by Jessica Cage
She smiled, and her face lit with a warmth from within that once again captivated Ardyn. “Every step of the way.”
“It was nice of Briar to make this available to us,” Nitara commented as she observed their group, once again made up of familiar faces, and a few she hadn’t known before. They all settled in at one of the many fairy safe houses that were set up around the world. It was a place of sanctuary for their people and those who were seeking protection. Although the new queen of the fairies was unable to join them on their current conquest, she wanted to support their efforts in locating the girl that she had become quite close to.
The structure was built on an island that was produced by fairy magic. Just like their capital, the island was an extension of the world it existed on. From the ocean floor, large branches of earth reached up to produce a coral-covered mass of land that would become home to any fairy who was away from the main city. The buildings that decorated the island were unique and mimicked the flow of the ocean. The walls encased tide pools that held sea creatures of all sizes. From the top of the main building a waterfall fell. The flow of the water was what powered the island. It kept the plant and sea life happy and safe from harm as well as provided energy for the devices that required it.
The safe house sat just off the coast of what was once called South America but was currently known as Maphri. The large territory hosted shapeshifters of all varieties, from werewolves, to bears, and beyond. Thanks to the help of allies of the magic wielding variety, they were able to implement climate controls that were separate from the rest of the world. Each sector operated separately, leaving the inhabitants in the perfect environment for their people. It was quite fascinating, though there weren’t many people outside of the shifters who dwelled there who got to witness what most of those areas looked like. The majority of the shapeshifters were secretive people, valuing their peace of mind and seclusion over the politics of the world both new and old.
“She wanted to be here, but things are really tense in Vilar right now.” Boxi, the large woman who was second in command of Briar’s guard, stepped forward. “It seems a lot of our people are struggling with all of the recent changes in our social climate.”
“You mean the slithers?” Bruto offered and received a low hiss from a few members of their party.
“No, actually, it would seem the fairies are more concerned now with the recent actions of both witches and vampires. Slithers, though they can make one uncomfortable, pose no real threat to our way of life. But to find out that the witches were working against the overall peace of the world with Daegal, and then that a vampire, had not only a djinn, but fae in her pocket … well, it is all unsettling. As you can imagine, the queen has her hands full with damage control right now.”
“Well, we will have to make sure we offer our support to her once we return,” Nitara stated as she stepped closer to Boxi to greet her.
“I’m sure that will help things a lot.” Boxi smiled to Nitara, giving her that feeling of inexplicable connection yet again.
“I gotta say, I’m happy to see you, wolfie. I didn’t think they would be able to get you to come along for this little ride.” Rosie sauntered in her usual way, with extra hip action, over to the man who’d found a quiet place to himself.
“Well, Nitara is quite convincing as you know.” He chuckled as he considered the reason that everyone would assume was behind his decision to join them. Of course, to them, all it took was a pretty face to change his mind.
“Oh yeah,” Rosie leaned into him, confirming his thoughts, “I’m sure it was Nitara who convinced you.” She winked at him, indicating the newest addition to their crew with a nod of her head. Zaria was standing by Nitara and watching Ardyn just as closely as he watched her. She blushed when their eyes met, and then turned and pretended to be deep in conversation with the slither woman by her side.
“Do you ever power down?” he asked Rosie. “I mean, ever since I met you, you have been on full blast. Why is that?”
“Now, what fun would that be?” Rosie poked him in the shoulder. “Watching you blush with that odd shade of green that lights your eyes, how can a girl ever resist?”
“She giving you a hard time?” Bruto grabbed Rosie by the waist and kissed her cheek. She returned the affection, winked over her shoulder at Ardyn who frowned, and left the two men alone.
“As always.” Ardyn shrugged as he watched her sashay away. “It doesn’t bother me nearly as much as it used to.”
“You know, that just means she likes you.” Bruto nudged his arm. “If she likes you, she gives you a hard time. We all do, so you should count yourself lucky.”
“Oh, how great.” The two chuckled, and Bruto, always ready with supply, handed Ardyn a drink.
“Hell, just be glad she doesn’t wanna bang you.” Turning, he spotted his woman, who had joined Nitara and Boxi. “Then you’d really be in for some shit. The woman damn near killed me when we first met!”
“I’ll pray for you.” Ardyn shook his head and pulled the hair from his face.
“So, I hear that this return home is kinda tough for you, huh?” Bruto took a serious tone, putting joking aside.
“Yeah, as a matter of fact it is.” He knocked back the drink. He’d be having this same conversation countless times. Like that would make his homegoing any easier.
“Why did it take you so long to go back? All this time? What was the hold up?”
“A lot of factors.” Biting his bottom lip, Ardyn’s eyes found their way back to Zaria who had her back to him, but from the shake of her shoulders he could tell she was laughing which meant she was smiling in that way that warmed him. Even without seeing it, he felt it.
“Oh, man!” Bruto grunted. “I know that look.”
“What do you mean?” He dropped his eyes to the floor.
