by Dee Garcia
Shivering, I’m shivering at his side, sights blurred by a deluge of grief as Tavi’s breaths come harsher, yet all the more shallow.
No. No, no, no.
“Tavi!” I yell, my hands cupping his face. “Tavi, stay with me!”
Each breath comes with a hoarse whimper, the faintest cry that lances right through my chest. I keep yelling for him, hoping something will breakthrough, but time is working against me. The light in his eyes is fading, and fading, and fading, until he takes one last breath and—
As always, first comes the gasp.
Then I shoot up from the concrete at my back. My heart’s still in my throat, both my cheeks and eyes drenched.
I was actually crying.
No, I’m still crying, heart aching as what took place in that dream hits me in a horrifying reel all over again.
Tavi.
He can’t be… God, no, please—he can’t be… I can’t even think about it; don’t want to believe that any part of that dream could be real. Considering how the last episode ended, though, with me banging down the castle doors after such vividly real scenarios...
I have to get to him, have to make sure he’s okay. At least send a message and hope I can get one in return. The whisper may have advised against it, but I can’t sit here and not know. I’m liable to go insane.
Peeking out from under the bridge, I note the light colors now claiming the sky. It’s quite early in the morning, something I take as a good sign.
What I don’t take as a good sign is the raven that appears out of nowhere, landing just feet away from me. Beady black eyes boring into mine, it cocks its head aside and bounces its way closer, shuffling me back into the curved concrete of the bridge. It’s right about then I notice the piece of parchment clasped between his beak. A few hops more, and it deposits the note, squawking as if to announce it’s for me.
I don’t reach for it until the raven takes its leave, but when I do, and I fully absorb the words scripted out for me, I’m leaving the safety of that bridge without a second thought. It’s a sign, and I’m not ignoring it, I can’t.
I just hope these witches aren’t about to tell me my wolf is dead.
We have news from Rosewood.
Please find your way to Covent Garden as soon as you possibly can.
The coven awaits your arrival.
xx
♫ Afraid, Unafraid - SLUMBERJACK ♫
Note in hand, I find myself outside of Covent Garden not long after the raven’s delivery. I’ve been here before, many times, but I’d never have guessed witches congregated here. Although, with all the different shops, it kind of makes sense. I’m sure one of these herbal stands holds more than just chamomile and a little lavender. Then again, I hadn’t a clue witches, and other supernatural beings existed back then.
“Wendy,” a soft voice calls suddenly, whipping my head toward the sound. A petite blonde in a flowy coral dress stands to my left, gazing at me with curious green eyes. “We’ve been waiting for you, come.”
That’s all she offers before taking off. She doesn’t so much as look back to see if I’m following, she just goes, clearly expecting me to follow.
Which I do because without her, I never would’ve found them. This place is huge, buzzing alive with tourists, families, seasoned shoppers, and Instagram foodies, especially on sunny days like today.
Please do not let anyone notice me.
Pulling the hood of my coat tighter, I keep my head low and my stare downcast, following the billowing end of her dress. All the while, I’m trying not to think about what this message from Rosewood could possibly be. I hate to even consider it, but what are the chances that I dream something so devastating and then have a coven of witches claim they have a message to deliver from the exact place I dreamt of?
What’s left of my heart wants to claw its way through my chest.
Can’t think this. Don’t think this.
I really can’t, for if I do, it’ll start to sink in, and I don’t want that sinking into my mind. Tavi’s not dead. He just can’t be…
Tavi’s not dead, he’s perfectly fine. I repeat it like a mantra over and over again as I trail behind the girl through the dark cobblestone streets Floral Street, distracting myself with all the shops and even some of the people. Couples, families, friends, we’re surrounded by them and their smiling faces.
From Floral, we turn onto Bow Street, heading down in the direction of the Royal Opera House. I haven’t been here in ages, used to come with dad and grandad as a kid the time. Much like its name, it’s a gorgeous, regal structure overall, but my favorite part is the thick, white columns.
