Soul to Shepherd by Linda Lamberson Read Free Book Online Page B

yourself.”
    “Maybe it’s still not strong enough.” My mind was searching for a logical explanation for all of this. “Or maybe we’re supposed to develop a different kind of connection, of energy, like a mental or emotional strength,” I threw out. “Maybe we’ll have some sort of inner strength rather than a physical manifestation of it.”
    “Yeah, well, unless we’ll be able to do Jedi mind tricks, I don’t think developing our ‘inner strength’ is going to cut it in another fight against the Servants.”
    My mind flashed to something else Tara told me—I’d always be physically stronger than Quinn as long as he was mortal, but, theoretically, he could become the power equivalent of me, or stronger, if we were both immortal. What if that meant the only way we could both realize our full potential, our true strength, was if Quinn were ‘lucky enough’ to one day become an immortal with a soul? Or, on the flip side, one without a soul? I shuddered at the thought.
    “Regardless of whether or not we actually become the ‘Wonder Twins,’ we’re together,” I said. “And we’ll figure out some way to get you off the Servants’ radar for good.”
    “And what about you?” he asked. “As I recall, you weren’t too high on their ‘nice’ list the last time we ran into them.”
    “First things first—we’ll keep you safely out of the demons’ clutches and then we’ll worry about me.”
* * *
    Not quite ready to give up the freedom and refuge the portal afforded us, I offered to teleport to the local convenience store around the corner from Quinn’s old summer loft in Chicago and pick up a few things for him to eat and drink. I also wanted to use this as an opportunity to see if I could find Ronald.
    “Not so fast,” Quinn said, wrapping his arm around my waist before I could phase out of view. “I believe this belongs to you.” He smiled at me as he slipped something onto my left ring finger. I looked down at the engagement ring Quinn had given me last spring and smiled back at him.
    Quinn kissed me. “Don’t take too long.”
    “I wouldn’t dream of it.” I kissed him again and then phased out of view.
    I teleported to the alley nearest the convenience mart and turned the corner, hoping to see Ronald perched in his usual spot, but he wasn’t there. I picked up a few things and watched the door as I paid the cashier, practically willing Ronald to show up before I left—but no such luck.
    I returned to find Quinn clean-shaven and naked in the water. I dropped the shopping bag on the ground next to me and quickly disrobed, watching my clothes vanish into thin air, before diving into the water after him.
    “Was it something I said?” I smiled, gently running the back of my hand against his now-smooth jawbone.
    “I think it’s safe to say the scruff’s time had come and gone.”
    “What? Not working with the ladies?” I teased playfully, splashing him in the face just before he dove under the water only to reemerge behind me.
    “You know you’re the only lady for me.” He wrapped his arms around me.
    “Good answer.” I leaned back into him.
    “Is it true you were miserable up there without me?” he asked.
    “I’ve definitely had better days,” I said, trying to play it cool.
    “Dylan tossed around the idea of bringing you here to see me a couple of times.” Quinn sounded a little dejected, as if he thought I’d chosen not to visit him.
    I turned around in Quinn’s arms to face him. “I couldn’t leave the Archives. I was grounded, and Dylan knew that. But,” I continued in the same breath, “had I known Dylan’s plan, I would’ve risked getting caught sneaking out of the house if it meant I could’ve seen you.”
    “I couldn’t tell you,” Dylan chimed in as he materialized at the portal door.
    “Dude!” Quinn pulled me closer into his arms to shield my bare chest.
    “I didn’t want to risk the others finding out about the portal,” Dylan continued as