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“Because it’s true.”

He smiles and folds into the seat. I watch him drive away and hear Savy and Mateo leave the house.

“See you soon.” Mateo nods at me, going to his vehicle.

“Ready to ride, babe?” Savy skips toward me and grips my arm with both hands. She rests her chin on my shoulder, gazing at me trustingly.

“Yeah, Savy.”

She grins and turns to look at my bike.

After I bare my soul to her, I hope the worship in her eyes is still there.

“It’s beautiful,” she breathes as I stop the bike.

“The land is the best part.”

We remain sitting while she gazes around in wonder. I love her openness. She doesn’t hide her emotions, good or bad; she shows everything. I’m cynical and usually jump to the worst conclusion.

The ride was peaceful, especially with Savy wrapped around me, her excitement flowing. I’m thrilled she likes my kind of transportation. With my bond on the back, my driving has become cautious. She's precious to me already, and I won’t take unnecessary risks.

“I love it.”

“I’m glad.” I shift, bring my leg over, and stand. I slide my arms underneath her and lift her.

“This is another favorite part.” She presses her hand to my chest.

“Carrying you?” I lower her slowly and unbuckle the straps under her chin.

“Yes. Will you do it often?” She wiggles her eyebrows as I take the helmet off.

I graze my fingertips over her flushed cheek. “Whatever you want, Wild One.” I shake my head as she bites her lip.

“Ohh… the power.”

Placing the headgear on the seat, I grab her hand.

“Come on.” I pull her toward the house. “Let me show you my favorite spot.” I pass the front steps and move around the side, stopping on the hill. “This is where I was standing yesterday when Rome found me. I had no idea my world would change a few short hours later.” I look at her.

“Isn’t that how it works?” she hums, tilting her head. “We think we know what our day will bring, but sometimes fate surprises us.”

“You were a surprise.”

“A good surprise?” Her eyes crinkle.

“Yeah.” I release her hand and grasp her braid, trailing my fingers down it. “The best.”

“Good,” she whispers, and looks at the scenery before us. “It’s gorgeous. Special.”

Dropping my hand, I shove them in my pockets. “My mother loved the woods.” I smile sadly. “She insisted my father build a house in the middle of the trees. He loved her desperately, so he didn’t argue.” I glance at her, and her expression sobers. “That’s where I was born. In our little cabin, the smell of leaves and flowers throughout the rooms. She went into labor, and Dad helped her bring me into the world. I was a big baby, and they loved telling me the story. She loved me and showed it every day.”

“Of course she did.” Savy squeezes my arm.

I nod toward the ground and ease to the grass. She sits facing me, crossing her legs. I stretch one leg out, bending the other, and wrapping my arm around my knee.

“I thought they were the most loving parents in the world. Mom would pack lunch, and we would walk over the land, having picnics under the trees. She taught me how to read and write. Magic was normal, and they showed me their power. They educated me and told me the facts of spells. Our heritage was a gift, and they treated it with respect. My powers were small, but many of the magicked come into them when they're older. Still, I loved learning and seeing the world differently.

“Our lives weren’t easy, but many weren’t that long ago. We grew our food, and sold some of it in town. It was normal to see Mom’s hands covered in dirt and grass stains on her dress. Dad would plow the land, raise animals to sell, and barter with businesses. It was simple. We kept to ourselves and stayed at the house as much as we could. They stressed the need to keep our spells secret. Humans wouldn’t understand, especially that long ago. We were different, but no less special.