“Yes, I can’t wait to hear, mum. I have to go now. I’ll call you later,” Rainey said quickly and hung up, put the phone in her bag, and continued on her way.
The woman behind the desk raised her head, smiling as Rainey entered the room.
“Hi, Rainey,” she said cheerfully. “He’s in a meet—”
Rainey walked past her, ignoring her and opened the door to Dwayne’s office. Two sets of eyes looked in her direction in confusion.
“I need to speak to Dwayne,” she said.
“Now, darling—” Dwayne stood up behind his desk.
“I need to speak to you,” Rainey repeated, keeping her voice firm and sharp this time.
“We’re in a meeting.” Dwayne’s face was red, but he was doing a good job of keeping his voice level. “The mayor—”
“Mr. Doyle”—Rainey turned to the mayor—“would you give us a moment please?”
She didn’t make an effort to hide the rage she was feeling, and the mayor, seemingly aware of it, hurried out of the room with a mixture of surprise and annoyance on his face. She was sure he was skilled at reading people’s emotions, and he must have read well that she wasn’t a person he wanted to be around right now.
“I’m breaking up with you,” Rainey said, rushing the words out before Dwayne even had the chance to open his mouth. “I’m breaking up with you,” she repeated in a louder voice. “I want my life back.” Her arms were shaking, and her heart was beating so strongly in her chest she thought he must be able to hear it. “I’m sick and tired of your horrible abuse, of your anger, your attitude. Of feeling so guilty all the time. Of feeling so small and insignificant.” When tears filled her eyes, she didn’t try to stop them falling. “You’ve caused me so much physical pain, so many sleepless nights, so many injuries!” she shouted. “But you’ve caused me even more emotional pain by breaking my confidence, making me constantly doubt myself, taking my hopes and dreams away from me. You are a horrible person, Dwayne Veitch, and I never want to see you again. Never.”
She turned and ran out of the room, leaving the door open behind her. Tears streamed down her face as she clambered into her car, started the engine, and drove away. She took a left, then a right, then a left again until she found a small street and parked. And she sobbed loudly, crying for all the time she’d wasted and all the dignity she’d sacrificed.
But when she was done, her body shaking and breath coming in gasps, she felt lighter, more at peace. She should have broken up with him a long time ago, she knew that, but she’d been too scared and unsure of herself. Too intimidated. But it was done now. And that was what mattered. She wasn’t going to blame herself like she always used to. No, she was going to congratulate herself for once and allow herself to feel proud. She had just closed the door to all the abuse, humiliation, and pain Dwayne has caused her during the last four years. She had made the first step to a new chapter in her life. A new beginning. And she had to celebrate that. But first she had to find Boreas and thank him for showing her she could take her life back.
“Boreas isn’t here at the moment,” said Jett from behind the desk of Dragn Protection. His black eyes were friendly and his wavy dark hair looked neater than it normally did. “He’s with a client, and I have to leave in a second myself. You can just wait for him here if you want, though?” He gestured toward the sofa. “He always comes by at the end of the day.”
“Oh, that’d be great, thanks,” Rainey said. “Are you sure that’s okay?”
“Yeah, totally. Make yourself comfortable. There’s some coffee and tea in the kitchen there.” Jett gathered his possessions. “I’ll see you later. Sorry for dashing off like this.”
“No worries. And thanks again,” Rainey called after him.
She walked into the small kitchen, made herself a cup of tea, and sat down on the sofa of the main office room. She’d thought her best chance of finding Boreas quickly was at the agency. He seemed to spend the majority of his time there, so she’d just decided to take her chances and turn up. She hoped that Jett was right and he’d be here soon. She was drained from her sleepless night and all the emotions.
She was feeling a little guilty she had left that morning without telling Boreas, but her thoughts had been so consumed with breaking up with Dwayne, she wanted to get it over with as soon as possible. She hoped he wasn’t mad at her. He’d given her so much, and the last thing she wanted to do was disappoint him.
Almost an hour later, Boreas had still not arrived, and Rainey started to worry he wouldn’t come after all. But just as she was considering what she should do instead, the door to the office opened and he walked in, in a pair of black jeans and a black t-shirt. His face was drawn with tension and he was so absorbed in his thoughts that he hadn’t noticed her.
“Hi,” Rainey said softly, trying not to startle him.
“Rainey!” His face lit up at the sight of her. “I’ve been looking for you all over. Are you okay?” He dropped his bag on the floor and sat himself on the couch next to her.
“Yes, I am. I’m very sorry I left without telling you this morning, but I had something to do and I was in a rush.”
“That’s fine, that’s fine, don’t worry. I’m just so glad you’re okay.”
“Boreas, I came here to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You have opened my eyes and made me realize I have to fight for a better life for myself. And I started that fight today. I broke up with Dwayne. I made the first step,” Rainey said, almost tearing up again. “I could never have done it without you. I spent so many years lying to myself, deceiving myself, because I was too scared to see the truth and admit to myself what a monster Dwayne is. His attitude stifled my confidence, and I always doubted myself. But you believed in me, and that gave me the strength and courage to see things in a new way. You have changed my life, Boreas. And I will be forever in your debt for that.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
“You have nothing to thank me for, Rainey,” Boreas said gently into her ear as he held her in his arms. “You are a wonderful person, and you should be very proud of yourself for making this step. I know how much courage it has taken.”
