Chapter 666 Chapter 666
Deva wanted to dance around but knew it would be inappropriate to do something like that right now. They were going to make a move on Aiden Tomas, finally. Later, she’d ask Jesse if she could be there. Every member of all the teams was going to want to be.
She walked over to help Journee get some of the kids to the boat.
Calum was walking with his mom, and then she stopped. “Cal, we can’t leave yet. I can’t believe I almost forgot her.”
“Who?”
Deva motioned for the two girls to follow the boys ahead of them.
“I didn’t know where else to put her. The heat here is hard for her.”
Calum took his mother’s hands in his and leaned down. “Who, Mom?”
“There’s a girl. In the little pond.” She pointed to the other side of the building. “There’s shade there from the trees. I bring her back at night, but she always goes back before dawn.”
Calum straightened and looked over at Konner. From the look on his face, Konner had heard.
“I’ll go with him.” Deva started in that direction.
“Terah.” Konner called to her.
She looked up from the girl she was talking to and gave him a curious look.
“There’s a girl living in the pond.”
Terah was up so fast and running that Deva wondered how she managed it in her bare feet. She would have been saying ouch with every step if it were her.
Jogging after her, Deva and Konner reached Terah at the same time. She was in the pond, hugging a girl with long black hair. If Deva had to guess, she was probably around nine or ten.
“She is our kind, Konner.”
Konner walked into the pond without hesitation. Deva didn’t know if he was walking on the bottom or treading water, but she stood on the edge and watched around them. This island was full of too many surprises. She wasn’t taking any chances.
“Come. Let’s get her to the boat.” He took the girl from her arms and started back to the edge.
“Yes. No swimming with her in the salty waters.” Terah followed. “Does Shaelan have more of the green mix?” She didn’t wait for him to answer. “She needs some. Make sure she is strong.”
Deva held out her hand to her when she stumbled, trying to step out as Konner did.
“Thank you. My legs are not as sure as Konner’s with the land.”
Deva smiled. “You ran pretty good.”
Terah stopped. “I did. Yes. I did.” She looked happy. Catching up to Konner, she put her hand on the girl’s head. “Where is your mother, little one?”
“I don’t know.” Her voice reflected no emotion at all.
“You will live with us until we find her,” Terah stated. She touched the earbud in her mate’s ear, “Tell them.” She nodded.
Konner smiled at her. “We found a young girl from the water clan.” He said.
Deva heard him in her ear as well as in front of her.
“What is your name? I am Terah. My mate is Konner.” Terah still had her hand on her head. “Here.” She stopped and held her hands out. Konner didn’t hesitate and put the girl into her arms. Terah cradled her against her chest. “You are very pretty.”
“I don’t have a name.” The girl said.
Deva’s heart felt like it jumped into her throat. If she had no name, it meant she hadn’t been with her mother for very long.
Terah looked at her for a moment. “I will call you Willow. One of the ones I came from was called Willow.” Terah looked at Konner, who nodded. “Do you like that name?”
“Willow. Yes.”
Terah began to hum.
It wasn’t like any kind of humming Deva had ever heard before. It was soft, graceful, and seemed to resonate through her whole body. It brought tears to her eyes. She walked faster, needing to get back to the others and help. It was either that or cry because a little girl had never been named. She rounded the corner of the building and paused to assess what was happening. Taggart walked out of the building and looked at her.
“Are you okay?”
Deva took a shaky breath and nodded. “Yeah. Just a lot of emotions here.”
He gave her a soft look. “It is good day.” He assessed her further. “It is going to be a good Christmas too, ja?”
Deva smiled. “I know what I want for Christmas.”
He looked at her with a serious expression. “Is it Mister Tomas on a pike?” He grinned.
“That would be lovely.” She motioned to the others. “We need to get these stragglers to the boat.”
Inclining his head to her, he turned around and went to where Shaelan stood with a few children.
Deva blew out a breath and walked over to Journee. “How many are left to move?”
Journee looked over her shoulder. “Ten. There are few waiting by the water for the boat.” She smiled down at the two girls walking slowly, holding hands, and staying close to each other. “We have snacks on the big boat.”
The one girl stopped and looked up at Journee. “You look like my mommy.”
Journee squatted in front of her and pushed the dirty hair back from her face. “What’s your name?”
“Madilyn. I am named after my aunt and my grandma.” The girl told her.
Journee’s shoulders slumped. “Madilyn.” She whispered. “Is your mommy’s name Emi?”
Madilyn bit her lip. “I don’t know. I think it might be.”
Deva went over and picked up the other girl, who looked like she was close to collapsing.
“Emi is my sister.” Journee wiped a tear from her cheek. “I’m your aunt Journee.”
“That’s what Mommy used to say when she was mad at me. Madilyn Journee Snow.”
Journee scooped her into her arms and held her.
“Journee?” Asher came toward them.
Deva wiped the tear that escaped and was rolling down her cheek. “Let’s get you on the boat.” She told the girl she held. She walked quickly, needing to do something. Anything. Later, when she was alone, she’d cry. Calum’s mother, water clan, and now Journee’s niece. This entire island was an emotional trap sucking her in.