Chapter 19
Nineteen
BECKS
I’m on high alert as the headlights near, but in the back of my mind I can’t stop thinking, Damn, she tastes good.
Another small shudder works its way through me as I fight to regain control. It’s not until the scent of ash hits the air that I’m able to clear my mind, readying myself for whatever new threat is about to descend on us.
I reach for my magic, feeling it rush to the surface, heating me from the inside out. It would only take the simplest of thought to form a fireball or send a gust of wind strong enough to overturn the car.
It could be nothing. Just someone lost. But after the multiple attacks, I’m not taking any chances. I won’t let Haven get hurt.
I won’t let her be taken from me, my inner beast growls, that part of me that’s all creature.
I’ve never taken my dragon form in the human world, choosing to stay hidden from people unprepared for the existence of the supernatural. But as the car nears, the beast inside me stirs, battering the cage I’ve locked it in, demanding to be set free.
The car rolls forward slowly, snow crunching beneath the tires before it finally parks in front of the cabin.
Off to the side, I can see everything. I don’t like that I’m not positioned between Haven and whoever’s here, but it’s smarter to stay concealed until I know who it is.
Gritting my teeth, I will myself to stay in control, but even so, scales flash over my forearms and chest. The smell of ash and smoke grows thicker, and for a moment I think that for the first time in my life I may not be able to control my shift.
What’s happening? I don’t even know if this is a real threat yet.
The car windows are tinted, making it impossible to tell who exactly is inside. Still, I make out four figures before the engine cuts and the lights die, plunging everything into darkness.
The driver’s door starts to open. I’m prepared to rush whoever it is, my body vibrating with tension, ready to be unleashed, when a familiar dark head comes into view.
I immediately douse the flames I hadn’t even realized were engulfing my hands as I stomp forward.
“What are you doing here?” I ask by way of a greeting. “We agreed we wouldn’t meet up for another week.”
Talon’s head jerks in my direction. He opens his mouth to say something, but then his brow furrows and he tilts his head.
“I feel like there’s a much more interesting question we should be asking ourselves right now.” He arches an eyebrow as he takes me in, shirtless and barefoot in the snow.
“Becks!” a familiar voice shouts, and Locklyn pops up from the other side of the car.
Speeding around the hood, she tosses herself into my arms. I absorb her impact easily. She’s a tiny thing. Just like her sister.
I stand a little woodenly in her embrace, hesitant for the first time to have her in my arms. After a moment, she lets go of me and steps back.
“Umm, why are you half-dressed?” she asks, giving me the same look her husband just did.
“That’s the question,” Talon says from behind her.
I clench my teeth, irritation prickling under my skin. But confusion twists inside too.
I should be glad they’re here. It means more of us to protect Haven. Instead, all I feel is this restless, territorial itch, like they’ve stepped somewhere they shouldn’t.
“Hey,” Locklyn says, catching my scowl. “Is everything all right? I thought you’d be happy to see us.”
“Yeah, yeah, of course I am,” I say, forcing my body to relax.
Reaching up, I try to run my hand through my hair, but find it crunchy, frozen from the water Haven dumped on me. Locklyn notices it as well.
“Is everything okay?” she asks, sounding confused.
I’m about to assure her it is when the cabin door slams open and Haven comes running out and down the steps. There are tears running down her face, and my instant reaction is that something’s wrong and she needs me.
I step around Locklyn, my pulse spiking, ready to help, until I see what actually has her so worked up.
“Mom! Dad!” she shouts, darting toward the figures who’ve just climbed out of the car, flinging her arms around them in a tight hug.
The tension in my chest eases as the truth sinks in. Her parents. Of course. Relief floods me, followed quickly by chagrin for assuming the worst.
Locklyn glances over, brows knitting. “Maybe we should take this reunion inside before you freeze solid,” she suggests, already heading up to the door with Talon.
Still, I don’t move. Not until Haven starts up the steps with her parents. Only then do I follow, cold biting at my skin as Locklyn gives me one last puzzled look before disappearing through the door.