Chapter 43

• He nodded slowly. “I think our paths will merge quite seamlessly.” She gave him a curious look, “You’ve just said you’re not going back, and I know if anyone can help those we find and are in need, it will be you. Your zest for living will be a plus to those taken in.” He shrugged. “You helping with the safe houses as a representative of Solrelm will help many in the future.” He blew out a breath. “I have a home in the city, it’s not much, but I’ve held onto it for the last eight decades as a private recluse when I need it—it could be our home base in Interealm.” He glanced at the box and picked it up. “I didn’t know what to make of this mating thing. To be honest, I wasn’t sure it was for me,” he gripped the box tight in his hand and watched her for a reaction, “but when the thought of something happening to you or losing you became a possibility, I didn’t like how that felt.”
• “I didn’t know either.” She quirked an eyebrow. “I’ve spent sixty years avoiding the opposite sex so I wouldn’t find myself chained to one for all of eternity.” She licked her lips, And then I met you, and there was none of the dreadful feelings I thought there would be at the possibility of having one person to be with for all of eternity.” She bit her lip for a moment, holding it captive with her teeth, and Abe wanted to lean over and taste her again. “I want a home in Interealm, I want to run safe houses and protect those that can’t do it themselves.” Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight, showing him she held such hope that it made his chest ache. “I want to have a home in Alterealm and be able to go to Solrelm from time to time,” she looked at the lake for a moment, “and I want to come here when I need a moment when the noises and chaos become too much.” She looked back at him, and Abe felt like his heart was going to burst from his chest like a firework exploding, “I’d like to do all of that with you.”
• He tried to focus on thought, on words to express feelings, but he couldn’t, so he held out the little box Mitz had known he would need. “I don’t know how, but Mitz knew I’d need this tonight.”