I understand, Josie. You have no reason to trust me - but you must know that Batu's people will steamroll right over him to get to you. And honestly, if I need to flip that switch, I can do to Batu what I did to Taylor. But I don't want to - believe me. I don't. I want Batu alive as much as I need you alive. I'm banking on you being happy in the long run, but that's not here and now in Mongolia.
"I … hate you." Terror tore through me and left me breathless at the thought of Batu being uncreated before my eyes the way Taylor was.
Please do as I tell you, and I swear to you, Josie, I'll protect Batu against even his own people. He is better off being left in his home time and you moving on. I'll protect him. I swear it. If you stay … Josie, even if I don't uncreate him, he will be slaughtered by his own people. Give him a chance to find happiness and leave this era.
Carter made too much sense. If Batu stayed here, he might one day marry again or at least, he'd be surrounded by his family. Even if I never recovered from the pain building inside me, he would have that chance.
As if knowing I was leaning in his direction, Carter texted once more.
Go to the hill at the north side of the camp. Bring your phone. There's a rock the size of a large tortilla at the very top of the hill and beneath it, the pill you need to take to knock you out for time travel. I've always, ALWAYS protected you, Josie, and I will continue to do so, and Batu. Just do as I say, and he'll eventually end up happy.
"I hate you. I hate you. I hate you." I stood and swiped the tears away. I'd do anything for Batu, and Carter had figured it out. Maybe that was why he waited to find me, to give me time to fall in love with the man he planted in my world. "God! I hate you!"
Batu deserved so much more than this - but he also deserved to live, to have the opportunity I was losing to be happy.
I looked around at the first place that had ever felt like home and wanted to break down and weep. Carter wouldn't be reasoned with by Batu; this much I knew. Carter's plans for me had never been understood, but I didn't want him uncreating or hurting anyone else I cared about.
Putting on my over tunic with shaking hands, I picked up the bag of Moldavite Batu had given me.