now, including what was told to me and the other three.

“While it’s true that Sage was fatally wounded in that fight, we were told that orders were given to save him for different reasons.

“From what I understand, they’ve placed him in a position directly under the Higher Ones now.”

“So he’s not really dead?” I asked, trying to keep my voice down.

“To this world and others, he is,” Jekia replied.

“I don’t know all the details of what they want from him now, but they’ve already told us that as far as anyone is concerned, the nine-tail fox Sage is dead.

“For that reason, we can’t tell anyone that he’s still alive.”

I felt a sense of relief knowing this, although it was mixed with sadness.

Even though Sage was alive, they didn’t want anyone to know, and we probably wouldn’t be able to see him anymore.

But thinking about that, I realized something else. We weren’t the only ones left behind.

“What about the woman and kits that Sage had on the other side? Her name was Sara, right? If no one can know that Sage is alive, what will happen to her?

“We can’t just abandon them,” I argued.

Jekia crossed his arms, letting out a small huff. “While I won’t say I don’t feel sympathy for her or the kits, I can’t say she’s my main concern right now.

“I’m sure Sage made arrangements for her, and I highly doubt that Musket would abandon her.

“Besides, they live in the mortal world. My domain is only this one.”

I didn’t like his answer. Maybe it was because I could imagine Sara being like me, at least from what I’d heard about her.

She was a young orphan when Sage met her, and he had taken care of her and started a family. She had no one else to rely on but him. It wasn’t fair to leave her like that.

“Then maybe I can do something for her. I can cross over to that side, and I’m sure Musket would let me see her,” I suggested.

“Absolutely not.”

“Why not?!”

“There’s already been too much risk to you, and I won’t have you on the other side where I can’t reach you if something happens!” Jekia declared.

“But I can’t just abandon her and her kits! Even if they’ve grown faster than Rin, it’s still going to be tough on them without their dad, especially in that world!” I protested.

We were both stubborn, neither of us willing to back down. I held my gaze steady, hoping he’d see the determination in my eyes.

I couldn’t leave this woman behind, even if there was a time when I’d been a little jealous of the attention Sage had shifted from me to her.

Finally, Jekia let out a weary sigh, his ears drooping as he lowered his head. It was his way of admitting defeat.

“Alright. If you want us to help her, then I’ll find a way. I’m sure there’s a solution, maybe even through Musket.”

“It’s not about it being a chore, it’s about doing what’s right. Sage was your best friend, wasn’t he?” I reminded him.

“He was,” Jekia confirmed. He shook his head, finally meeting my gaze. “But I’m warning you, I plan to take the blame for his death.”

“What? Why?”

“Because it’s my fault he died, even if it wasn’t a true death,” Jekia declared.

“I was the one who sent him ahead to find Kamelle, and that’s how he ended up being called by Emelio for help with the palace incident.

“If I’d asked him to stay with you and the boys and gone myself, he’d still be here with us.

“So, I’ll take the blame for his death and spread the rumor that I killed him in a disagreement. It’s better that way for everyone, including Sara and the kids.

“If they stay away from this world, they’ll have a chance at a better life in the other.”

At the time, I didn’t understand Jekia’s reasoning.

But as I thought about it later that night, I slowly began to realize that maybe this was his way of grieving for the loss of Sage.

Even if I didn’t like it, this was what Jekia wanted. I could only hope that the truth would eventually come out and clear his name, even from his own guilt.

As night fell, Jekia decided to take me, Vishu, and the boys back to the northern lands, where he’d set up a temporary home in a den deep within another forest.

Turns out, this place was another one Sage had created long ago but rarely used. Jekia decided we’d make it our own for a while.

It was a safe place, and with Vishu with us, Jekia felt there was little to worry about.

I tried to sleep as I lay in bed with Jekia. Rin and Rayne were curled up with us, sleeping peacefully.

Their tails and ears would twitch occasionally, probably dreaming. Snuggled against Jekia, I closed my eyes and tried to stop my mind from racing.

But I couldn’t ignore my feelings. I wanted to see Sage one more time. I wanted to say goodbye and tell him what was in my heart.

Sleep eventually came, though it was restless. But as I drifted deeper into dreams, it felt like something gently shifted in my mind.

My eyes slowly opened, and I was no longer in the den with my family.

