“A shifter town,” she echoed, trying to imagine it.
She didn't like the thought of being surrounded by yet more strangers. Yet more shifters.
She was longing for her small apartment, for the familiari
ty of her own bed and her own couch and the view of the street outside her kitchen window.
She tried to imagine being back home, then shuddered. No, she wouldn't feel safe there right now. Not after what she'd learned.
Steele and his friends wouldn't be stopped by the lock on her door.
“Friends of mine live there,” Braeden continued. “In fact, there's someone you might like. The ocean dragon has a human mate as well.”
She frowned, trying to imagine it. All she could see was the gloom of the dark, dreary caves and the terrible, flame-filled eyes of the shifters who'd imprisoned her.
“It's an ocean town,” he said softly, as if he could sense the terrible memories she was trying to suppress. “A private peninsula surrounded by the sea. Only one dragon—the ocean dragon and his mate. There are lots of weregulls living there, and a cat shifter who makes the most delicious ice cream. There's a little coffee shop that's run by chameleon shifters. A pair of werewolves, too, but they're retired and spend their days fishing. It’s peaceful. And you'll be safe, I swear. I won't let them hurt you again.”
She smiled at him, a little reluctantly. It sounded lovely, like something right out of a tourism brochure.
One meant for shifters, of course—but still. Now that she'd fought back the memories of dark caves, she could feel the real her resurface.
And Alyx had never before allowed a good story to escape her grasp.
Werewolves Devouring Our Fish at Night!
Now that would make a good headline. Pity that no one would believe a word of it.
“All right,” she said with sudden determination. “I want to know more. I can't go home anyway—they might search for me there. So let's see this peaceful shifter world of yours. That coffee shop better be good. I'm quite particular about my espresso.”
Chapter Ten: Braeden
They were in the air for several hours until Braeden could smell the first telltale hint of saltwater in the air.
Not much further.
He was glad they'd nearly made it. Even though his leg was mostly healed, he still felt weaker than he'd been before. Every now and then, there was a scratchy sensation in his chest, as if some of the ash he'd breathed in was still in his lungs.
Maybe the salty air would help. In any case, another night's rest should have him back to new.
And there were more important things to worry about right now. Like his mate's safety.
She'd be safe on Wing Island. Timothy's little ocean town was a peaceful place, and it was far away from the mountain where Steele had gone underground.
Former mountain—I guess it's a volcano now.
All that mattered right now was that Steele wouldn't find her there. Eventually, Braeden would have to leave again, he knew that. His mission had been to take out Steele. That was what the chimera, the master of the council of elements, had demanded of him.
Steele's more dangerous than we thought. If his fire can harm me, the master of fire...
He'd have to return. As soon as Alyx was safe and had recovered from her ordeal, he'd have to search out Steele again.
And the next time, Braeden wouldn't flee. He'd make an end of this threat to his mate, no matter what it took out of him.
He could feel Alyx's rising excitement as before them, the ocean came into view.
The sun was shining, and the water was calm. In the distance, they could see white dots bobbing on the waves, small sailboats and yachts making use of the good weather.
For a while, Braeden followed the coastline. Eventually, there were fewer boats to be seen, and fewer houses and cars.