Chapter 34

CHAPTER 34

SHARNIZA

I t's two days before we get a chance to speak to Yarrow. But we manage to catch him when he gets back from his supply run for the academy.

Flora makes tea then leaves us to talk, and Derek explains the delay in him sensing Cameron's distress and how he's unable to sustain his form for more than a few minutes when protecting her.

"I don't understand what's wrong," Derek says. "I'm supposed to be getting stronger, aren't I?"

Yarrow chews on his cheeks, his eyes glazed as he drops deep into thought. Derek fiddles with the bracelet around his wrist as we wait for the witch's assessment of his situation.

"I don't know what could be causing this," Yarrow says finally. He reaches for the bracelet on Derek's wrist. "May I?"

"Of course," Derek says.

Yarrow closes his eyes and runs his fingers over the copper-colored metal. "It's working how it should."

"What does it do? Exactly?"

"It's a buffer. It slightly mutes the connection between Cameron and Derek to allow Derek to exercise more control and build the mystical muscle which will allow him to be his own person and find his own power."

"But it doesn't affect their bond."

"No. Derek is Cameron's shield. He will always be her shield until the day she dies. But the hope is that he can choose to act on that title rather than be obligated to." His brows knit in confusion. "I'm not sure why you're having issues. Is there anything you're not telling me? Anything, however small, could help in figuring this out."

He knew about Serath and Cameron's consummation, but he didn't know about Ubron and his mate bond to her. Could that be causing the problem here? Shit.

"Sharniza?" Yarrow watches me probingly.

I can't tell him, not without the group being on board. Not without Cameron being on board. "Nothing."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure."

"Then there's not much I can do. This could simply be part of Derek's evolutionary process. It's not a bad thing for him."

"But my Cameron?" Derek asks. "How will I protect her if I cannot sense when she is in danger?"

Yarrow sighs heavily. "I don't know. Look, if you think of anything else, let me know. As it stands, I'm stumped." Once again that probing look.

He knows we're hiding something, and damn, I feel bad about it because he's been nothing but helpful. I think it may be time to bring him into the circle of trust. But first we'll need the group to agree on it.

We're almost done with supper. Everyone is present, including Selas. This is the right time to bring it up.

"I think we should bring Yarrow into the circle of trust."

Everyone looks to Cameron and Serath. I guess the bulk of the secrets lie with them, so it should ultimately be their decision, but I can't help the small stab of annoyance because it's my mate that's suffering due to us withholding information.

"Look, Yarrow can't help Derek if he doesn't have all the facts." Fuck it. I'm willing to push for this.

"Shar…" Derek reaches for my hand under the table. "I'm fine."

"No. You're not. You've been having nightmares."

"I have?"

"Yes. All the changes are affecting you on a subconscious level. It's not good for you or for Cameron. How can you be an effective shield if you don't know when she needs you?"

"She's right," Serath says. "We held off on telling Yarrow to keep our circle of trust small, but now Ulrickson and Lionel are in it, and someone leaked our plans anyway. I think we can safely say that someone wasn't Yarrow, so I vote we bring him in."

"Agreed," Orix says. "We have no leads. Ubron has told us all he can. We're simply waiting for them to make the next move, and it's killing me not to take any kind of action."

"Me too," Levi says. "I say we bring him in."

One by one they all agree, and the knots in my stomach unravel.

"Wait!" Palia says. "He's a witch, and we have a journal belonging to a faction member…"

Levi's eyes flare. "You think he might be able to track the owner?"

"Maybe. If we haven't contaminated the item too much." Palia winces.

"When shall we tell him?" Derek asks.

"Tomorrow," Serath says. "We'll invite him to supper and tell him everything."

"Everything?" Cameron asks, her voice small.

Serath pulls her to his side and drops a kiss on her temple. "Everything. He might be able to help."

Her eyes light up with hope, and my heart aches for her. I've been so caught up in my new mate bond, in losing myself in Derek the past two days, that I've neglected my friend.

That'll change tonight. "You know what I fancy?"

"What?" Ginia pipes up from across the table.

"Girls' night. PJs, face masks, popcorn, and cheesy movies."

Cameron perks up.

"Perfect!" Ginia says.

"I'm in," Palia replies.

"Selas?" I crane my neck to look down the table at her. "You in?"

She blinks sharply. "Me?"

"Yes, you," Ginia says. "It'll be fun. We can make you a comfy spot on the sofa, and you can be in charge of the popcorn bowl."

Selas smiles. "I'd like that."

Cameron catches my gaze across the table and mouths, Thank you .

"I think we're all in need of a night off from stressing," Orix says. "The faction will still be here tomorrow. But maybe with Yarrow's help, we'll be able to get closer to finding them."

My chair scrapes as I push my seat back. "Okay, enough talk of tomorrow. Let's focus on tonight and get girls' night going."

Ginia squeals and claps her hands, and the mood is instantly lighter.

My plan is to keep it that way, at least for tonight.

Tomorrow will have to wait.