Now I stood on a misty beach. An ocean stretched out before me, its gentle waves lapping the shore.

The water was the purest blue I’d ever seen, and in the distance, I thought I saw figures walking.

Wait, were they spirits?

“Welcome to the Far Shore.”

I spun around to see Sage standing near me.

He looked much the same as the last time I’d seen him, though now he was dressed entirely in white, his silver hair and tails glowing even in the dim light.

“Sage?” I whispered, disbelief creeping into my voice.

Was this real, or was it a dream fueled by my longing to see him?

Sage smiled at me. “No, my dear, this isn’t just a dream. I brought you here to talk with you one last time,” he reassured me.

Before I knew it, I was hugging him tightly. His embrace was so familiar and comforting.

Yes, this was the fox I’d come to know, the one who’d found a place in my heart alongside Jekia, whether he intended to or not.

“I wanted to see you! I didn’t think I’d ever see you again!” I whispered.

“I’m sorry. I know this has been hard on everyone, and I needed to see you all one last time too,” Sage whispered back.

He pulled back slightly, wiping away my tears with a gentle touch. “Even if I can’t see you physically anymore, at least they’ve given me this much.”

“I don’t understand what happened. Why did they take you from us? Even if you were badly injured, wouldn’t they have saved you and let you come back?” I asked him.

Sage closed his eyes, bowing his head for a moment.

“Maybe we should talk more about this now. Come with me. I know a place that’s perfect for us.”

I agreed, following him to a small cove about twenty feet away, dotted with giant rocks.

Sage effortlessly picked me up, hopping from rock to rock until we reached a large, flat one out in the water.

I sat down next to him, watching the ocean waves lap around us. It was so peaceful, so serene.

“You said this place is called the Far Shore?” I asked for confirmation.

“Yes. This is the place all spirits must pass through on their way to where they belong,” Sage explained. He leaned closer to me, pointing out to sea.

“Do you see those figures out there, walking on the water? They’re the spirits of those who’ve passed on, moving to their next existence.”

“Did they put you here to watch over them?” I asked.

“No,” Sage answered with a chuckle. “There’s no need. I’m just here as a go-between to meet with whoever I want now.

“It was the least they could do after making such an unreasonable request of me.”

“It seems like it, from what I’ve gathered. They’re pulling you away from everyone who knows you. Why?” I asked.

“It’s a bit complex, but I’ll try to explain it to you so you can understand why it’s necessary,” Sage replied, leaning back a bit next to me.

“There’s been a lot of change happening in both worlds recently, and these changes will ultimately affect both in all spiritual aspects.

“As for me, I’ve discovered that I play a crucial role in much of it, even though I turned down the chance to be a ruler a long time ago.

“Since then, I’ve been both blessed and cursed with visions of the future, and I’ve seen many of those visions come true.”

“You mean like when you met me. You knew what I would become, and you knew that I would eventually enter the Veil and become Jekia’s bride,” I guessed.

Sage nodded. “Whether you believe it or not, everything happens for a reason, my dear. Everything will balance out as it’s meant to, including in our world.

“There can only be four rulers within the Veil, and to be honest, my presence there upset the balance a bit.

“The excuse was that I was the backup for them, considering that Jekia didn’t have heirs, nor did it seem like he would have any soon.

“Of course, that changed after I found you. It not only delighted the Higher Ones, but it also set in motion all the plans they had hoped for.

“Though I will say that recent events did cause a bit of a hiccup for them, even if they half expected it.”

“They know everything that happened and why, don’t they? That’s why they involved the other three rulers and did this with you,” I speculated.

“Unfortunately,” Sage admitted. He seemed to carefully consider his next words.

“While there’s not much I can reveal to you, I can tell you that what happened with those lycans and how they got all that power won’t be able to happen again.

“From now on, it will be forbidden for any creature to work with the Fallen or their followers.

“This will ensure the continued peace within the Veil, and prevent the Fallen from causing chaos there.

“As for me, I’ll be one of the main ones assigned to ensure this, and I’ll be working behind the scenes with the Sumarians on it. Think of me as a sort of oversight ruler for the other four.”

A smile spread across my face. “You’ve always been cunning enough for something like that.

“There have been many times when I felt like you were guiding Jekia and me without us even realizing it,” I told him.

