“How did he find us?”

He shook his head, either because he didn’t know or because he couldn’t formulate a response yet. Her misting seemed to weaken him, perhaps because it went against the natural order to carry him with her. He wasn’t a Seraphim. Not completely, anyway.

Caro remained alert, waiting for the evil aura to appear again, but silence surrounded them. That could be deceiving, however, as she shouldn’t have been able to feel Osiris’s misting approach to begin with. Yet, somehow, she did.

My abilities are shifting.

Why?

That didn’t happen when she birthed Gabriel. Why would this new child be any different?

Sethios.

The thought clicked on a gasp. “I sensed him because your blood is inside me. In the child.” She blinked, shocked by the obvious connection. “Our baby saved us.”

That was the mark of a great power. Unnatural. Amazing. Mind-blowing.

“An innate instinct to protect,” he whispered, his head still buried in her shoulder. “You misted us before he even stepped into the bedroom.”

“Did he follow?”

Sethios shook his head. “I don’t feel him.”

She waited, watching and searching for even the tiniest change of energy.

The home remained utterly quiet, but outside, the sun was setting.

Time difference.

Right.

Her limbs shook as the adrenaline fled her system in a rush, and Sethios’s arms were all that held her upright. Despite his obviously weakened state, he managed to lift her and carry her into what appeared to be an oversized living area. The lack of dust suggested he visited often, or, more likely, someone maintained the home in his absence.

Sethios settled into the closest chair with her in his lap and buried his head in her neck once more. “Thank you,” he whispered.

Her brow furrowed. “For what?”

“Taking me with you.”

His words struck her right in the heart. Not for a moment had she considered leaving him behind. She could have easily misted without him, even with him holding her, but she’d been utterly focused on their connection to ensure he did come with her.

She blinked.

What would have happened if she hadn’t joined him in bed? If she had stayed in her own room and sensed the presence from there? Picking someone up mid-mist wasn’t possible. If Osiris arrived while they were separated, she’d have no choice but to leave Sethios behind.

Unless they formed a proper blood bond. That would connect them on a level so deep that she’d be able to find him anywhere. Assuming she was able and coherent, of course.

Could she consider such a connection? Yes.

Should she? No.

They were about to have a child together, but neither of them knew what the future held. Their partnership was tentative, at least for now.

But perhaps once they knew more—knew each other better—they could discuss a blood bond.

Maybe.

Until then, they needed to make certain provisions in case Osiris found them again.

“You need to drink from me at least twice a day, and we will remain within two feet of each other going forward.” There. That would cover it.