Page 51 of The Chosen One Universe: Volume One

Sam’s heart skipped another beat, and Natasha must have heard it because she wiggled her way down onto his lap and pulled his free arm around her.

“So I was wondering,” Zaire continued, “if you would consider letting my magic say hi to yours. I’ll be really careful, and Meshaq will help your alpha and Sam make sure you’re extra safe.”

Henry’s leg tensed again. “I don’t know. It didn’t feel good before.”

“Yeah,” Zaire sighed. “It’s because I was mad, though. I’m not mad now.”

Henry wiggled his leg and stayed quiet for a moment. “We can try if Alpha says it’s okay.”

Zaire glanced up at Vaughn and Sam watched as she searched his expression. They sat quietly for a minute before Vaughn spoke.

“I think it’s a good idea to try, Henry, but only if you are okay with it. We can wait for another day if you want, but I don’t know, something tells me you’re interested, too. We’ll make sure you’re safe. I promise.”

“Okay,” Henry said quietly.

“Okay,” Zaire repeated. “This might tickle,” she said with a grin. Her eyes glowed a tiny bit red, and Meshaq placed one of his giant hands on her shoulder.

Henry giggled and some of the tension left his leg.

“It is saying hi,” Henry gasped in awe. “I can hear it.”

Zaire smiled again and her eyes brightened for a moment. “Now try to say hi back to me.”

Out of nowhere, a bright wind began to flow through the living room. It wasn’t overly powerful, just a breeze really, but it felt clean and crisp and fresh. Sam couldn’t help but turn to look at Henry, who was grinning widely. He looked at Sam and grinned. “My magic likes her. It likes you, too.”

“I’m glad,” Sam said. “I like you, too.”

“Good job, Henry. Now can you say goodbye?” Zaire asked.

Henry nodded as his eyes glowed for a moment before dimming. He had a death grip on Vaughn’s arm but he didn’t seem scared at all anymore. It was more like he was bubbling over with excitement.

“Very good, Henry. That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“No.”

Ollie huffed and flopped over onto Sam. “I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry,” Henry said.

“Yep! Can I have a banana, Nana?” He recognized the rhyme and giggled. “Banana Nana!”

“You’re the banana,” she said.

Everyone began to untangle themselves from the pile, the moment of nervous tension over. Vaughn stayed sitting with Henry tucked up against his side. Sam checked his gaze but he didn’t seem concerned anymore. It was as good a sign as any that things were going to be okay.

“Come on and get a snack when you’re ready, Henry.”

Nana ushered the others over to the kitchen table. Ben seemed reluctant to leave Henry’s side, but Sam gave his leg a pat to let him know it was okay. He looked to Henry, took in his smiling face, and then stood and followed the others.

“So, Henry, Meshaq and your alpha want me to do some magic around the house here. It’ll be really strong magic and you’ll definitely be able to feel it, but it won’t hurt you. It’ll be like what just happened, but stronger.”

Henry paled then turned to look at Vaughn. “I…” He gulped but clamped his mouth shut again. Sam tightened his hold on Henry’s leg and looked to Vaughn for guidance.

“Henry, it’s okay. Tell me what you’re thinking and we’ll figure it out together.”

Henry hid his face in Vaughn’s arm and reached blindly for Sam. Sam grabbed his hand and held tight. “It’s okay, Henry. We won’t be mad. We just want to understand. Can you explain to us what has you upset so we know?”

He sniffed but nodded. “I don’t like being trapped. It doesn’t feel good. Do we have to put magic around the house?”