Destin POV
As I wait for her response, I study her face. Since she has come to the Immortal Realm, a spray of freckles has shown up across her nose. Wren's eyes are softer than they have been in days. She is considering my offer. I inch my chair closer to her. It scoots across the floor loudly, and I catch her trying not to laugh. So, I do it again. Putting more weight on the chair so it makes a louder noise.
"Destin," she attempts to look serious. "I can't stay here."
I brush her hair from her face. "But you want to?"
She breaks my gaze and looks around the kitchen. She won't answer me now, and I won't force her to. I watch as she busies herself in the kitchen. "I am going to make some lunch."
I jump to my feet. "I will do it."
"No," she shouts. "I would like to live through the day."
I scoff loudly. "Are you saying my cooking isn't what it should be?"
She turns to look at me. "That is exactly what I am saying."
"At least let me help."
I join her at the counter, and she hands me vegetables to cut. I haven't done anything so mundane in years. I look at the knife on the counter and opt to use my magic. I wave my hand over the produce, and it falls into pieces. Wren purses her lips. "That's cheating."
I wave my hand over her skin, igniting the runes on her skin. She wants to yank her hand away, but something keeps it glued to the counter. I lean in closer. "My magic is stronger here. You would be amazed at what I can do with my hands."
Her breaths become ragged, and she bolts from the kitchen. The front door slams behind her. I pushed too hard. "Damnit."
This time, I am not letting her go. I let her walk away once, and it almost killed me. I chase her out of the cabin. My wings are preparing to lift me from the ground, when I see her. She hasn't run. At least not far. She is resting against a tree with her knees pulled to her chest, and she is crying.
The memory of the day she ran plays in my mind. Guilt and shame rise in my chest. I should give her space. Let her come back to me in her own time. That's what the old Destin would have done, but I am not him anymore. The old Destin didn't have a mate as perfect as Wren.
"Kitten… Wren," I sit down beside her. "I pushed too hard. I won't do it again."
"How can I ever trust you again?" She whimpers. "I want to, but you have hurt me so badly."
Her words sting, and I am not sure I can make it up to her. "I was selfish. I thought if I kept you at arm's length, I was protecting you. I thought if I locked everyone I loved away, I was keeping them safe. I can't handle more loss. I was stupid. I am sorry."
I think she is listening to me, but her eyes are glued to the door of the cabin. "Destin," she whispers. "You left the door open."
I follow her gaze, and Coren is peeking out of the door. His Mistling is fluttering around outside, but his eyes aren't looking at his pet. He is looking at the sky. His green eyes are wide, and his little mouth has dropped open.
"Coren," Wren shouts. "Don't come out. I will get your pet."
He steps back into the doorway, and she rises to get his Mistling, but I pull her back down. "Maybe we should give them a choice."
She shakes her head and runs toward the cabin, scooping up the Mistling on the way inside. I follow her and close the door behind her.
Coren's face hangs low. "I am sorry, Birdie."
"Don't be sorry," she chokes. "I just want you to be safe."
Veyra walks into the kitchen with her Mistling in her arms. "Mommy said there was a bad woman who would hurt us if we left the house."
Wren nods. "She hurt me. Made me feel very sick. We want you to be safe."
The twins share a look, and I know they are speaking to one another. I can already see the mischievous looks on their faces.
"Birdie," Coren whispers. "Will you stay here tonight?"
He wields his bright green eyes like a weapon. Tears pool in the corners, and he lets one drip down his cheek. Wren glances over her shoulder, her eyes as wide as Coren's. She won't be able to turn him down, not now. The little shit has done what I can't. He is bringing his Birdie home.
I shrug my shoulders and turn to the counter, finishing up the lunch that Wren started. I watch her reflection in the glass of the window. She rises to her feet, not taking her eyes off me.
"I have a house to take care of," she tries to explain to Coren, but he lets another tear slip down his cheek. She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth and sighs. "Fine. I will stay."
"Forever?" Veyra squeals.
"For now," Wren corrects.
I can't stop from smiling. For the first time in over a week, Wren and I will be under the same roof, and this time I won't let her go.
She helps me dish out the food and glares at me the whole time. "You could at least wipe the smirk off your face."
I try, but I am unsuccessful. "Why would I? I am getting everything I wanted."
"You are sleeping on the couch," she laughs. "I am going to lie starfish in the middle of that giant bed and get the best sleep I've had in weeks."
She sits down at the table, and I lean in behind her. "Can I settle between your legs?"
It is barely a whisper, but I can feel the heat rush to her face. I sit down beside her and keep my eyes glued to her face. I wait for a smart ass comment but it doesn't come. She doesn't answer me, but she doesn't scold me either. It gives me hope.