“Maybe,” Sage teased.

I noticed his eyes dim a bit as he looked back at the water. It seemed like there was something else on his mind. I wondered if it was Sara.

“Are you worried about Sara?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“I admit that I am a bit, but I’ve also been thinking a lot about your and Rin’s feelings about everything.

“I know it’s been hard since I haven’t been around her as much, and I wouldn’t blame you for resenting me for it.

“I didn’t really give you much of a warning about any of that,” Sage admitted quietly.

“No, you didn’t, but I can’t say that I didn’t come to understand some of it too.

“Despite everything, my heart has always belonged to Jekia, and you’ve always been my closest friend.

“I can’t blame you for wanting something more, and maybe it was good for you to meet Sara, as it might have been for her,” I confessed.

“I like to think it was for both of us, and I’m glad that you don’t hold any grudges against her or our sons.

“But on that note, I’ve also asked Jekia not to make himself the scapegoat.

“I’ve done what I had to do, and I know in my heart that Sara and my boys are all destined for so much more.

“While Rin will serve as an heir on this side, Sean and Tico will build themselves up on the other to represent us.

“I know what I’ve foreseen, especially with this, and I find comfort in that knowledge, just as I do with you now,” Sage explained.

“With me?” I echoed.

Sage nodded, gently stroking my hair over my shoulder. His claws lightly grazed the skin of my neck and shoulder.

“There’s no need for you to doubt yourself anymore. Trust me on that. You are who you’re meant to be and where you’re meant to be. You’ll see soon enough.”

I slowly woke from that dream with those words echoing in my head. Lying there in bed, I could still swear that I felt Sage’s last gentle touch, along with his final words to me.

They were words that gave me hope for the future, and what it held for all of us.

There was a slight movement against me, and I looked to see Rin waking up. He blinked his eyes, and I saw a tear roll down his cheek.

“Rin? Did you have a nightmare?” I whispered, trying my best not to wake Jekia and Rayne.

Rin shook his head, moving a bit to cling to me and bury his face against my neck as I held him.

“I saw Papa. He’s alive. He just can’t see us anymore like he used to,” he whispered.

“Was it in a dream by an ocean?” I asked him.

“Yes,” Rin confirmed. “It was beautiful, and there were lots of people walking far away.

“I keep crying, but I’m so happy, Mommy. I got to see him again, and I got to hug him and hear him say he loved me and he’s proud of me.”

“He always has been. He’ll never forget about you or your half brothers,” I promised him.

Rin finally calmed down, pulling away a bit to look at me.

“Mommy, will I ever see them? I want to see them one day.”

I felt Jekia shift as Rin said this, and I saw that he was now awake. Rayne had woken up too and was still lying against him.

Jekia reached over and gently stroked Rin’s head.

“Maybe someday, but remember, they’ll be older than you. They’ve lived on the other side and grown up faster,” he explained.

“Why is that, Dad? Does time move faster over there?” Rayne asked, his curiosity piqued.

“It does, but it doesn’t change who you are, just how quickly you mature,” Jekia replied.

I moved closer to Rin. “I’m guessing you had a dream where Sage reached out to you too.”

“I did,” Jekia confirmed, his demeanor calm. I’d even say there was a hint of contentment in his eyes.

“I’m grateful he gave us this chance to talk and make amends.

“Even though I can’t see my friend anymore, I’m at peace knowing he’s alive and will be looking out for us in his own way. And I’ll keep my promise to him.”

“What promise was that?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Jekia smiled. “To look after you and the boys, and to ensure Sara and her boys are taken care of.

“According to Sage, one of them will stay within the Veil with Musket, so he asked me to ensure his safety here.”

Rin quickly flipped onto his back to look at him. “One of them will stay? Will we get to see him?” he asked eagerly.

“Can we? I want to see what he’s like!” Rayne chimed in.

“Hold on,” I cautioned them. “We’re not going to overwhelm him. Maybe in time.”

“Your mother’s right. There will be a time when you can meet him, but let’s give him space to grieve for what he feels is the loss of his father, okay?” Jekia added.

“Okay…,” they both agreed, albeit reluctantly.

I couldn’t help but smile as I kissed both of their foreheads. “It’ll be okay. Everything happens in time. We promise you that.”

