Six against three

Author's note: this is from Duke's point of view

The run would be fun if Serina were with me. Why didn't I ask her to mount me? I could carry her anywhere. Maybe next time, if there is a next time.

I ran for maybe a few minutes when I felt a pull, like someone tugged on my heart, urging me to go back. It was the mate bond. My soul was not happy to separate from its other half, and I had no intention of forcing this. I was missing Serina.

Zoe, Luca, and Ash stopped at the same time I did, and they observed me curiously.

Oh, crap. I forgot. They will follow me anywhere. How do I tell them that I'm done and they should continue?

It took me a moment to remember how special these kids were. I released a low growl while looking at Ash.

Ash quickly put his head on my side and read my thoughts.

'Continue without me. I'm heading back.'