Page 63 of Siren in the Rain

Yet, strangely, even Haku isn’t able to make me feel the same kind of peace and comfort that Griffin does.

I heave a heavy mental sigh because I suspect a big part of this is that pesky magical fated-mate bond I’ve been so reluctant to acknowledge. But the evidence of our connection just continues to grow day by day, and my worries have started to fade away the more I get to know Griffin.

Coral was right. My father is a weak man. Perhaps he could have been someone or something better if he’d accepted the bond. Instead, he allowed himself to become steeped in irrational fear and hatred.

What a fucking loser.

I don’t want to be like that.

And Griffin is nothing like my father. He’s more purehearted and honest in his feelings and thoughts than anyone I’ve ever met. He’s also always unapologetically himself. I have to admire that.

Yes, he’s a big goofball golden retriever of a guy, who’s far too attractive and tempting for his own good, but he’s also a genuinely good person.

Lately, I find myself wanting to learn more about him.

I frown as I stare ahead at our destination. Griffin’s discovered so much about me and my past, but I know next to nothing about him. He’s occasionally made offhand comments that have raised questions in my mind. Despite his happy-go-lucky persona, I get the impression that life hasn’t always been so kind to him.

There’s so much I want to ask him about, but I don’t have a fucking clue how to do it. I’ve never been in a relationship with anyone before. I was nothing more than a tool for my human family to use, and when they had no need of me, I was locked away from the world.

Now, at twenty-five, it feels all kinds of ridiculous to have no idea what the fuck to do with a sexy man who wants me. I’ve had a few flickers of lust recently, but my dick remains dormant. My therapist assures me this is natural and I just need to give myself time.

In any case, I intend to get some of the answers that I want during this week away.

I think this trip will be a good thing for Griffin and me. We can spend time together and get to know each other better. And—just maybe—see if this bond between us is the real deal.

I won’t ignore my grandmother’s warning. She’s right. I need to make a decision soon and be prepared for the consequences, good or bad.

If nothing else, Griffin deserves that.

The dock comes into view and the ferry slows down. A small welcoming party of just my grandmother and aunt waits for us. Griffin offers to carry our bags as we disembark and I let him. Doing little things for me makes him weirdly happy, and I’m finally learning to accept it.

It’s not like we’ve brought a whole lot with us either. I don’t exactly have a lot of worldly possessions, after all. Our bags contain just a few changes of clothing and some toiletries, which should get us by for a weeklong visit.

Once we are fully on the dock, Coral comes up and embraces me in a tight but brief hug. “Thank you for coming, my child. Welcome to Silverstorm Island.” She turns to Griffin. “We welcome you, as well, Griffin McIntyre, mate of my grandson.”

I sigh but don’t protest.

Griffin’s tail wags enthusiastically and his ears are pointing straight up. The huge, beaming smile on his face reflects his obvious pleasure. “Thanks so much for letting me come with Shae. Can I call you Grandma Coral?”

She blinks at him in surprise and then throws her head back with a laugh. “Ha! I like that. Yes, you may.”

Griffin drops our bags and pulls her into a big hug, lifting her up until her feet dangle in the air. “Thanks, Grandma Coral!”

When he sets her back down, my grandmother has a rather bewildered expression on her face. She blinks at me. “Your mate is quite… enthusiastic.”

I roll my eyes. “That’s one way to describe Griffin.”

Coral and Anemone lead the way with Griffin chatting enthusiastically. Bemused, I overhear him ask my aunt if he can call her Aunt Anemone as I trail behind them.

Oh god, he’s totally turning this into a boyfriend meeting the family situation.

“Hurry! Hurry, Master Shae!” Haku demands, his head bobbing in anticipation.

The moment I leave the dock and set foot on land, a jolt of magical energy races from the soles of my feet all the way to the top of my head. It’s so damn powerful that I can’t hold back a gasp.

My grandmother turns back. “Ah, yes. The magic of Silverstorm Island acknowledges you as one of our own. While you’re here, you’ll experience a stronger connection to some of your powers than you may have before.”

Thankfully, the intensity of the magic begins to fade to a pleasant hum thrumming through my body as we continue to make our way toward my grandmother’s house. The island’s small enough there don’t seem to be many vehicles here. We pass by several residents on bicycles during the short fifteen-minute walk from the dock and up a steep road to my grandmother’s house.

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