by Mikea Howard
Separating herself from the pull of his gravity, she gave a single, firm nod. Mouth tight, Dottie feared if she spoke, it would be filled with reasons why they should stay; her safety be damned. Scanning the area, she located her change of threads strewn about the grass.
Stepping out of her dress and into the flowing, gray trousers with wide, cuffed legs, she fastened the large sailor themed buttons up each hip. Holding the waistband between her index and thumb, she discovered them to be a little looser than the last time she’d worn them. Once they settled in with the werewolves, she’d want to eat more and fill her curves back out.
Worry crept up her spine. She refused to be a burden to the pack Tim would be asking to hide her. She already saw herself as a burden to him . . . her intended . . . because he had to bear Dottie’s weight as he carried her on his back. She couldn’t even imagine how much extra energy it took to fly with her.
Securing the blouse’s last button, she slipped her feet into the comfortable shoes before her. Tucking the shirttails into the roomy waistband, she bent into a squat. Dottie wadded up the discarded clothing, stuffing it quickly into the beach bag. The soft click of small, but solid items drew her attention to the dress. Groping around she located the pocket, pulling out its contents. What appeared gray in the other realm, reflected an opalescent cream in the sunlight.
How? But Gaia gave ‘em ta me in there, how are they here?
Tim’s breath warmed her ear as he wrapped himself against her back. “Wow, spectacular pearls. But they might be a little formal for a Were enclave.” Chuckling, he walked around to face her. “Here, let me help you put them on.”
She pulled them against her chest as he reached forward. “No. Not yet. She said I’d know when ta put ‘em on. It’s soon, but not now.”
He raised a brow. “She?”
Tossing him a nonchalant shrug, Dottie stuffed them into her bra, the cool pearls digging into the giving flesh of her breast. The tension in her neck evaporated when he didn’t press for more.
Tim froze in place, lifting his ear to the sky. “Something’s coming along the road. The engine is roaring at top speed. Let’s go . . . now.”
The instant he shifted, Dottie scrambled onto his back, slinging the straps of her tote over her shoulder.
A shot rang out from below, heralding the bullet zipping past her leg. Multiple guns blasted from where they’d stood only seconds before. Zing, zip, zing. The ammo cut through the air around them. Tim’s right wing jerked, pumping harder than the left. Dottie’s gaze searched frantically.
Oh my God, he’s been hit.
Missing any visible blood, a few of his feathers were absent. Like a caged bird with clipped wings, he couldn’t keep their combined weight aloft. They fell from the sky, albeit slowly.
Gaia’s voice whispered through Dottie’s head. This may be the perfect time.
Fear for their lives had shadowed the goddess’s gift. Digging into the neck of her shirt, she freed the necklace. Wrapping it around her throat she fumbled with its clasp.
Tim’s form rolled to the right, forcing her to let go and grip his feathers with one of her hands to regain balance. Threatening to drop from her hand, the strand swung away. Panic ignited every nerve ending.
“No.”
Squeezing her thighs together, she put all her faith in them to keep her seated on her mount. Grasping the other end of the pearls she drew them tight against her throat. A sense of calm washed over her, slowing time, as she secured the gift in one smooth motion with nimble fingers.
Holding her breath, she waited, but nothing happened. Tim continued to struggle keeping them in the air as she fought to stay on his back. What kind of cruel joke was this?
Gaia pressed harder in her mind. Think hard, dear, what is your greatest wish right now?
The goddess had to be kidding. She hoped they’d survive and make it to safety.
No, Na-qui-si, try harder.
Dottie shouted, “I wish I could fly, then Tim wouldn’t have ta die burdened with me.”
In an instant, everything in the world around her changed. Gravity no longer had the same pull, her bones almost as light as air. New variants of colors exploded before her eyes, some of them reflecting more light than others. Sensing a shift in the air current, she dipped her wings.
Wings?
