Chapter 9
Logan answered Jackson’s text about Adam’s last name while waiting for everyone to arrive. Grinning when his mate walked into the living room, he said, “Hey, babe, love your outfit.”
Pirouetting, Kieran said, “Thanks. According to the forecast it’s going to be chilly tonight and since we’ll be in the air and not on the ground, I will be colder than you are, of course, because your dragon’s inside furnace will be heating you with its fire.
Too bad we can’t share that, but no matter, because this coat is supposed to keep me warm on Mount Everest…
though I’m sure we won’t be that high up so I should be toasty warm.
Isn’t it the mostest gorgeous pink ever? ”
“It is, and it matches your hat perfectly.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” Kieran asked, patting the top of his hat before confiding, “It was just luck because I bought this first.”
“I’d say it was meant to be,” Logan agreed.
Nodding, Kieran sat down on Logan’s lap, wriggling his ass over his mate’s cock. “Just like you and me, macushla.”
Grabbing his mate’s hips, Logan stilled them, growling, “If you continue doing that, I may not want to go tonight because something else will be on my mind.”
“Ohhh! Well in that case…” Kieran smirked, sliding off Logan’s lap.
“Hey Ki, I’m ready,” Fionn said, walking into the suite’s living room. “I told Theo and Norm I was going with you and Logan because they invited me to dinner along with Miss L, Sofia, Adam, and Ian’s parents.”
“Thanks for the heads up, Fionn,” said Logan, “I was just going to check on Adam and Sofia since Zane and David will be going with us.”
“Yeah, it was Theo’s idea to invite them,” Fionn said.
“Logan?” Colton called, leading Ian into the room. “Everything set for tonight?”
“Yup, the only change is Fionn’s coming along,” answered Logan. “He’ll be with Kieran and me.”
“As a passenger?” Ian asked.
“Nope…his dragon will be flying with mine,” replied Logan.
A squeal was heard as Zane and David entered. “I can’t believe I’m going to see two dragons tonight. Can I have a ride?” David asked, his eyes sparkling at the thought.
“It depends on what happens tonight,” answered Logan. “Maybe just before dawn.”
“Thanks,” Zane said, pleased with his mate’s excitement. “That’d be fantastic.”
“What would be fantastic?” asked Dakota as he and Slate joined the group.
“A ride on a dragon!” David exclaimed.
“I thought we were going by car,” said Slate, concern for his mate rising again.
“We are,” Logan replied. “The flight might happen later. Do you all have your phones?” With affirmative answers from each, he took Kieran’s hand and said, “Good. Groose will direct you to the right car. Your drivers know where to go. Once you’re in your location, please text Kieran to let him know.
During the mission, you will also text or call Kieran if you have anything to report. Any questions?”
“Yeah, will we be driving up together or separately?” asked Slate.
“Together. Once we arrive at the loch, your drivers will head to the location assigned to you,” Logan answered. Then, hearing no further questions, Logan opened the suite’s door, letting everyone pass before following them out with his mate.
~/~/~/~/~
“Fuck!” the man rose from the chair, stomping away from Reif’s research.
“Nothing fucking new!” Stalking around the small cottage, his anger grew with each step.
Eventually, he found himself at the table again, snarling as he stared at documents that weren’t revealing their secrets to him.
Roaring with frustration, he swept them away, watching as they floated to the floor at his feet.
Then, after peering out the window, he disappeared, leaving a wisp of smoke.
~/~/~/~/~
Reif glanced up at the sky after leaving the pub, relieved to see clouds moving in.
Turning in the direction of home, he ignored his beast who was snorting in anger at heading away from their mate.
Reif wasn’t sure what to do about the sea serpent but he knew he’d better figure out something fast because their connection was growing stronger every minute.
At some point, he’d have to come clean about his mate to his father, but now, considering the recent attack on him, Reif was loathe to dump another problem on his head.
On the other hand, maybe the elders would know of a cure that could break the connection with his mate and, the sooner that could happen, the sooner he could get back to the search without his beast rebelling.
Pulling his collar up against the cool, damp, evening air, Reif sped up, now nearly running in his eagerness to get home and change into his clothes for tonight.
Rounding the corner, he strode down the lane, trying to soothe his beast, hoping that it would help control him later that evening.
