Page 17 of Voyage of Fury and Fate

roll tide!

The tripto the Gulf Coast is uneventful and quick. Less than two hours later, we’re on the ground in a small regional airport not far from the emerald green water.

“God, why does it feel like a sauna out here?” Luna asks as she dramatically exits the jet. “My makeup just melted off my face.”

“You’re still beautiful,” Micah announces, making her cheeks turn pink. I can’t help but smile at the energy flowing between them.

“So are you,” she answers while punching him in the shoulder.

Vampires are immune to temperature changes, but the hot air slaps me in the face, telling me it’s even more humid than Charleston. A clone of the black SUV from South Carolina sits on the tarmac and is currentlybeing used as a leaning post for one of the largest people I’ve ever seen. Long legs are the host of a pair of shorts that are so thin that I can see the palm trees on his boxers. A pale green Jimmy Buffet shirt and a pair of worn flip-flops are the perfect accessories for the lackadaisical lycan energy flowing from him.

“Hey!” He waves as he greets us. “Welcome to the Gulf Coast.” He moves in front of Topher, bowing his head slightly. “Christopher.”

“It’s good to see you again, Fynn,” Topher says, patting him on the shoulder.

“You, too, sir.” He turns toward the rest of our group. “Fynn Jackson.” His eyes lock on Amelia. “Is this your mate?” he asks Topher, sniffing the air in front of him.

“He’smymate,” she answers with a laugh.

Fynn moves in front of Amelia. The top of her head barely reaches the pecks showing through his too-tight shirt. “I’ve heard so much about you. It’s a pleasure to meet you in person.”

“Thank you,” she answers. For the first time since meeting her, her energy feels awkward, helping me realize she’s not a fan of being the center of attention. She nods around the group, introducing everyone to the tall lycanthrope.

“It’s a pleasure.” He opens the door to the SUV. “We have a short trip to the beach house.”

“Beach house?” Luna asks from the back seat.

“Yeah, it’s one of the smaller homes the pack owns.There are only twelve bedrooms, but it should be perfect for y’all.”

“Yeah, that should be plenty,” Amelia scoffs.

Less than ten minutes later, Fynn stops in front of a three-story house lifted high on pedestals. To the unsuspecting eye, this house is no different from any of the others nearby. To my eyes and nose, it reeks of lycan.

We follow Fynn through the parking area/game room, up a flight of stairs, to a regular front door. He unlocks it, handing a set of keys to Topher afterward. “It’s yours for as long as you need.” The door opens, revealing a large open room, ending with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows facing the clear water of the Gulf.

“This is beautiful,” Luna whispers.

Fynn smiles at her admission. “I’ve taken the liberty of stocking the refrigerator and pantry.” He clears his throat. “Several donors are willing to provide nourishment for the vampires if needed.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Amelia and Thorne answer in unison. I shift from foot to foot, thinking about the disgusting taste of the goat’s blood they both drink.

“Let me know if you need anything,” Fynn says, moving to leave. “If not, I’ll be back tomorrow morning, and we will begin the search.” He claps his hands, clearly excited about the hunt.

“Anyone else hungry?” Micah asks the lycan in theroom. They collectively agree they’re starving as he and Luna head toward the kitchen to start dinner.

Thorne follows me up the next flight of stairs to a long hallway filled with doors on each side. I peek into the rooms, all of which are decorated in the same style, before choosing one that faces the water.

“Do you mind if I stay in here with you?” he asks, following me into the room.

I turn toward the man I love. “Of course not. I assumed you would.”

Thorne looks down at my words. “You’ve felt a little distant the past few days. I thought maybe you could use some space.”

I step in front of the captain. “I have had a lot on my mind, but pulling away from you wasn’t the catalyst. I’m sorry if it came across that way.”

Long arms wrap around my shoulders, pulling me tightly to his chest. “It’s understandable. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of emotion. I know how hard it was to see the immort…to see Gretchen.” His words bring tears to my eyes. “That’s why we’re here. We’re going to stop Patrice.”

“How?”

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