“Nitara mentioned something about you not thinking you would be accepted by your pack. But that look has nothing to do with family or a pack. That look is about a woman and not that dark goddess across the room either.”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Ardyn put his empty bottle down; he wanted more but decided to show restraint.
“Sure, whatever you say.” Bruto softened. “I can tell you this, whatever you think she is going to do or say, you may as well put that out of your head. I mean, you have been gone a long time, but who knows, maybe she is still waiting for you. Maybe she won’t feel the way you think she will.”
“Yeah, well, you keep pondering on that.” Ardyn refused to get into the conversation any further. He still hadn’t decided how he felt about returning home. All he knew was that there was a tightness in the pit of his stomach that hadn’t subsided since he agreed to take the trip.
“All right, we’re all here but the dragons are still in route. As you all know we came very close to having this go horribly wrong. Luckily, that was avoided.” Jinn called the attention of everyone in the room. “That being said, we have another night before we move forward. Jax and his crew will be here soon. Also, we have a few new people joining us, that I’d like you all to get familiar with.” He nodded to Cole, a chubby slither who had been a major help when they were trying to save Nitara. If it weren’t for him, Jinn may have never realized Daegal was responsible for her capture. “For now, this is home. So get cozy.”
“You supplying us with grub?” a slither named London called out. “Mike promised us all that you would conjure up steaks for us to enjoy for the duration of our trip!”
“Of course he did.” Jinn laughed—even when Mike wasn’t around, he found a way to be a pain in his ass. “Steaks it is!”
“Do you ever get tired of that?” Nitara joined him and grabbed hold of his hand.
“As long as I have this, no.” Lifting the embrace to his lips, he kissed her fingertips. “They can have all of the meat they want.”
“It’s not even real.” She watched as the men attacked the table of steaks, potatoes, and all of the fixings that appeared in the center
of the room. They happily filled their plates and toasted the man at her side.
“I don’t think it matters. It’s the idea of it. Their bellies are full, their taste buds happy … they don’t care if it’s a concoction of magic and plant life that creates that effect. People just want to be happy. This brings them a bit of happiness.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead.
“Remember when that was simply all we needed to be happy? A good meal, a sunset, and each other?” She looked up at him and planted a soft peck on his cheek.
“Nitty, that is still all I need.” His voice lowered to a hungry growl that excited her. “And the meal is optional.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere.” Her seductive laugh rang out as the two disappeared from the room to take their conversation somewhere more private.
“It looks like we’re all here. Some with a few hangovers.” Jinn’s gaze bounced around the room. Half of their crew had decided to party the night away. That party only grew with intensity when the dragons touched down and Bruto, always the generous one, happily replenished their supply of spirits. “I just hope it was worth it.” He laughed at the men who groaned at the sound of his voice.
“Hell yeah!” Bruto boasted, never the one to suffer from hangovers. The man drank like a fish so a few bottles of whiskey barely fazed him. “I’m ready for round two!”
“There will be no repeat of last night. We have a lot to cover today before we head into wolf territory and we aren’t far from there. They’re likely aware of our position after the ruckus last night, but that may play in our favor. They won’t think we’re trying to sneak up on them.”
“We’re going to go in with a skeleton crew,” Jax stepped in as he eyed his own men who had gotten carried away with the festivities, “and the rest of you will stay here and wait for further orders. It should give you some time to recover from your antics."
“Stay and wait?” Cole, the chubby slither, stepped forward. “It was my understanding that we would all be going with you. Is that wise?”
“Yes. Ardyn believes going in small is best and I agree. We aren’t here to start a war. There are other hubs surrounding the territory. If we need to move farther, you will receive notice of that and will move to a better location. We don’t want to be too far out just in case something does happen,” Jinn explained. “You all will only join us on the main land if it becomes absolutely necessary. The goal in this is to make sure that it doesn’t.”
“Rick, do you think you will be able to handle going in there without losing your shit?” Jax asked the one dragon who had done too much sulking to get drunk off his ass.
“Well, I damn sure am not going to sit here and wait for word.” He stood from the chair where he’d been observing the room. “I’ll be fine.”
“Look, if you think you might lose it in there, you need to bail. Head back here and cool off if you need to, but do not cause any issues. We cannot start anything here,” Jax reiterated his point.
“Yes, sir. I know, I get it.”
“Good.” Jax patted him on the shoulder and handed the floor back over to Jinn.
“Now that we all understand how we’re moving forward, let’s get to assigning roles. For the first leg, it will be all djinn, Boxi, Inda, Jax, and Rick. Once Ardyn has done what he needs to do with the wolves, we may send for more of you to come and join us.”
“So all slithers stay back?” Cole questioned again. “What was the point of us coming here?”
“As backup. If we need you, we will send for you.”
“This is bullshit.” Carl, a slither who was unable to fully shift from his lizard form, snapped his heavy tail against the floor.
“What’s the problem?” Bruto questioned.
“The problem is you all leaving us here to sit and wait,” Cole answered for his boisterous brother. “Why aren’t any slithers going in there with you? This isn’t what I left my home for.”
