Page 132 of Reverie

To make everything be right just because I say so.

“I just know. Call it a hunch,” I say, trying out a grin. The expression she wears telegraphs her skepticism.

So I say, “Come with me.”

EIGHTEEN

HUNTER

Ipull her through the compound, angling for our bedroom. When we reach it, I pause only long enough to bring out the black duffel bag I stashed there when I sent Misha’s people to Amelia Manor to grab things from my safe.

Repairs to Amelia Manor are well under way—by the end of the summer, the property restorations will be completed. In my dreams, Winter, August, and I could return home and pick up where we left off. But I know that fate likely has other plans for me.

I look down at Winter as we walk—it's a quick glance.

Maybe she’ll be able to return one day.

When we’re out of the room, I run into Luna and Leo where they talk in the hallway. I absently note that Max isn’t with them, but quickly put the thought aside.

“Can we use your office?” I ask Luna.

She gives me a curious look, but then says, “Sure. Knock yourself out.” Spinning on her heel, she heads toward the main workroom for the rest of the members of The Resistance.

Taking in a short breath, I turn to Leo and say, “Follow me, I’ll need a witness.”

Leo’s expression doesn’t change, somehow gathering the severity of the situation and the next thing I need to do.

Winter speaks. “A witness for what, H?” I pull her along faster and Kitty yips.

A witness for me making everything right.

I can’t voice the words. All I can do is keep walking—keep moving forward. I have to do what I can to protect her and our baby and August.

“Hunter? A witness?” Winter presses, but I continue to ignore her. She pulls on her arm, dislodging herself from my grasp, and I whirl around, grabbing at all the patience left in my body.

“We don’t have time for this, Winter.”

The fearful, worried look she’s worn for the last several minutes disappears, and in its place is the spark of fire that I’ve missed so much.

“We have enough time for you to explain where you’re taking me. You don’t just go caveman on me and expect me to meekly follow.” Her chest rises and falls with the intensity of her rising fury—red casts across her golden cheeks, and she’s so angry the tips of her curls seem to vibrate.

I want to look at her face forever. But now….

…now you don’t even know if you’ll see tomorrow.

“Sunbeam,please,” I say. The four of us are silent—Winter and I stare at each other while Leo stands off to the side, and Kitty pants, clearly judging all of us.

After a moment, Winter says, “Okay.” She tightens her grip on Kitty and walks toward Luna’s office, leaving me behind.

When we’re all inside, I shut the door, walking to the file cabinet where I stashed all the documents I grabbed from the vault at Amelia Manor.

“Leo, grab a few pens,” I throw over my shoulder.

Walking back over to where Winter stands frozen, I grab her elbow, rub it gently, and say, “Please sit.”

She does, taking a chair at the two-person table on the far end of Luna’s office.

I open the first file. “This is an accounting of all my assets. The investments, cash on hand, the properties we own.” I slide an earmarked sheet to the top. “You’ll sign here, and they’re all yours. Leo will witness.”