Chapter 169

Chapter 17: Ayla I ended up falling asleep on the couch and woke up several hours later. Theo called that evening to let me know he had made it to Bonnerville safely. I made him promise to keep me updated on what he found out. I started to regret my nap as it got later and my anxiety started to rise. I didn’t realize how much our mate bond would affect our separation. I could still feel our connection, but it felt like something was missing.

To help distract me. I ended up pulling out Harry’s journal and working on completing the cipher. I was starting to get more of a picture of what was going through his head. I was surprised to find the first pages eluding to Onyxcrown history. There were several names of Dominis family members, but I did know who they were. I had brought three books from my father’s box up to the apartment, one of which specifically documented the Dominis family.

I retrieved the book and my own notebook and started the long and tedious task of cross–referencing. I had been at it for a couple hours when Mina returned.

‘Come in.‘ I linked her.

She entered the apartment to find me on the floor in front of the coffee table.

“Woman, please tell me this isn’t what you’ve been doing since I left,”

she said.

I snorted. “No, but I kind of wish I had. Did you know that our great- great–grandmother could alter her scent? Pretty effectively, too.”

“I did not know that,” she said, sitting beside me. “However, I’m not 0.00%

11.10 288 Vouchers sure how that would serve many practical purposes.”

“Apparently, she used the ability to play pranks when she was younger,” I said, pushing the book closer to Mina. “But it came in handy later in life when she was helping rogue refugees.”

“Rogue refugees?”

“Yeah, I’m not sure what that’s about yet,” I said. “Either way, Harry seemed fascinated by the ability. Among others that I’m still exploring.”

“You managed to finish the cipher?” Mina asked, looking over my work.

“For the most part, I think,” I confirmed. “Some sections still don’t follow the pattern, but that could just be legitimate ramblings.”

“We got some of the research from his cabin today,” Mina informed me. “Luckily, my boss called, and he has two lab techs that he said he’s sending my way next week.”

“It’s about time,” I said. “So they’ll start the day you get back?”

Theo and I surprised Mina and Briggs with a trip to the Blue Fang mountain resort for their honeymoon. They weren’t going to take one initially, but we wouldn’t let that happen. They both deserved this break, and it meant a lot that we could do this for them.

“Yeah, I’m not letting anyone come in without me,” Mina said. “So, what else have you discovered about our weird–ass family?”

I chuckled. “The notebook mentions a few members, so I’ve been trying to focus on those. But this book is huge, and I’ve barely made a dent What I can say is that we, indeed, have a weird–ass family”

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Chapter 17: Ayla 288 Vouchers “Any ideas why he centered on those members?” Mina asked, flipping through the book.

I shrugged. “My only theory is that it has to do with their abilities. But I have no clue what they have to do with me.

“Probably nothing,” she replied. “He may been speculating.”

“Yeah, that also crossed my mind,” I said. “But we’ll just have to see.”

“Well, I’m starving. What do you say we take a break, order some food, and have a girls‘ night. I have two more nights of freedom, and I miss my cousin,” she said, elbowing me.

I smiled. “I think I can manage that.”

She pulled out her phone and ordered some takeout.

“So, are you getting excited?” I asked as I closed up the books.

A broad smile spread across her face and she flushed. “Yeah,” she said shyly. “I’m excited. I’m ready for it to happen.”

I pulled her to me, wrapping my arms around her shoulders in a tight hug “You know I’m so happy for you, right?” I told her. “You deserve the best.”

“I know,” she said, returning my embrace. “Now stop that or you’re going to make me cry.”

We let go of each other with a laugh.

“So, what’s it like?” she asked, helping me clear the table.

“Which part?” I replied, wagging an eyebrow at her.

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11.10 288 Vouchers “All of it.”

I took a deep breath, my own smile breaking out. “It’s pretty f***ing incredible. It definitely changes everything. And I mean everything.”

“Oh, really... I’m not sure it could get any better,” Mina said salaciously. “I mean, my mate definitely knows what the hell he’s doing, if you know what I mean.”

I busted out laughing. “I would have said the same thing two weeks ago.” I said as I got up to get us a drink. “But everything gets more intense.”

“Really?” Mina said incredulously. “You guys already had a crazy strong connection before you marked each other. I’ve never known another fated pair that could feel each other like you two could before mating. I can’t imagine how much more intense it could get.”

“You’ll understand in a couple more days,” I said, handing her a glass of wine as I sat on the couch.

“So, how are you doing then?” she inquired. “With Theo being gone?”

I sighed. “I didn’t realize how hard it would be, but I’m okay,” I said. “I‘ m not falling apart. I don’t feel despair or pain or anything like that. But he hasn’t even been gone a day, and it just feels like... like I’m not whole.” I rubbed my chest absently. “But that part isn’t that bad. It’s more like a sense of anticipation because I know he’ll be back. It’s the worry that’s hard.”

“He has plenty of people to protect him, Ayla,” Mina assured me with a gentle smile.

“I know,” I replied. “But I’m worried about them, too. I just need to distract myself until he’s back.”

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Chapter 17 Ayla 288 Vouchers “Well, I can help you with that,” she said. “Once we get some food in you, we’ll deal with this second dose. And I’ll stay here with you tonight. To keep you safe and keep you company.”

“Thank you.”