Instead of the surprised cry she expected, a musical warble escaped Dottie’s throat, reminiscent of the Meadowlarks who would serenade her as she escaped her mother’s little shack.
The wind rushing through her feathers, she mused, Di mi. I’m a bird like Tim. Excitement gave way to alarm. Tim! Her improved vision spotted him soaring to her left.
Flying with less difficulty, his frantic flapping had slowed. His one eye zeroed in on her. Opening his beak wide, he let out a screech.
He appeared equally surprised by her change. The intensity of his predatory gaze sped up her heart rate. Dottie’s love and complete trust in her man silenced a core sensation of being prey, screaming for her to flee.
~ ~ ~
Absolute panic, of believing he’d lost his beloved, had nearly crippled him when her weight left his back, his outstretched talon only grasping a bag of belongings. Tim’s dread instantly transformed to joy when the smaller bird beside him sang. Regardless of the vocal cords, he’d recognized her.
She flapped her wings, catching an up-current with him. His chest swelled, thanking both the god and goddess for this gift. While his deity had stayed silent since he’d arrived at the odd tree, it didn’t mean the horned god didn’t assist Dottie. And the goddess, her fierce love for her consort, as well as his people, led her to often break the rules.
Tim wouldn’t put it past her either. Regardless, he couldn’t be more grateful for their interference.
While larger than a natural born meadowlark, she only boasted the wingspan of a normal hawk. Still enough to soar and keep up with him. Studying her closer, he found she boasted a white collar with an opalescent sheen in the sunlight, a trait not found in females of this genus. Unique, in only the way his Dottie could be. Of course she’d shine like a star, despite not having the vivid yellow of the male counterpart.
By the horned god, I love this woman beyond belief. I need her more than the sky needs the stars.
Leading the way, he kept her in sight, following along when she meandered. Tim remembered the joy of his first flight, and loved watching her enjoy those same freedoms. He had to remind himself frequently, especially when she made dangerous dives to view something closer. He flew as her shadow, protecting her from any threats.
Even with her larger size, and him beside her, he never knew what predator might still view her as vulnerable.
When they arrived at Blue Wolf, he had them settle down outside of the enclave. Shifting back to human form, he stared at her, still sitting there in her lark body.
“Are you nervous?”
Her loud trill in response resembled frustration more than agreement.
“Do you know how to shift back?”
Her bird form hopped around, wagging its head.
“If the god or goddess gifted you a shifting ability, they wouldn’t make it complicated. Just focus on what you are trying to do.”
A flashing light sparked, and like any other shifter, the woman stood where the bird had perched before. Dottie smiled widely, covering her mouth, and giggled. “I thought I knew flyin’ from bein’ on yer back . . . but actually flyin’!” She spun, laughing openly.
Tim smirked. “I’m glad you loved it. Because now we’ll soar together frequently.”
Reaching up to her throat, rolling the pearls through her fingers, she grinned. “When the goddess gave me these, I had no idea. I didn’t even believe in her before . . . before . . .”
Guatimozin enveloped her
in his arms. “They have a way of helpfully meddling.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I love you, as do they. You’re enough . . . always enough. Never question what you mean to them, or to me.”
He leaned back, gazing into her eyes, ascertaining her readiness to face the Blue Wolf pack. While accepting, they could be overwhelming.
When she nodded, he gripped her hand and headed straight toward the enclave’s alpha central.
While they passed familiar faces, he didn’t stop to speak to anyone. The perimeter enforcer who saw them land would’ve already sent word to the beta. Since he was requesting assistance in a formal manner, he had to show up at the office. What he had to ask might put the pack at risk. The Animal Gang likely wouldn’t come after her here, but he couldn’t be sure.
As they traveled through the enclave, Tim wished he could take time to explain the set-up, show her the scrub encampment, and introduce her to his friends. There will be time after we meet with the Blue Wolf alpha.
Arriving at the x-shaped building in the core of the village, the beta, Marek, met them at the door. “Hey Tim, you here for the new addition?”