“Speaking of time, I think we should start rebuilding our home,” Jekia said as we lay there, facing each other.

“Really? Have you picked a spot?” I asked.

“I have,” Jekia confirmed. “I want to go back to the glen where I grew up. I think it’d be the perfect home for us and our family.”

“Are you sure about that? It’s a beautiful place, but it’s also a place of tragedy,” I reminded him.

Jekia nodded solemnly. “I know, but I want to move past that tragedy. There’s been too much of it. If I can move on with you and our boys, that’s enough for me.”

I heard the soft click of Vishu’s legs as she stood up near us, stretching a little. It was almost dawn, her usual wake-up time.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” she apologized.

“You didn’t. I was just talking about where we’re going to live. You’ll stay with us as my spider, won’t you?” Jekia asked as he sat up with me and the boys.

Vishu nodded, bowing deeply.

“Of course. I’ll do anything you ask of me, and I never want to leave your side. I’m your loyal spider forever,” she promised.

Rin and Rayne laughed, running over to hug her.

“We love you too!” Rayne declared.

“You’ll always be our Vishu!” Rin added.

Jekia and I watched this with amusement. We missed Edifel terribly, and so did the boys, but at least they still had Vishu.

This beautiful spider girl, who I’d found as a child, was very much a part of our family and always would be.

“Why don’t you take the boys to get cleaned up for the day? Lana and I will join you soon,” Jekia suggested after a few minutes of watching them play with her.

“Yes, of course,” Vishu agreed readily. She patted the children’s backs. “Come on. It’s time to get cleaned up.”

I waited until they were gone to speak.

“I’m surprised you want to go back to the glen where your family lived. Are you sure about this?” I had to ask again.

“I am,” Jekia nodded. He turned to me. “I can’t live in the past forever, and I know I’ve made many mistakes, even after meeting you.

“I need to let go of my past and who I became, for you, our sons, and for who I’m meant to be in this world.”

I smiled, moving closer to him, my fingers tracing his neck and chest. “You mean a strong alpha with an equally strong, caring heart?”

“Maybe, but I’d keep up appearances outside of closed doors,” Jekia reminded me, a sly smile on his face.

I giggled as I lay down, him hovering over me, and we shared a long kiss before he pulled back slightly and I stroked his hair and ears.

“I don’t mind that at all, as long as you’re always my Jekia,” I told him.

“I always will be, just as you’ll always be my Lana,” Jekia promised. He leaned down to kiss my neck and whisper in my ear.

“Though I must admit, I’d like to take advantage of our alone time. We might not get much of it before our new home is built.”

“That sounds very tempting,” I agreed, kissing him again.

I would never turn down making love to him, and as we began, I knew he would always be my one true love.

This beautiful alpha was the one I was meant to be with, and I was the one he was meant to find.

I turned onto my hands and knees, kissing him again as he began thrusting into me from behind.

Yes, it had been too long since I’d felt this, even if it really hadn’t. Everything about this act between us felt natural and beautiful.

A soft sigh slipped from my lips as he hovered over me, brushing my hair aside and nipping at the nape of my neck.

“My beautiful omega,” he murmured into my skin. “How I long to breed you again.”

“I wish you could, but pretending isn’t a bad idea,” I suggested, a moan slipping past my lips as he filled me completely.

Jekia’s laughter vibrated against my skin. “Maybe I will,” he teased.

My thoughts started to blur as he pulled me closer, his thrusts quickening and deepening. I shut my eyes, surrendering to the intoxicating sensations of our intimacy.

…The sensation of his lips and tongue tracing my shoulders and neck, his firm body pressed against my back, the way his hands caressed my breasts as our bodies moved in sync.

Every bit of this was pure bliss, reminiscent of the time I did conceive. The mere thought made it even more tantalizing, and I found myself pleading for more.

Eventually, I felt his rhythm slow and his breaths grow heavy. My hips moved in time with his as I felt his release deep within me.

It was enough to trigger my own climax, and my body trembled with pleasure.

~Ah yes~, I thought, lost in the fog of desire and satisfaction, ~fate truly is a beautiful thing.~

“I do love you so much, my Lana,” he whispered into my ear.

“And I love you,” I whispered back. I turned to face him, our lips meeting in another heated kiss. “I always will, and no matter what happens, I’ll never leave your side.”