Wren POV
The truck rocks back and forth as Destin pulls off the road. The path is barely big enough for the vehicle to squeeze through. No one else would think to come this way. The trees are dense, and in some places the sides of the truck scrape against them. The closer we get to our destination, the more the trees change. They become jagged and sharp, forbidding hikers from coming too close.
Destin turns off the headlights as we approach the center of the forest. It isn't like we need them anyway. As my eyes adjust to the darkness, I can see the glimmer of a light up ahead. I don't remember light coming from the portal before. Unease settles in my stomach. This is different. Everything is changing. I try to push it away, but it feels like it is getting heavier.
The truck comes to a stop, and Sophie is shifting uncomfortably in the seat beside me. Her fingers are scratching the runes on her arms. She looks as uneasy as I feel. We both know this is the beginning of everything, and the end of everything too.
"What's wrong?" I whisper.
"They feel funny," she replies. "What does it mean?"
"I don't know," I tell the truth. "Mine have never felt funny."
"It is the proximity to the portal," Destin tells her. "The magic is stronger here."
I get the impression he is skating the truth. If that were true, then mine would be reacting the same way.
He and Sophie get out of the truck, but I can't get out. My eyes are focused on the portal. I don't know how to describe it. It is ethereal. Stones have formed around the outside, creating an arch. It looks like the fairy circles that I used to read about when I was little. Back when the Immortal Realm was a place my mother told me about, but I never thought I would visit.
Now, I am about to leave the Human Realm behind. I know I am expected to come home, but I won't. I am leaving my family and my title behind once I step through that portal. No one knows, but I know I can be free in the Immortal Realm. That is all I have ever wanted. To be free.
"Hey," Charlie peeks his head into the window. "Are you ready?"
I pull my eyes away from the portal. "I think so."
He opens the door and pulls me out of the truck. He tucks me into his arms and carries me to the portal. "I can walk."
"I plan on carrying you over the threshold," he laughs.
I roll my eyes. Charlie has always been a hopeless romantic. But I will admit, it is nice to be in his arms. Nuzzling my nose into his chest. I breathe in his scent. He smells like home, and I moan.
"There will be plenty of time for that later," he smirks. "Right now, you need to say goodbye."
He sets me on my feet, and I push my lip out in a full pout. I hate the loss of his touch. My family and two lycans are waiting outside. No one is looking at me. Everyone's eyes are focused on Sophie.
The runes on her arms are glowing brightly, and her eyes are locked onto the lycans. I look at the lycans, and they have pushed up their sleeves. Runes are glowing on their arms as well. Oh shit. They are her mates.
I move away from Charlie and stand at Sophie's side. She is rigid. I don't think I have ever seen her nervous before. I nudge her with my elbow. "Your runes match theirs. They are your mates."
Her eyes are wide. "They are lycans. I am not a lycan. What if they don't want me?"
Only the two lycan guards can tell her if they will accept her or not, but she needs to be brave enough to speak to them. I lean in close to her. "I have heard they have big dicks."
A growl rumbles in her chest, and I giggle. She is already possessive. These two lycans have no idea what they are in for.
"Let's give them a moment," Mom fills the silence.
I nudge her again, before moving toward my family. Mom reaches out, and we hold hands. She can see into my memories. I am sure she knows what I am planning. I wait for her to stop me, but she doesn't.
"I love you," she whispers. "Be safe."
Dad pulls me away from Mom and holds me close to his chest. "Don't let that asshole Fae boss you around. You can come home whenever you want."
"I know, Dad," I whisper. "And he isn't an asshole."
He releases me and passes me to Father. Father has always been more gentle than Dad. His hug doesn't crush me like Dad's did, but that doesn't make it any less special. The beating of his heart calms the racing in my chest. "I love you."
"I love you, too," I assure him. "I promise I will be safe."
I turn around to hide the tears brimming in my eyes. Destin and Charlie are waiting for me at the portal. Sophie is there too, but she is sandwiched between the two lycans. They are all tongues and hands. They have almost stripped her naked. I clear my throat loudly, but they don't stop.
Averting my eyes, I close the distance between my mates and me. My heart is thundering so loudly that I can't hear my own thoughts. I have seen all the possible outcomes, but none of them show me returning to the Human Realm.
"Are you ready?" I try to sound confident, but my voice is wavering.
Destin and Charlie each hold out a hand for me. With our hands clasped together, we step to the portal. I take a final glance over my shoulder. My fathers are holding Mom. She is sobbing. It almost makes me want to stay, but I don't.
The three of us move toward the portal. I can feel the magic flowing from the Immortal Realm. Only this time, it doesn't make me feel sick. It feels warm and inviting. It is pulling me forward.
We step through the portal, and I can hear Sophie squealing from behind me. "I am coming too!"