“We’re here,” the girl says as I’m admiring the building. “He’s right over there.”
“Wait, what? The note you had a message for me.”
She smiles warmly and points to the front of the opera house. “He is your message.”
Something about the way she says he throws my heart into overdrive. Following her direction, I peer across the street and nearly swallow my tongue at what I see awaiting me on the other side.
My wolf.
The initial sight of him steals all the air from my lungs. I feel like I’m going to collapse, my knees weak, quivering with each step. I must blink hundreds of times, hands rubbing at my eyes to ensure I’m actually seeing what I think I’m seeing.
And it is, it’s my wolf, there’s no mistaking it’s him whatsoever. In a white t-shirt and jeans, he stands tall, bowed lips curving in a smile when he realizes I’ve noticed him. But he’s not alone. Hook stands at his side, head held high as well, his hands shoved into his pockets.
Despite my legs feeling like jello, I’m moving, leaving the witch behind and rushing toward him. Tavi moves, too, jetting across the street in almost nothing flat. I nearly jump for him, utterly desperate to feel him against me, desperate to feel that he’s real and not a figment of my imagination.
“Tavi,” I cry, throwing my arms around his neck as he scoops me up and lifts me off the ground. He’s real, he’s here. “Oh my God, I thought you were dead.”
He stiffens at my remark, then pulls back enough to catch my eyes watering. “What? Why?”
“I dreamt it last night. You were in your wolf form, held down by the same weight I feel, bleeding, and I thought you were—”
His expression softens knowingly, and before I can blink, he’s crushing me against his chest, hand threading into my hair. “Shhh. None of that matters now. I’m here, little wolf. I’m fine.”
Fisting the back of his shirt, I cling to him like he’ll disappear at any moment, shaking my head as tears fall of their volition. “I thought I’d never see you again.”
“So did I,” he admits, a pain so strikingly similar to my own weighing down his tone.
I hate it, and what I hate most is that I made him feel that.
Peering up at him, I see the torment in his eyes, too, my lower lip trembling as I mentally cuss myself to hell and back for putting up both through this. “Get me out of here, Tavi, please. I can’t be here, not without you.”
“Are they looking for you?” He cuts his glance around us, analyzing every person who walks past us.
“I think so, yes. There was a notice on my door about the flat being seized for a continued investigation. I was so scared when I saw it. Ended up running to the park and seeking refuge beneath one of the bridges. I would’ve left with Tinksley, but she was already gone by then.”
Tavi’s eyes widen. “My dad was right then.”
“About?”
“Dad was the one who realized this could be a possibility. He warned me, told me to come check on you.”
“Your...your dad told you this?” I ask incredulously because surely I’m hearing things...
“He did.” Tavi nods, dropping my jaw almost to the floor.
“Wow.” That’s all I can manage. His dad warned him? The same man who wanted nothing to do with me because of Peter? Is he for real?
Chuck
ling, Tavi pulls me in impossibly closer, dragging the tip of his nose along my cheek. “I think he’s had a change of heart.”
“Then let’s get out of here.” I blurt it hastily, turning my face in an attempt to join our lips. “Please. I don’t belong here.”
“That’s because you belong with me, little wolf,” he rasps, pinning me with his stare. “Rosewood is your home.”
“Anywhere is home as long as I’m with you,” I whisper.
No truer words have ever been spoken, and he knows it, crashing his mouth into mine in a brutal kiss. And that’s not an exaggeration. Everything about it is brutal. If I wake up with bruised lips, it wouldn’t shock me.
Fervor.
Passion.
Relief.
I feel it all in this kiss, melting against him with a sigh.
“I hate to interrupt,” Hook’s deep timbre booms. “But, are we ready to go?”
I’m not even remotely embarrassed, offering him a smile as Tavi eases back. “Captain, how are you?”
