Consequence Read Free Page B

thinking it had always been the opposite.
                  Our lives were busy, absolutely, between Champion and Visionary business, the family, the kids and the centers, but we made it work. And it worked perfectly, it seemed. It felt like our balance was pretty spot-on.
                  Except for the week of the reunification. We barely saw each other while everyone else was busy having fun with their games and family and friend time. I barely got to catch up with anyone, and my significant and I were on the border of withdrawals the entire time.
                  I’d studied the photos that Rodney had taken of the previous Visionary, Ashlyn’s, scribed wall over the years. I did everything I was supposed to do, in my gut. I followed my gift, my ability, which was given to me to help change this race of people. I knew it wasn’t going to be instant, but had to be done. I saw that in my vision. I knew it was going to be hard sometimes. I didn’t know how else I could follow my path. I was doing everything I could.
                  And Caleb. My sweet Caleb. He was always carrying the torch for me. Even now, ready to bust up Kyle for bad mouthing me when I didn’t even have faith enough to know what was in my own husband’s head.
                  His hands came up, finally caving, as he cupped my face. He shook his head.
                  Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been in that beautiful head of yours?
                  Too long .
                  I mean it. Any idea how long since we’ve been able to really talk like this without a room full of council members taking your attention? Or exhaustion claiming us at the end of the night? Or kids asking us to put them in bed? Or since I’ve gotten to be in your mind at all for anything? Four days. Four days, Maggie. That’s an eternity for our kind. Do you know how long it’s been since we’ve mutualized?
    Six days. I’ve been counting.
                  That’s not okay. It’s not your fault at all. I’m just saying, how can we be expected to be in sync and be the couple we’re supposed to be if the basic tools we were given aren’t even being allowed to us? If you’re taken from me the second you get here, then how are you supposed to know what’s going on with me? And I you? They’ve made us weak like this—all of the council couples.
                  I should have made the effort. I should have paid attention. I rubbed his nose a little with mine so he’d know that this point was more important than the rest. I should have known better. I should have known what was in your head without even having to look. I just…the Visionary is always so front and center for everyone, especially here. I just let my assumptions lump you into that, too. I’m really sorry, baby.
                  His hands moved, caressing down my arms and back, all the way down to wrap against my lower back. He sighed into my neck as he lifted me, pressing me against him. Gah, sweetheart. Do you have any idea how much I’ve missed you? My imprint has been going absolutely insane needing to be with you and to just…
                  Say it.
                  Consume every inch and piece of you.
    I gripped him tighter. Mine, too. I’m sorry.
    Before he could say anything, I slammed past his barriers, one after another.He groaned against my mouth, a small noise only for me, and held me tighter as I refused to let anything keep him from me a second longer. His protective barrier was there, ever ready, ever present and beautiful in his love for me.
    Our memories had changed over the years. We had kids and our lives were vastly different, but so much the same. Now in his loop of visions I saw, my aching and laboring over our daughter’s birth was there…the look on my face as I held her in my arms for the first time and then looked