Chapter 172

Dean

Dean woke up laying across the bottom on the new bed that Drew had designed for them. He groaned and rolled over, hoping to fall back asleep. The bed was comfortable, but the day before had been miserable, and he was not looking forward to spending another day trapped in the fae courtroom. He dreaded listening to debates about the guilt of the co-conspirators in the assassination attempts on Drew and their Kindred. He understood the idea of justice, but sitting through its administration was an entirely different matter.

It had been particularly excruciating to listen to Babbage admit and explain all of the details of the murder of Drew’s parents. Sadly the General had delighted in bragging about his extensive plans and how superior he was in comparison to Drew. Babbage talked like he believed that he was some kind of savior of national history. He truly was crazy and the only positive outcome was that the execution had been swift. After hearing his crimes, Dean almost felt as if it were too swift.

Dean glanced up and smiled with the knowledge that Stormy was cuddled against the fae. Poor Drew had spent much of the day before listening to more than a dozen, of not just his citizens, but some of his friends, admitting to plotting against him. Drew had clearly been devastated, but he said very little. Instead he just held Stormy in his arms and rested his head against hers. Dean knew that Drew needed the comfort of not just her body but also her calm presence. Dean didn’t begrudge Drew his unusual clinginess, because he understood it was hard day for his friend.

Dean huffed when he realized that sleep wasn’t coming. He stretched and sat up. Dean glanced around and noticed that his mate was already awake. She was watching Dean with a smile like she had been waiting for him. Dean sat up and she slid down the bed so she didn’t disturb Drew or David.

She sat on the end of the bed and laid her head against his shoulders. I had a dream and I think I might know how to find the Land of the Lost. Will you come with me so I can try an experiment? She signed.

Dean reached down and took her hand. She stood and headed to the door. She waved her hand and they were both clean and dressed. Dean noticed she had him in a v-neck tee that showed off all of his muscles and a nice pair of cargo style jeans. She was in a pretty green blouse and black slacks paired with walking sandals.

They silently slipped down the hall of the crystal palace and into the room where the fae mirror has been hidden. Dean nodded to the guards. Stormy grabbed the edge of the frame and pulled it out into the middle of the room.

Stormy chewed her lip and looked at the symbols closely. Would you help me push all of the location jewels at once. Stormy gestured to Dean.

He nodded and walked over to help her. They tapped on all the jewels at quickly as they could. They lit up and the mirrored glass shimmered and turned white. Stormy pressed her hand against the magic plane and it went through to the other side. She pulled her hand back to herself and flexed it.

I’m sure this is it! She signed with an excited bounce. She clapped excitedly and threw her arms around Dean’s neck.

“I knew you could do it.” Dean whispered as he held her to his body. She drew a heart on his chest with an arrow through it and ran her nose along the fabric of his shirt across his chest. Dean shivered erotically.

Stormy pulled back and gave him a naughty smile. We need to prepare. We can’t wait. Mara will find a way to bring her army here any day now. I would like to prevent that. Stormy signed.

“I know. Finding the weapon before there is actually a war will save a lot of lives. I guess we should go let the others know what you have discovered.” Dean kept his hand wrapped around hers as they walked back to Drew’s chambers together.

When they arrived they found David, Damian and Drew already up and waiting. Stormy waved her hand and they were all suddenly dressed. It was such a common place experience that none of them even batted an eye.

Damian sniffed the air and lifted an eyebrow. “Where were you off to so early, Angel?” He asked.

Dean rolled his eyes. He knew Damian was suggesting that they had been off together on a romantic liaison. “Stormy had a dream and figured out how to find the Land of Lost Things. We were able to make the mirror connect.”

“Sounds like we need to gather supplies, and get on the road.” David said. It was all Dean could do not to laugh. He could literally see David making lists in his head.

By the time they had finished breakfast, each of them carried a backpack full of rations. Stormy assured them that she would be able to conjure up any other material objects that they may need. Knowing they wouldn’t need a tent and gear helped to reduce the amount of weight they would be carrying. Lighter packs would allow them to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time. Dean was aware that even super strength had it’s limits.

Shawna followed the Kindred to what they now were calling the mirror room. She gave Stormy and each of her mates a hug before she and Dean once again pushed all of the buttons on the mirror all at once. The face of the mirror once again turned blindingly white.

Damian approached the mirror cautiously. He carefully stepped through the portal. After a few seconds his hand reappeared and motioned for them to follow. Dean’s heart was about to beat out of his chest as one by one they each stepped into the unknown.