She pulled back from him and looked into his hazel eyes. They were glistening, full of emotion.
“I know I can never repay you for what you’ve done for me, but if there is ever anything you need from me, please let me know,” Rainey said.
“You don’t owe me anything, Rainey. You should thank yourself, not me.”
Rainey nodded, then fell silent and stared at the floor.
“This has all been a big shock, hasn’t it?” he said gently. “You’re probably wondering where you’re going to live now?”
She lifted her head, startled that he’d picked up on her thoughts.
“Would you like to come back to the island and spend some more time there?” he asked. “The guys are about to start with the actual building, and I know they’d love your help.”
She gasped. “Oh, I was hoping you’d say that,” she said. “The island has been very therapeutic for me, and I like the idea of being physically away from my old life for a while. Maybe it’ll help erase some of my dark memories, all the ugliness I’m tainted with.”
“You’re not tainted. You’re beautiful and special,” Boreas exclaimed.
Rainey’s stomach flipped. He had just called her beautiful. But no. Surely that was just because he wanted to make her feel better, not because he thought of her in that way.
“You’re too kind.” Rainey chuckled, then leaned toward him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Instead of pulling away, he gently placed his hand on the nape of her neck, and they stayed like that for a moment, her lips on his cheek, her body tingling. Boreas moved his head back slowly and then leaned in, his forehead resting against hers, their breath coming shakily. He brushed his lips gently against hers, as if asking for permission, and Rainey’s heart raced even faster. Sh
e pressed her lips against his and, before she knew it, they were kissing, gently at first, and then hungrily, passionately. When his tongue grazed her lips, she parted them, and the sensation of his tongue circling around hers sent a million shivers up and down her spine.
Then she pulled away abruptly. “Boreas, I can’t do this,” she said. “I’m sorry. I feel too scared and fragile. I-I think I need to be by myself for a while.”
“I’m sorry,” Boreas said, his voice husky and his eyes full of guilt. “I just got carried away. I’m really sorry.” He jumped off the sofa and straightened up. “I just need to pick up a few things, and we can make our way to the island.” He strode into the next room.
Chapter 11
Boreas
“Try not to hammer yourself into the wood,” Boreas said to Aquilo, chuckling.
“I have learned a thing or two from Rainey, you know.” Aquilo winked and ran a hand through his straight black hair. “And I’d rather hammer myself into the wood than continue working on the Megan Garner case. The woman is too intense. I don’t know how the others haven’t gone mad.”
“Did I hear someone doubting my teaching skills?” Rainey said, coming into the construction site.
“Never.” Boreas grinned, turning to her. “I’m only doubting Aquilo’s coordination.”
Rainey was wearing brown pants, a pastel green shirt and light brown boots. Her cheeks were a little rosy and her curly hair was blowing gently in the wind. She looked so sexy in that careless, casual manner of hers.
“He has been fantastic, actually,” Rainey said, smiling at Aquilo.
“See,” Aquilo teased Boreas. “I’d do anything but spend any more time with that woman.”
Boreas rubbed his chin with his forefinger and thumb. “Rainey, do you also think there’s something Aquilo isn’t telling us about Megan? The whole thing seems a little suspicious to me,” he joked. “I’ve met her a few times, and she seems like a really nice person. I think Aquilo may have the hots for her.”
Rainey laughed. “Hmm…I do have to admit his sudden passion for the construction project seemed a little fishy,” Rainey joined in.
“Oh, shut up, you two! What do you know?” Aquilo fired up, his blue eyes narrowing beneath his thick black brows. “I’ll go get some more wood, and I hope you’ll have changed the subject by the time I come back.” He stalked off. Boreas and Rainey looked at each other and laughed.
“Yup. Definitely something he isn’t telling us,” Rainey said.
“I bet. I’m very grateful for his construction passion, though. But even more so to you for coordinating everything. I can’t believe how much progress you’ve made in only three days.”
“Well, I’ve been enjoying it a lot. Both the building aspect and working with the guys. And the distraction helps. I’ve even been sleeping better,” Rainey said.
“That’s great, Rainey,” Boreas exclaimed.
He was very glad that Rainey was feeling better. They’d been spending a lot of time together in the past few days, working on the construction site, taking walks on the island, even going to get groceries together. He was relieved there was no awkwardness between them after their kiss. It was such a stupid thing for him to have done, and he’d been so mad at himself afterwards. He’d acted like a selfish idiot. It was true, he had all those feelings for Rainey, but that didn’t mean he could act on them. It wasn’t right. He didn’t know what had possessed him in that moment, except that he’d found it impossible to control himself. She looked so irresistible sitting on the sofa next to him, all fragile and beautiful.
His heart had felt like screaming when she said that she felt tainted by being with Dwayne. The injustice of it drove him crazy. She was the purest, most amazing person he’d ever met. And she’d been making him feel things no woman had ever made him feel before, making his dragon pushy and needy around her. She was his soulmate—he felt it deep in his bones. She understood him and saw him for who he was, and she inspired him and made him want to be a better dragon. He just wished she could see herself the way he saw her.
