Page 40 of Tomlin

He somehow managed to work his usual magic despite their limited resources. He arranged the hay bales into a bed, covering them with horse blankets after doing his best to air them out. He disconnected the automatic pump from the well, then drew fresh water so she could wash away the dirt and soot.

She insisted on cleaning his wounds as well, despite his assurance that he healed quickly. She believed him, but she felt better knowing that they had been attended to. He even left her long enough to gather supplies for a quick meal.

After they ate, he gave her a thoughtful look.

“I’ve been thinking about your question - about how far the bond extends - and remembered another tale, one I haven’t told you.”

“What is it?”

“A young healer was exploring the caves of her homeland when she discovered a stone buried deep within the earth. The moment she touched it she had a vision of a warrior, fierce and scarred, but with pain in his eyes. In that moment their hearts connected, and she set out in search of him.”

He paused a moment, looking up at the stars sprinkled across the dark velvet of the sky.

“In the version I heard she traveled throughout the stars looking for him. She found him at last on the front lines of a battle he had long since lost faith in. The minute they touched, the mating lines glowed on his skin. With the strength of her love to guide him, he ended the war and they built a new future together.”

“That’s beautiful,” she said softly, running her fingers along one of the blue lines marking his skin. “I’m glad they found each other, just like we found each other.”

The night was cool, but she slept warm and safe in his arms, and the next morning they set out for Wainwright. The weight of her loss began to lift, replaced by a cautious excitement for what lay ahead. For so long, she’d convinced herself that isolation was necessary for her work, that emotional connections were a distraction. Now, with Tomlin, she realized how wrong she’d been.

The rhythmic sound of hoofbeats seemed to echo her thoughts. New beginnings. Fresh start. Hope.

“Are you all right?”

His voice broke through her reverie, and she smiled at him.

“I’m fine,” she said truthfully.

The lab might be gone, but what she’d found with Tomlin was far more precious than any research or equipment. As they rode on, her heart felt lighter than it had in years. The sorrow of what she’d lost faded, overshadowed by the promise of what was to come. With Tomlin, she wasn’t just starting over - she was starting something better.

CHAPTER 21

Christmas Eve…

Tomlin broughtthe flyer into a landing in front of the big white farmhouse, as welcoming as ever despite the fresh fall of snow. The familiar scent of pine filled the air, mingling with the smoke from the woodstove, and even from here he could smell something baking. It felt like coming home, especially with Etta at his side.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked quietly, and she smiled at him, her eyes sparkling behind her glasses.

“For the hundredth time, yes. There is nothing in Port Cantor to keep me there.”

Except a huge house, all the comforts of the city, and the other scholars she associated with at the university. If only he were entirely sure that she wasn’t doing it for his sake.

He had adjusted well enough to the city. The first few weeks had been… difficult but she had remained close by and, as he’d suspected, her presence helped immensely. He’d also settledback into his regular routine, going through the ritual practices over and over until he was sure he had regained control.

He’d taken over managing her house while she decided how she wanted to proceed with her research, but although he received a great deal of satisfaction from caring for her, it was not a difficult job and he was occasionally restless. He hadn’t realized she’d picked up on it until one night when they were sprawled on the rug in front of the fireplace in her bedroom. She was still flushed and glowing from their lovemaking when she turned to him.

“I’ve been thinking,” she said slowly.

“What were you thinking, sweetheart?”

He was never entirely sure where that busy little brain would wander, but he definitely hadn’t expected her next words.

“I think we should move to the farm.”

Yes,he thought immediately, shocked by how much he wanted to return, but he did his best to conceal it.

“Why?” he asked instead, and she shrugged, her pretty breasts bouncing lightly.

“Several reasons. First of all, neither of us particularly enjoys living in the city, and there is nothing to keep us here.”