Unlocking the door, Reif had just stepped inside when the scent hit him.
Goddammit! He stopped, sniffing the residue of smoke, realizing he’d just missed his father’s attacker.
A low growl escaped him as his eyes spotted the papers scattered on the floor.
Reif looked around the room and when he saw nothing else had been disturbed, sighed with relief and gathered up the papers, putting them back on the table.
Walking over to the bookcase, he pulled out a volume and opened it, making sure the document was still hidden within its pages before replacing it.
Though he wasn’t surprised at the man’s appearance—his father had warned him—he was taken aback at how fast it happened.
Dropping down on his couch, he stared off into space, trying to guess what had changed.
It can’t be the deadline because my father would have said something.
Maybe it has something to do with my mate.
A loud roar from his beast echoed through his body.
Okay, I got it…it has nothing to do with my mate.
Whatever it was, Reif would handle it because when it came down to it, there wasn’t any other choice considering what the consequences of failure would be.
But he was pissed off; it had taken him a long time to get this close to the end of his search and he’d be damned if anyone was going to fuck it up.
Dropping his head back, Reif closed his eyes and, as the room grew dark, his day’s exertions took their toll and sleep claimed him.
~/~/~/~/~
Looking out the window while Oracle was in their bedroom getting dressed for dinner, Maximus’ mind kept returning to the conversation he had with his son.
It was hard to believe Daniel might have the power of materialization—he thought only witches and warlocks had that ability. But, obviously, I was wrong.
After the call, Maximus searched his memory, hoping it would provide the answer Steel needed but found nothing. The only other option he could think of was Mystia. Her library had grown since he’d left to marry Oracle but he knew she still read each ancient tome added to her collection.
Coming out of the vortex, Mystia was surprised to find her adopted son alone; she thought he and Oracle would be at dinner. “Maximus?” Mystia called softly, wondering why he looked so dejected.
Maximus turned, giving a wide smile as he saw her. “Hello, mother.”
Gliding over to him, Mystia gave him a hug before saying, “Bon soir, mon bébé, what’s the matter?”
“Please sit,” Maximus said, waving her to the sofa, “I need to ask you about Daniel.”
“Daniel? Is he sick?” asked Mystia.
Sitting across from her, Maximus said, “No, not exactly. Steel called me earlier to tell me Daniel made a rabbit appear twice today. I’m guessing it’s the power of materialization but I don’t believe it was mentioned as one of his attributes in the myth that described him.”
“And this worries you?” asked Mystia.
“Yes, and also Jackson and Steel. They’re afraid Daniel might be hurt if a larger animal appears.”
“It’s a valid concern,” agreed Mystia.
“I thought only witches and warlocks had this power. Daniel is neither so it must be connected to the myth, right?”
“You’re right about who usually has those powers, but Daniel is a unique shifter who can change fur color at will and speaks with creatures in the forest. As we’ve seen with David, not everything in these stories is true, nor should we believe that these myths reveal all.
I’ll do some more research and see what I can find out. ”
“What should Jackson and Steel do in the meantime?”
“I can put a spell on Daniel that will temporarily prevent him from using this power, but remember, it won’t last long.”
“Thank you,” said Maximus. “It’ll take some pressure off them. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Yes,” Mystia said, “I can give you some of the books I have to review while I go through the others.”
“Send them over. The sooner we find the answer the better it’ll be.”
Mystia rose and said, “Then I’ll be on my way. Don’t expect me back right away because I want to see Daniel first.”
“No problem. Oracle and I are taking Lizzie, Ian’s parents, Theo, Norm, Sofia, and Adam out for dinner.”
“That sounds like it’s going to be fun,” Mystia smiled.
“Why not join us? Since we haven’t met Sofia or Adam yet, Oracle thought dinner would be a more relaxing way for us to get to know each other.”
“I’d love to, but can I have a raincheck?” asked Mystia.
“Absolutely, anytime, just let me know when,” Maximus said. “Before you go, did you ever find out who concealed David’s birth?”
Pausing, Mystia looked around. Then, casting a spell, she enclosed both of them in a soundproof bubble. “Not yet, but I did report it to the Witches’ Governing Council. The Head Witch agreed it could only be done with black magic. She’s looking into it and, hopefully, I’ll hear from her soon.”
