They’d talk about it…
Later.
Once she was safe, and the storm was calm. She’d done the right thing in coming to him, because he wouldn’t allow harm to come to her. He would do everything in his power to keep her safe.
“Hold on, princess,” Nikhail murmured, his voice lost to the blustering winds. “I’ll help you rein it in. I promise.”
River didn’t show any sign of hearing him, and her lack of response spurred him on faster. He’d never seen her like this, but his military training had covered what to do with a fae lost to their magic.
It was a dangerous situation, one that could harm both the magic wielder and those around them. They had minutes, maybe less, to get this under control.
Holding River to his chest like the precious cargo he knew her to be, Nikhail leaped down the stairs two at a time. He was soaked by the time his feet landed on the driveway, but he didn’t care. He raced around the back of the house towards the woods edging his property.
Even though he lived in the city, this forest was part of anature reserve that ran through the Eastern Region. It was the main reason he’d chosen this rental when he moved here. Being closer to nature helped him feel connected to his magic, and now, it was a safe place for him to take River.
She whimpered again, and the sound was louder than the roar of thunder that followed. It pierced his heart, urging him to move faster.
Blinking rapidly to clear water from his eyes, he raced towards the trees. His feet sloshed as he ran through rapidly growing puddles, and his loafers were a lost cause, but he didn’t give a shit. River needed his help, and that trumped everything else.
Reaching the safety of the trees, Nikhail slowed to a brisk walk. The last thing he wanted to do was trip and fall while carrying precious cargo. Raindrops slapped the canopy of leaves, the rhythmic beat urging him forward. He walked for several minutes, bringing them deeper into the woods and leaving civilization behind.
When Nikhail could no longer see the townhouses through the trees, he stopped.
“Look at me, River,” he ordered.
She hitched a breath, and her fingers twisted in his shirt. The fabric strained against him. For all he cared, she could rip it to shreds.
Her eyes went from glassy to focused as she struggled to obey his command. When she finally looked at him, the panic and pain twisted in her gaze had him sucking in a sharp breath as though she’d punched him in the gut.
His heart twisted, and he renewed his vow to help her even if it was the last thing he ever did.
“Good girl,” he murmured, the praise slipping from hismouth unbidden. “I need you to breathe with me, okay? Put your hand flat on my chest.”
Fae lost to the throes of their power needed to be grounded. Anchored to reality so they could find their way out of a magic-induced haze. This was one of the first things every fae military recruit was taught, although he’d never had to use the training before today.
It felt like it took an eternity for River to place her palm over his heart. Gods, her hand was so much smaller than his.
“Good job,” he said softly. “In and out, River. Match your breathing to mine.” He inhaled in an exaggerated motion, making sure she saw the rise and fall of his chest. “Nod if you understand what I’m asking of you.”
She slowly dipped her chin, and he exhaled. She wasn’t too far gone, yet.
Murmuring words of encouragement, he extended the hand that was beneath her legs. Drawing from his well of magic, he focused on the violent storm around them. He couldn’t do much about the pouring rain, but the wind…
It spoke to him in the same way he assumed water spoke to the gorgeous woman in his arms. It whispered to him, sharing secrets that very few ever had the chance to hear.
Nikhail’s connection to the wind was stronger than anyone else in his family, and the ease with which he spoke to it was the reason he was so good at his job.
Focusing on the relentless, turbulent winds, Nikhail released his magic.
Calm down,he whispered. His magic swirled around them, mingling with River’s in a way that had his soul singing.Be still.
At first, the wind resisted. It pushed back against him, trying to fighthis commands.
He didn’t give up.
Listen to me, he ordered, infusing power into his words.Stop fighting me.
He kept his arms wrapped around River as he pushed more magic out of himself.