“I’m well, little Wendy. I’m quite well. I presume you’re better now, yes?” He smirks, glancing between us.
“Much better now that you’re both here. It’s nice to see some friendly faces.”
“I’m glad,” he chuckles. “The bastard was going insane without you, I should add.”
Aaand I melt some more. “Sounds like we were going through the same thing then.”
“Let’s get out of here, shall we? This place is crawling with people, and, well, my appetite is a little on the higher side today. Not a good combination for an immortal.”
“The faster, the better, I agree, because if I never have to see this place in my life again, it’ll be too soon.
As Tavi said, this isn’t my home.
Rosewood is, with him by my side, and I should’ve known it all along.
Standing in the village before the Chief’s home, surrounded by those tall magical trees, leaves me as breathless as seeing Tavi did. I know it’s only been a couple of days, but it feels like years. Centuries, even.
My heart warms with unparalleled happiness. “God, I missed this place.”
“And I missed you,” Tavi counters, dragging my eyes up to his face.
“I missed you too, love, and after that dream… I-I can’t even think about it.”
“Don’t, it wasn’t real. I’m right here, baby.” He tightens his grip on my hand. “Alive and well now that I have you back by my side.”
“I never should have left, never,” my voice trembles. It was the stupidest thing I ever did. Stupider than Peter.
“I can’t say I don’t agree, but I’ve got you now. Everything is going to be—”
The front door opens, halting the words I need to hear on the tip of his tongue as his father, formidable and intimidating, stands at the threshold.
“Welcome back, son,” the Chief says fondly, his soft smile extending even to me.
I can’t quell the gasp that shoots free from my mouth. It’s the first time I’m really seeing him, and let me tell you—I’m stunned. It’s like looking at Tavi in the future. Same hard-lined facial structure, same dark features, same warm almond-shaped eyes, and full bowed lips. The main difference is the hair. Where Tavi keeps his trimmed around the sides and mostly neat, the Chief rocks a silvered man bun.
“Wendy, right?” he asks, ambling across the porch and down the steps.
I can’t even look at him, bowing my head through a nod. “Yes, sir.”
But he doesn’t allow it, tucking two fingers beneath my chin, forcing my line of sight on his.
“It’s very nice to finally meet you, Wendy. I’m Natano, and I believe I owe you an apology, my dear.”
I shake my head because that’s all I can do. I don’t know what else to do.
“Oh, but I do. My behavior wasn’t that of a Chief. I was very unfair and judgemental of you without knowing anything about you, and for that, I am truly sorry.”
I’m still mute, completely taken aback and speechless, and even if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t know what to say.
How to act.
“All I’ve wanted in life is for my children to be good people and to be happy. You seem to make my son both and I’m forever grateful you’ve brought him such joy. I hope one day you’ll be able to forgive me for my senseless actions,” he adds, extending his hand to me in a peace offering.
Glancing down at it, I note how similar his hands are to Tavi’s, prompting me to slip my palm in his. We shake briefly, and just as he hopes I find it in me to forgive him one day, I’m hoping he can see the reassurance in my eyes, too.
And I think he does because I’m almost certain I see a slight sense of relief flash in his stare before he sets his sights on the man beside me.
“And you, my son. I owe you an apology as well.”
“Pa, don’t start,” Tavi gripes, waving him off.
“Just hear me out, will you?” He pleads, resting his hands on his shoulders. “Since the day you came into this world, I had a vision of your future. I would never have known it then, but that vision would one day prove to be wrong. And that day is today. All along I dreamed of you being the greatest leader this land has ever seen, the Chief of all Chiefs, I guess you could say, and when that dream failed to come to fruition, time and time again, I asked myself why. Wondered what I was doing wrong, why you couldn’t just seem to follow the path I’d laid out for you. It wasn’t until I saw the despair in your eyes, the fear and urgency, that I realized why. It was nothing you or I did. You were simply never meant to be Chief, my son, and do you know why?”