Waving his hand at the bubble, Maximus asked, “Are you in danger?”
“I don’t think so, but I’d rather err on the side of caution. Also you shouldn’t mention it either.”
“Right, but please tell me as soon as you hear something,” Maximus said.
“I will, mon bébé,” Mystia assured him. Then, with a wave of her hand, she and the bubble vanished.
~/~/~/~/~
Turning over in his sleep, Reif was startled awake when his face met the back of the couch.
It took a moment for him to remember where he was, then, groaning, he sat up.
Rubbing his eyes, he looked around the dark room.
Fuck, it’s late! Wearily, he rose. Stretching his arms over his head and yawning, he vacillated over whether he should go flying; a good night’s sleep sounded better.
His beast, though, suddenly made that decision for him. Snorting, Reif picked up his hat from the floor and, setting it on a hook by the door, grabbed his keys, left the house, and climbed into his car.
Driving away, he rolled down his window, needing the fresh, cool air to wake him up.
As long as he’d decided to go, Reif wanted to enjoy some freedom from his endless search, praying a night out would clear his head, making it easier to see the clues in a new light.
Switching on his satellite radio, he grinned as “I Will Survive” began to play.
Tapping his fingers to the beat, Reif joined in, belting out the words, filling the car with his rich baritone voice, enjoying the moment.
~/~/~/~/~
“Do you think we should wake him?” asked Fionn.
“He looks so peaceful,” Kieran said.
“I know, but we need him in the water to track his mate, otherwise, we might as well go back to the hotel,” said Logan.
Feeling his phone vibrate, Kieran removed it from his pocket, checking the messages he’d received. “Macushla, everyone’s in place so I guess you should wake Brian.”
Grimacing, Logan climbed aboard the boat then, bending down, he shook Brian’s shoulder, “Hey Brian, we’re here.”
Dreaming his mate was kissing him, Brian scowled at the interruption. Determined to feel his mate’s lips on him again, he reached out, pulling his mate toward him, he sought the warmth of those soft, sensuous, lips again. Ahhh, yes, just perfect.
Shocked at what was happening, Logan struggled to escape Brian’s arms before…
oh, shit, too late…his lips met the sea serpent’s.
Pushing back hard against the chest beneath him, Logan couldn’t believe how strong Brian was.
Finally breaking free, Logan jumped up and away from the reach of those devilishly iron arms. Glancing at his mate, he saw Kieran and Fionn hanging onto each other, overcome with laughter.
“Very funny,” Logan growled. “Instead of enjoying it, why don’t you come up with an idea about how to wake him up?”
“Maybe you should kiss him this time…you know, like sleeping beauty?” smirked Fionn.
“Hey, I don’t want him kissing anyone else but me,” Kieran said, placing his hands on his hips. “Macushla, take his shoe off and tickle his foot.”
Shaking his head, Logan said, “I don’t think that’s a good idea. What if he kicks me in the balls?”
“I don’t think Brian would do that,” replied Kieran.
“Yeah, well I didn’t think he’d kiss me either,” Logan growled.
“Good point. Hmm, maybe you should throw some cold water on him,” suggested Kieran.
“That’s a good idea, Ki,” Fionn agreed.
Logan tried to open the cabin door to go below for a glass, but it was locked. “Babe, see if you and Fionn can find something that will hold some water.”
“Okay, be right back,” Kieran said.
Waiting for them to return, Logan sat down as far away from Brian as he could, hoping he’d wake up before they got back.
He tried calling to him in a loud voice.
“Hey Brian, wake up! C’mon, wake up!” A hatch opened on the boat next to Brian’s and, unwilling to create a problem for the sea serpent with his neighbors, Logan stopped.
Sitting there quietly, watching Brian sleeping, he was amazed he still hadn’t awakened during all the commotion.
Logan wondered if he should call Ian to make sure nothing else other than tiredness might be the cause of Brian’s deep sleep, but decided against it when he remembered the sea serpent had just spent a week of sleepless nights.
Finally, Kieran and Fionn returned with a small bucket, handing it to Logan.
Bending over the side, he filled it with cold water from the loch.
Then, backing far enough away from Brian so the rude awaking wouldn’t get him kicked in the balls, he slowly raised the bucket, took aim and closed his eyes to avoid seeing the results. Then he let it fly.