“I am, but I also have another pressing concern.”
Marek’s countenance shifted, nodding. “Wait here.” Hurrying down the hall, he entered a door further down.
Huh. The beta did have the ability to be serious. Tim had doubted it before now.
When Marek popped back out of the door, waving them down, Tim pulled his woman along. Her nervousness radiated to him.
“Guatimozin.” All business, Domek personified alpha mode, standing beside his chair. “By entering this way, I assume you’re not here on a social call but making an official petition.”
Chapter 14
Gulping, Dottie couldn’t believe her eyes. The behemoth behind the desk had to be at least seven feet tall, and four feet wide with enough muscle to lift a train. Everything about the alpha was dark; his hair, his tan, and his demeanor.
A pair of striking blue eyes softened his visage. Normally, she would find them attractive, but in him, they shot out like crippling lasers into her soul.
Stay strong, Dottie, they probably smell fear.
Moving closer, Tim lifted his arm, tucking her into his side. “Alpha, the AG has a kill order out on Dottie, and we require a secure place while we research where to go next. I hoped you’d be kind enough to let us stay.”
Dottie nearly jumped out of her skin at the loud thud when Domek dropped himself into his chair.
He growled. “Since when is Blue Wolf the refuge for people running from, or harmed by the Animal Gang?”
A tsking came from beside her. Her glance found the beta, lounging in a chair. His arm draped over the back while one leg slung off the side.
He smirked at the alpha. “Careful, Domek. Sadie and her friends were some of those AG casualties.” Laughing, he feigned getting up. “Maybe I should go and have my mate tell her what you just said.”
The alpha huffed. “Sit your ass back down, wolf. Your mischief won’t be necessary. Besides, Kara would exaggerate the facts to ensure trouble.”
Dottie couldn’t imagine how scary the women in the pack must be if they put such fear in their alpha. Tim assured her coming here remained the best plan. She had her doubts.
Lifting himself out of his seat, Marek extended his hand to Tim. “Of course you’re welcome to stay. My enforcers will double their patrols and ensure no one tries to come near.”
“Oh, that’s how it is now?” Domek crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re making pack decisions? I don’t remember you kicking my ass to become alpha.”
“Oh, like you were gonna throw them out.” Leaning in close, jerking a thumb in Domek’s direction, Marek whispered, “Poor thing, born with an easily bruised ego caged inside his big head.”
Dottie giggled. Throwing her fingers to her lips, she tried to stop herself in mid-titter. When he gave her a dramatic wink, another bout slipped past. Tim’s touch calmed her, but the beta had a way of putting her at ease. She liked him, and if the rest of the pack behaved the same, she’d survive.
Jerking upright, Domek strode to them. He took Dottie’s hand between his. “My apologies, I forget myself sometimes when the Animal Gang’s atrocities come knocking on my door and threaten the wellbeing of my pack. You’re more than welcome to find solace here for as long as you like.”
The power radiating from his point of contact made it all too obvious why Violet and her goons gave Blue Wolf a wide berth. She cleared her throat. “Thank you, Alpha.”
Domek tipped his head in Tim’s direction before returning to his place behind the ornate wooden desk.
Marek squeezed himself between Tim and Dottie, tossing an arm over each of their shoulders, and guided them out of the office. “Great, now that’s all settled, let’s find you two a place to sleep while here. Although I imagine not a lot of sleeping goes on. Am I right?”
Dottie’s face heated with what had to be a bright red blush which deepened further when Marek’s guffaw echoed down the hallway.
“I’m sorry, Dottie, we wolves are not shy about our sex lives. It slips my mind how dieselheads tend to be a bit more . . . discrete. Not to worry though, I have the perfect place for you guys. Javier has some room to spare, and he’s on cooking duty tonight. You’ll have the place to yourselves for a bit.”
A cook? Dottie’s stomach growled, almost as loud as Domek had.