Tavi shakes his head.
“Because you were always meant to be the Alpha, a position of power in its own right and calibur. That greatness I dreamt for you? You’re already living it, and I’ve been blind to it all along. And for that, I can’t begin to explain how sorry I am. I feel so foolish for not recognizing what a remarkable man you grew up to be, stubborn and strong-willed as ever, but kind and good-hearted with valiant intentions. You’re living the life I—”
Tavi slams into his father before the man can finish. He hugs him so tightly, the Chief is overcome with emotion from a sheer moment to the next, dropping his face into his son’s shoulder. It’s a beautiful moment to witness, one that brings tears to my eyes. Soft sniveling meets my ears, cutting my gaze to the front door. Within the threshold stands Tigerlily, tears rolling down her cheeks as she watches this play out with me.
When the two men pull apart, it’s clear they’ve shed a few tears of their own. The Chief wipes the wetness clinging to his cheeks, then holds his son at arm’s length, regarding him with nothing pride. “Tigerlily and I were just heading to Aiyana’s to see Kimi, but I want you to know that you’re both welcome to stay here moving forward.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Tavi concedes, squeezing my hand.
“Yes, thank you, sir,” I pipe up right behind him, drawing his warm stare on me once more.
“None of that sir nonsense. Natano is perfectly fine.” He smiles, turning back towards his daughter. “Tigerlily, come. Let’s allow these two some privacy. I’m sure there’s much they need to discuss.”
Nodding, she slips into her shoes and rushes down the steps, offering me a tight smile. There’s kindness behind it, but not in the same way as it used to be.
She hates me, is all I can think as she and the Chief start down the grassy path.
“So, did you mean it?” Tavi asks once they’re out of earshot, quirking my brow.
“Mean what?”
“What you said in the note,” he explains, dropping his gaze on me.
I’m already staring at him, baffled at what he's saying. “What note?”
“The note you left on the pillow.”
Note? “I didn’t leave a note.”
The heat of his hand disappears as he releases me, leaving me bereft. “Wow…" He scoffs a laugh, shaking his head. "Regret saying it that much?”
Saying what?
“Tavi, I’m serious," I insist, slightly panicking at the immediate change in his demeanor. "I didn’t leave a note. When I woke up from that episode, I was standing before the palace doors, banging them down. Tinksley answered, and I was so fear-stricken, so consumed and horrified by what I'd seen that I did what I thought would save me. I asked her for her help. She took me in, talked to me, and helped me cross like I begged.”
Tavi nods and refocuses his gaze through the quiet village. “How long did it take you to realize that was a bad idea?”
“When we got to my flat. I just had this looming feeling of doom, but I pushed it aside, was trying to convince myself I’d done the right thing. Wasn’t until she left me, and I saw the notice on my door that I realized what I’d done.”
“I betting on you don’t remember writing it mid-episode, but that answers my question regardless. It wasn’t even you," he laughs. "It was all a product of your subconscious.”
Despite the fact I didn’t write a note, that’s not what disturbs me. What the hell was written in it and why he seems so worked up about it is. “What did the note say?” I ask tentatively, hating the way his jaw ticks at my question.
“Nothing.”
“Tell me.” I'm pressing, and I don't even care.
But he shakes his head resolutely. “It’s not important.”
“Hey, look at me.” Grabbing his face in nothing flat, I force him to look at me, and the hurt I see there breaks my heart all over again. “Don’t do this, don’t be mad at me. I’m so fucking sorry you couldn't possibly understand. I paid the price, okay? Greatly. Forget what all of London thinks about me. Being without you was just… I have no words for it other than excruciating. Tell me what the note said, love, please.”
Tavi presses his lips together, visibly contemplating whether he should share or not. After a beat or so, he sighs, voice raspy as he says, “It said you loved me.”
A note… That I didn’t write.
And it said I loved him?
