Page 14 of Not a Tribute

“It’s beautiful!” Seline gushes the moment we spot the cabin between the trees.

It’s not very modest but my father never was someone to do things in half measures. A double-story wooden structure looms up ahead. Painted white shutters keep the windows from our sight and a large wraparound porch with a swing completes the picture. The pine trees are lush and green forming the perfect backdrop to the house.

The moment the vehicle comes to a stop she is out and moving about. She takes in everything from the house to the trees and the lake, all with a stunning smile. I feel a ridiculous amount of pride in the fact that she likes it, even if I had nothing to do with the creation of this area.

“Let’s get everyone settled and I can give you a tour,” I offer, wrapping my arms around her waist from behind.

“I would like that.”

She takes my hand and leads me back to the car where Angela is now awake and waiting for us. Ares is still sleeping in her arms while she looks at him with equal parts adoration and sadness. It can’t be easy to give up your child—not that I would know—but she seems to be dealing with it well.

“We can unload everything and then get the rooms sorted,” I explain. “I think we all could use a break after the drive.”

****

It’s strange sitting here in the kitchen for breakfast, watching my mate and the mother of my child move around each other as they prepare a meal for us. I thought they would hate each other but they seem to be getting along well. There is a flow to everything they do and an outsider would think they have known each other for years instead of hours with the way they move and work together.

“When we’re done with breakfast, I want us to start practicing,” I say to Seline as I sip on my cup of black coffee. “It will take a while for us to coax your dragon out and I would prefer we started sooner rather than later.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” she replies sipping her own coffee.

“I was also thinking we should practice closer to the lake. We don’t want any fires spreading to the house or throughout the forest.”

Her terrified gaze turns to me. “I didn’t even consider that.”

“Don’t worry. My dragon will be able to help if anything goes awry. But I have faith in you,” I assure her. “I also think Angela and Ares should stay in the house until we know your dragon is under control.”

She nods before disappearing deeper into the house and reappearing a minute later. I stare at her trying to figure out what she just did but she looks the same as she did before. Her fiery red hair is up in a ponytail, jean shorts, and a strappy white top with flip-flops.

“I’m ready. Just had to brush my teeth,” she says with a smile, hopping from one foot to the other. “Let’s go meet my dragon.”

I can’t hold back my laughter at her enthusiasm. It’s a nice change of pace that she isn’t ignoring her dragon anymore.

Walking hand in hand we make our way to the edge of the lake. I’ve never done anything like this before—no one alive has, to be honest—but we will have to give it a shot.

“What I want you to do is close your eyes,” I explain. “I want you to breathe deeply and just relax. Let the nature around you fill you and wrap around you. Allow it to become a part of you and center you. A stressful situation will force your dragon out, but I would prefer your first shift to be natural. It’s going to take a lot out of you, and I don’t want anger or fear coloring this experience as well.”

She nods with a small smile, her eyes closed as she tilts her head back. The rays of sunlight glint off her hair and make it look like it really is a waterfall of fire. Her beauty astounds me and has me drawing a sharp breath. My fingers twitch with the need to touch her, hold her, caress her skin, but I hold back. This moment isn’t about what I want, it’s about what she needs. I see the magic shimmer around her as her dragon finally makes her appearance.

But dark thoughts filter into my mind, ruining the moment. What would have happened to her had I not been selected for this year’s hunt? What if her father was a better man and didn’t force her into that situation? Would I still have found her?

Footsteps on the gravel path draw me from my thoughts. Turning, I see the one man I never thought I would have to lay eyes on again. Gregor fucking James. And he has Angela and Ares with him.

My heart rate spikes as I watch them walk closer to us. The air around us turns acrid with her fear and his anger and soon enough breaks into Seline’s calm. She sees them coming closer and I watch as her dragon fades away until she barely shimmers beneath the surface. This is exactly what I wanted to avoid. Her dragon won’t be held back for long.

“Why are you here, Gregor?” she asks when they are only a few feet away from us.

“Show some respect, you little bitch. I am still your father!” He levels the gun in his hand at my mate.

Angela flinches away from him but he holds her tightly in his grasp. Ares starts crying and I know it won’t be long before my mate loses her shit. Already her talons have elongated, the change rushing down on her quickly.

“This matter has already been settled,” I cut in, stepping between the two of them to keep him from my mate’s view. I hope this will help her settle before she lets her dragon out and all hell breaks loose. I also won’t have this idiot pointing a gun at my mate even if she can shift and heal.

“This matter, as you put it, is far from settled,” he roars, his dragon also dancing below the surface. With every second that passes this situation becomes more volatile and I know someone is going to die today, no matter what I say or do. “Seline will accompany me to the Capital to speak with the Alpha Council. She will restore my good name.”

“Or what?” Seline growls behind me. “Are you going to hit me again? Burn me?”

The gun goes off and I watch in slow motion as Angela falls to the ground, a wailing Ares cradled to her chest. Hervacant stare locked on me.

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