Chapter Ten
Isaac
“We’re not going to the infamous rest area where Charlie was abducted, right?” Thomas rose a brow as we drove down a rural road through the woods. “I could probably fight them off, but I’m really not in the mood to.”
“Ha. No, I’m taking you to another spot I know.
” I maneuvered through the rough terrain to get to our destination.
“There’s a specific spot where shifters with flight skills can soar and not be bothered by anyone or worry about being seen by passersby.
The witches placed a ward around the area so that what happens inside the protective space is not public.
And they heavily screen shifters who wish to use the space.
I hope you don’t mind that I gave them your name so they could verify your identity before we came here. ”
“Okay. Cool.” Thomas stared out the window, trees and deer passing by as we made our way down the road. “I can’t believe what happened to Charlie and those other omegas though. Luckily they were able to get away and the culprits were apprehended.”
“Yeah, I helped the younger ones afterward and they were a bit shaken up.” I turned down another road.
We were close to the shifting boundary, and I could feel the magical energy of the place probing my essence to ensure I was not a threat.
“I’m happy that they seem to be back to their mostly carefree college selves.
Alpha-chasing, test-hating, young adults. ”
“You talk to them often.” Thomas switched his attention back from the road onto me, a slight uptilt of his lips and his eyes bright. “Should I be jealous? Some cute young omegas trying to steal my alpha?”
“No worries there, babe.” I pulled into the parking area of the Black Claw Shifters Club and found a spot to leave our car.
“They are my adopted little brothers now. And they love to just call me for life advice. Mostly ask my opinion on the newest alphas sniffing around them. They just found my protection that night to be very soothing and family-like. I think they needed an older alpha to guide them safely through the experience. But honestly, I think they all might gag if you ever ask them if they had a crush on me or anything. Charlie once hinted at it, and Andrew made the most disgusted face I’d ever seen.
I may have felt offended if I hadn’t also cringed at the idea of them feeling anything more than a brotherly bond with me. ”
“I was just messing around anyway.” Thomas reached over and squeezed my hand.
“I trust that I’m the only omega for you.
I know you have a certain aura about you that makes omegas feel safe.
I’m actually glad you were there for those poor boys during that experience.
Maybe one day I can meet them and make sure all that advice you are giving them is solid or not. ”
“Definitely, we can go for a road trip one day and meet them.” I shut off the car and unbuckled my seat belt. “Ready to let your dragon fly free?”
“More than.” Thomas undid his own belt and opened his door.
Exiting the car, I led my mate to the large enclosure that was at the center of the parking area.
I approached the door and typed in my personal entry code to allow us access.
“This is where we can store our items. The clan that owns this territory puts every shifter who asks for access through a security check and asks for yearly dues to pay for the upkeep of the area, the magical boundary, and the salary of the security staff. I decided it was worth it, to not have to worry about traffickers or other drama after what happened with Charlie and the guys.”
“I never knew this place existed. Are you sure they are okay with me joining you?” Thomas followed me into the building, looking around at the surroundings.
“Yeah, I did have to give the names of anyone I may bring with me. They actually knew you from the fire station, and said that as a fellow dragon and community rescue worker, you were already approved to use the space.” I walked to the locker I had been pre-assigned and entered the combination on the lock opening it so we could store our things.
“They seem to already know most of the shifters in our town and surrounding area. I think they are more worried about outsiders who may have ill intentions.”
“Makes sense.” Thomas took off his shirt and left me breathless. His muscular frame was on full display. My mouth went dry. “Thanks for bringing me here.”
“You’re welcome. I wanted to make sure we could just enjoy shifting together and not worry about anything else.” I undressed and put my clothes in the locker, taking Thomas’s belongings as well.
Exiting out the back door, we entered the shifting area.
Trees surrounded us currently, but I knew there was a clear area in the middle where Thomas’s dragon could fly high without worry of trees or powerlines.
“We can walk to the center of the territory. That’s where shifters of flight have the best experience. We’ll shift there.”
“Sounds good.” Thomas grabbed my hand and followed me through the tree line. “How did you find this place?”
“A friend from childhood mentioned it to me a few weeks ago after everything that happened with Charlie occurred. I investigated it and found only good things being said. It’s sort of an open secret; shifters will find it when they need to.”
As we made our way through the forest, we talked about our stressors from the week and the plans we each had for the upcoming week. It seemed that my mate would be doing a lot for his sister this week.
“Is her mate always away?” I hardly heard Thomas mention his brother-in-law. “Does he need to travel so much?”
“He does. His company relies on him to fly worldwide to meet with current clients and to sign contracts with new clients. I think he is home only a week out of each month. The rest of the time, everything lands on Rebecca to handle at home.” Thomas started clenching his jaw, something I noticed he did a lot when discussing his sister’s situation.
“Rebecca and Holden agreed to live that way though. I don’t think I could. ”
“Luckily you don’t have to.” I squeezed his hand, offering support. “I know it’s hard to see your sister struggling, but as you said, it’s the decision she made with her mate. All we can do is be there when she needs us.”
“Us?” Thomas stopped walking and turned to me.
“Of course.” I tilted his head up with my finger so our eyes met. “I’m here for you and for you family. That’s the kind of mate I want to be for you.”
“Thank you,” Thomas whispered, leaning closer to me until our lips touched. The kiss was soft, slow, and gentle. And over way too quickly. “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
“Good. Because I’ve already fallen.” I pecked his lips once again and then pulled away. “We’re almost there. Let’s hurry because I can’t wait to meet your dragon. I bet you’re beautiful in that form.”
“I can’t wait to meet your bear. I bet your fur is soft and begging to be touched.”
“You can touch me anytime.”
It didn’t take much longer to reach the field where Thomas’s dragon could fly freely. And soon, we were in our animal shape and appreciating each other’s beauty.
I knew you would be cuddlable, Thomas mind-spoke through our mate link. I just want to take a nap with you.
And your dragon is magnificent. I took in the blue hues and red accents of my mate. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more amazing dragon.
Of course, your mate’s the best-looking one. My bear chuckled at Thomas’s cheeky reply. Watch me fly.
Thomas took flight and I had no choice but to stand there and stare. It really was the most marvelous sight my eyes had ever seen. And he was all mine. My mate. I would prove that I was worthy to bond with him. That I would never leave him alone. I would never let him down.