Tim quirked a brow at her, then to their guide. “We appreciate your help, but we should find my woman some food first. She hasn’t eaten since I woke her from the coma.” He held up a staying gesture in her direction. “As much as she’ll insist she’s fine waiting, she should eat before anything else.”
A large smile spread across the beta’s bright face. “Absolutely. I’m always open to stop for a bite to eat. If I don’t eat at least five times a day, I can barely stand.”
A woman’s voice came from behind. “If what he says isn’t the truth, I don’t know what is. Keeping his bottomless pit filled is my sworn duty as his indentured servant, sorry, I mean mate.”
Marek spun them all around to face what Dottie could only describe as a beautiful Amazonian warrior. She must have stood six feet tall, covered in tanned, lean muscle. Her large, striking amber colored eyes peeked through tousled, golden blond hair.
Leaving them behind, Marek sprinted the few steps to her. “There you are, my little minx. You snuck out early before I could wake you in my favorite way.”
The heat from the couple’s kiss nearly melted Dottie where she stood. Di mi, they’re on fire. It was like a petting party in the hallway.
A little uncomfortable, she squinted at Tim. “They gotta come up for air at some point, don’t they?”
A deep, throaty laugh escaped the other woman. “Not when we’re breathing for each other.” She forced Marek away with a playful shove. “I didn’t mean to be so rude.”
The beta smacked his mate’s ass. “And you should be punished.”
Shushing him she continued, “I should have introduced myself first. I’m Kara, Blue Wolf’s beta-in-waiting.”
Certain she’d learned all the wereanimal terms back in school, this one baffled Dottie. “Beta-in-waitin’?”
Marek scoffed. “Kara fancies she’s able to take my place as our pack beta. I believe she covets it merely to spite Domek.”
“Someone has to keep our pack’s big bag of wind in check, and you, my love, are far too easy on him.” Placing a kiss on his cheek, she focused on Dottie again. “Who’s this lovely little thing you have with you, Tim?”
He opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by a squeal.
A brunette barreling toward them shouted, “Oh my goddess. It’s Dottie DeVeaux. I’m a big fan. I saw you perform at a gin joint in Eureka last
year. You were the cat’s pajamas.”
Reaching out, Dottie shook the woman’s hand. “Di mi, thanks. I didn’t expect anyone here ta know me.”
“I’m Sadie, and not jus’ you, but yer whole family. My dad, Pops, used ta play yer grandma Dorothea’s records as we worked in the shop.”
As though their minds and souls connected on the deepest level, Tim laced his fingers with Dottie’s, keeping her raw emotions at bay. Her grandparents had remained a quiet memory, always in the back of her mind for all these years. Now, in the last two days they’d become the topic of discussion.
Tim spoke up. “I’m sorry everyone, but if you don’t mind, I need to get her to the Commons for some sustenance before she drops.”
Kara and Sadie huddled close as Dottie caught snippets of explanations of her and how she sang. Apparently, Kara didn’t have a clue, and Sadie insisted on laying every detail on her. The last thing she overheard involved planning to listen to some of Dottie’s albums tonight.
Marek waved them off. “Sounds good, Tim. I’ll meet you there shortly.” He guided the other two women back toward the office. “Hold on, Sadie, Domek will want your information as well. It may help him understand how determined the AG may be to have our new guest.”
Dottie’s stomach sank. She hated bringing trouble to these people. Turning to follow them, to explain, she was stopped short by the man holding her hand.
Tim shook his head. “No, Na-qui-si, it’s their discussion to have.”
~ ~ ~
Guiding Dottie to the central fire pit, Tim squeezed her hand. “I hope you like spicy food, because it’s all Javier knows how to cook.”
“I heard that, Tim.” The pack’s import from Spain called out. “I know you love my cooking though, therefore I’ll let it pass.” Finally glancing up from the meat on the grill, he smiled warmly. “Who’s accompanying you, my friend?”