Page 49 of Gates of Rapture (The Guardians of Ascension #6)

“I don’t think a single fold of a large contingent will arouse too many suspicions. Greaves will probably think Endelle was trying out her skills.”

“But I don’t want to bring them here. I think we should send them to North Africa Two.”

“Good idea.”

With the plan set, Thorne made his phone calls in order to ensure that the five thousand were in a solid formation, everyone standing in squads of four and ready for a fold.

He then folded straight to the McDowells so that he could mentally share with Grace the location and structure of the five thousand warriors.

Grace sent a quick message to Marguerite via their shared obsidian pathway, then let Fiona know what was going on.

A few minutes later, after Marguerite had returned, Thorne returned to download the location and image to Grace. Once she could see exactly what they would be doing, she placed her hand on Marguerite’s shoulder and Fiona’s.

Thorne moved several feet away. This was the biggest change that had occurred. After working together through the afternoon, the massive obsidian power had settled down and Thorne no longer needed to touch any of the women in order to dissipate the excess power.

This time, as the circle closed and the power began to build, Grace let it flow.

She focused on her folding ability and could sense when Fiona was ready to receive her.

She slid easily within Fiona, taking possession, and with a single mental effort the massive fold began.

Even though the triad was at Apache Junction Two, and the five thousand warriors were in the McDowells, Grace could sense the fold as it happened.

The shared obsidian power grew stronger and stronger, flowing upward toward the dome of mist. Grace could actually see within her mind’s eye as the fold took place, all five thousand warriors being moved to North Africa.

Thorne’s voice spilled over all that power. “Seriffe reported that the fold was successful at the McDowells. Gideon just reported in as well, and the warriors have arrived in perfect formation.”

Grace cheered. Fiona and Marguerite joined in.

“Shall we do the reverse?” Thorne asked.

“Yes,” Grace said.

Both Marguerite and Fiona responded in the affirmative as well, and without a single break in the flow of power, Grace reversed the fold.

Afterward, though Thorne gave his confirmation report from Seriffe, Gideon, and Brynna, Grace already knew the mass fold had been successful. She could feel it.

When she disengaged from Fiona and reentered her body fully, she drew back from both Fiona and Marguerite. “Did you both have a sense of what we’d done? When it happened?”

Marguerite nodded. “Yes. For the last few folds, I could feel it when it happened.”

“This is new,” Thorne said.

Fiona added, “It came on gradually, but Grace is right. I could feel the fold. I could feel the landing in North Africa, then the return fold to the McDowells.”

Thorne smiled. “Shit, that’s the best news of the day.” His head bobbed and he glanced at his watch, then at Marguerite.

She moved quickly in his direction and slid her arm around his waist. “Tell me we’re done for the day. I’m ready to put my feet up. Really ready.”

He kissed the top of her head. “We’re done and it’s now seven thirty. I did promise a couple of warriors I’d get their brehs home.”

He started herding them in the direction of the landing platforms. Even though the team had been doing this work outside, Seriffe had a strict policy in place about folding. If you were anywhere at Militia Warrior HQ, inside or out, you had to use the landing platforms.

On the way, Leto was suddenly in her mind. Coming back to the villa anytime soon? It’s seven thirty-one.

Even though she knew his sudden presence in her mind was the result of the breh-hedden —and because of it, much stronger than telepathy—she was startled. Hey, how about a warning. You weren’t there, then suddenly you were practically shouting inside my head.

Sorry. It’s just… well, I’m at the villa. Did she hear a low growl again? How could he do a growl telepathically? But it made her smile.

She realized she’d been blocking his physical sensations, so she lowered her shields. Too fast, apparently, because she was overwhelmed by the feel of his bare feet on the wood floor of the villa, the muscles of his legs tight and tense, his body in partial arousal, his arms flexing and unflexing.

She even stumbled. Thorne caught her arm. “You okay?”

She looked up at him and felt a blush on her cheek. “Yes, of course,” she said quickly.

But he looked concerned so she added, “I’m getting used to the breh-hedden ’s quick form of communication. Leto suddenly jumped inside my head, and he surprised me.”

Thorne smiled and let go of her arm. “I know. It can be jarring when you’re not used to it.”

“You can say that again.” Jarred was the least of what she felt.

To Leto, she sent, Heading to the landing platforms now, but this is a long walk.

Can’t wait.

Because she felt him shudder, she blocked him once more so she could finally breathe. But she walked faster.