“You two seem to be spending a lot of time together lately.” Caden’s voice seemed to come from nowhere. Boreas spun around and located him at the edge of the site. “I thought the protection agency was your main priority at the moment, Boreas. What are you doing here again?”
“Mind your own business, Caden,” Boreas said in a calm voice. “Are you in one of your rotten moods again?”
“I am minding my own business,” Caden barked, taking a few steps toward Boreas. “And it’s my business to make sure we are all acting in the best interests of this clan. And do you know what, Romeo? Fetching another human into the clan is not in our interests at all.”
“What are you talking about?” Boreas asked.
“Don’t act all innocent. I can see what you’ve been doing with that woman.” Caden tilted his chin in Rainey’s direction, his lip curled in disgust. “Xephyr leaves, and immediately you go chasing some damsel in distress. Well, you know what, it’s not happening. No. More. Humans!” Caden roared, twin jets of smoke bursting from his nostrils.
“Chill out, Caden. Rainey is just helping us with the construction. And instead of acting all hostile and showering all sorts of ridiculous accusations around, you should be grateful to her for teaching us skills that are of use in this world.” Boreas gnashed his teeth in annoyance at Caden’s selfishness.
“Don’t try to fool me. I’m not stupid. I can see how you’ve been looking at her and how she’s been looking at you. You two can’t wait to start screwing each other!” Caden bellowed, his face red and contorted in a grimace.
“Don’t be a douchebag. I want you to leave right now.” Boreas was doing his best to control his dragon, which was burning to wipe the floor with that spoiled dragon. He was so angry that Rainey had to hear all of the crap coming from Caden’s mouth.
“Female dragons”—Caden stepped towards Boreas—“that’s what we need. Female dragons. And if you gave a fuck about this clan, you’d be working on that. We are losing our powers, and we need to find some female dragons on this forsaken land and start mating with them to restore our strength,” Caden shouted, his arms flailing in all directions. “Look at Notus. It’s been months, and his injuries haven’t recovered yet. If we had the power we used to have, he would have recovered within days. Don’t you give a damn about your crippled friend, Boreas?”
Boreas put his tools down, took a few steps toward Caden, and fixed his eyes on him. “Listen to me,” he hissed between teeth. “If you gave a damn about this clan, you’d stop acting like the selfish prick you’ve been and start helping us out here. We’ve got a prophecy to fulfil, remember? We have to help humans, that’s our mission here, and that’s what we need to focus on. We never defy the word of the Oracle. And there must be a reason why she gave us that task. Maybe it’ll help strengthen our powers.”
“How on earth will helping humans help strengthen our powers?” Caden’s shoulder muscles bunched.
“I don’t know how! The rules here seem to be different from the rules back home. And the only way to find out is by fulfilling the prophecy of the Oracle, Boreas shouted, his body trembling with anger. “Now get out of here and start doing something useful if you’re the loyal member of this clan that you’re claiming to be.”
Caden turned around and traipsed away, looking at his feet and mumbling something. He seemed a little taken aback by Boreas’s outburst. Boreas was a calm and patient dragon, and he didn’t often lose his temper, but when he did, he knew he was scarier to be around than their leader Xephyr.
“This is not over, Boreas,” Caden threatened, turning to face him again. “I will not allow another human into this clan.” And he was gone.
Boreas ground his teeth, full of frustration. He was just been trying to be a good friend to Rainey and help her through a difficult time. And he thought he was doing fine, but it seemed he wasn’t. Apparently, he’d just been gawking at her so obviously th
at everyone had noticed.
He was sick of feeling guilty for having feelings for Rainey. What could he do? It wasn’t like he chose to fall in love with her. It just happened. And he’d been trying to ignore it and deny it, and fool himself that he wasn’t feeling anything. But that didn’t help. And some days it seemed that the pain of not being with Rainey would never stop. But none of that mattered because they just couldn’t be together. She didn’t want him and she sure as hell wasn’t looking for a new boyfriend. She’d just broken up with that douche and she must love being free. So, everyone should just chill out and stop worrying that he’d mate a human, and leave him to help Rainey recover. Because that’s what mattered. Her happiness.
He turned to her and guilt stabbed at his gut when he noticed that she’d turned pale.
“I’m sorry for his stupid behavior,” Boreas said to her once Caden was out of earshot. “It’s nothing personal. He’s been going through a rough time since we’ve arrived here, and he’s unbearable to be around when he’s miserable. I hope he didn’t upset you.”
“I’m fine,” she said, forcing a smile. “He seems very angry though. Boreas, I love being on the island, and it’s been great for my recovery, but I don’t want to cause you any trouble. You’ve been working so hard in the past few weeks, and I don’t want to make things more difficult for you than they already are.”
Boreas snorted. “You’ve made my life much easier, trust me. Caden will come around. He’s always been like that, full of words and drama. Please don’t worry about him.”
“As long as you are sure about it,” Rainey said, eyebrows drawn together in concern.
“I am.” He nodded at her and picked up his tools again.
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