“Speak for yourself,” London grunted. “I’m all for sitting here on my ass enjoying this sweet grub while they do all of the work.”
“Don’t you see this is some bullshit. They call us to fight, that’s it. Unless some crazy ass war breaks out, we go unseen, as always!” Carl hissed.
“Look, I don’t know what you thought this was, but this is exactly what your king dictated. Perhaps you should give him a call so he can explain it. Mike didn’t want to put any of you in harm’s way unless absolutely necessary,” Jinn explained, trying to calm them.
“Mike asked for this?” Cole seemed confused.
“Face it,” Bruto interjected, “you guys aren’t exactly fan favorites. If the world thinks you’re keeping your noses clean, it will help for your desire to be accepted by everyone. If you step in there now and things go south, who do you think is going to take the brunt of the blame for that?”
“I suppose you’re right,” Cole muttered.
“Look, man, we’re all friends here. Any decisions made are made with the best intentions for all parties included,” Jinn said to Cole, but he looked at all of the members in the room. “We have been through a lot together in such a short time. For centuries I lived on my own. No one and nothing mattered to me. That has changed. Each and every person in this room, and quite a few who aren’t, are my family now. I protect my family. Praia is a part of that family and we are here to protect her, nothing else. We get in, we get our girl, and we get the hell out of here. That is the goal. Do we all agree?” The room burst in a round of agreeing murmurs and a few random claps and Jinn stepped forward to shake Cole’s hand. “Thank you for being here, despite how difficult I know it must be for you.”
“No, I’m sorry. It’s been tough, but I’m happy to be here to help.” Jinn could see the tension as it melted from the bubbly man.
“Want some more steaks?” Jinn laughed.
“Well, if you’re offering!” Cole’s massive stomach rolled as he laughed and slapped the sides of his belly.
“Are you sure you're going to be okay?” Nitara’s hand rested on Ardyn’s shoulder as they stood outside of the boundaries of the place that was once his home. The Den was the northern most part of Maphri and home to the werewolves. The small team had been there for nearly an hour waiting for Ardyn to make his move. No one would rush him or try to push him to move forward faster than he was ready for. It was a delicate situation.
“Does it really matter at this point? We’re here. We need to just get this over with.” Ardyn spoke as if he would move forward but he remained planted in the same spot.
“I know this is difficult for you.”
He nodded. “It is.”
“What can I do to help?”
“Nitara, I really appreciate your efforts right now, but there isn’t anything you can do to make this easier. I just have to suck it up and get it over with.”
“Right,” she sighed.
“I will, okay?” He looked over his shoulder to Zaria who took his glance as a cue to join him.
“Ardyn,” she said his name with strength and kindness, and shot Nitara a look that asked for a moment alone with him. Nitara smiled and rejoined the others. “What seems to be the hold up? Don’t tell me you’re backing out now.”
“No, I’m not. At least I don’t think I am.”
Zaria stood with her shoulder to his, the back of her hand brushing the back of his. It was as intimate as they could be without giving the others something more to gossip about.
“You can do this. And we both know you need to do this.”
“I do?” He glanced down at her, but she continued to look forward at the pasture in front of them.
“Yes. There is something here that holds you back, Ardyn. It stifles you. You need to break free of the fear of what losing this place means to you. That’s what it is. As long as you don’t return, there is always a chance that you haven’t lost it all. That you can go back home and hope that things will turn out well here. The problem is that you’ve gotten so content in that i
dea that you’ve stopped living. You haven’t left Reverie not because you think that the people inside of the Den won’t accept you, or because you think the world won’t. It’s because you haven’t accepted yourself yet.” She drew her gaze up to meet his. “None of that matters until you do. You have to make peace with yourself. It doesn’t matter how much the world welcomes you, or how beautiful I think you are.” A smile touched her lips. “You have to do this for you, not for us, or for Praia. Free yourself of the burden of self-doubt.”
“It’s amazing.” He brushed her cheek with his hand, unbothered by the eyes watching them.
“What is?”
“How beautiful your soul is.” He smiled and bit his lip, resisting the urge to kiss her.
“Just as beautiful as the one I see in you.” She held his gaze, holding them in a moment saved just for the two of them. “Are you ready for this?”
“Yeah, I am. Finally.” Pulling her hands into his, he laced their fingers together. The tingles were there again, spreading from his hand, up his arm, and to his chest. “It’s time that I started living again.”
“I agree.” She nodded, and he reluctantly let her hand go.
“You all wait here. I need to go in first,” Ardyn addressed the others who tried to pretend as though they hadn’t been eavesdropping on the entire exchange.
“Are you sure?” Jinn questioned. “If you need backup—”
“That won’t be necessary. I have to do this the right way. As you’ve said, the goal is to not start a war here. I need to be accepted back into the pack before anyone else can follow.”
“Whatever you say, man. Holler if you need us.” Bruto winked and waggled his eyebrows. As Zaria walked by him to rejoin the group, he stepped to Ardyn. “What did I tell you about these ladies, man?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Ardyn chuckled and looked at Zaria. “Just try to stay out of trouble until I get back here.”