Page 72 of Cam's Treasure

Twenty-Nine

Cam

As I'd expected, my dads welcomed Kai with wide smiles and open arms—well, not literally since they'd never hug someone without consent—and he seemed a little stunned by it. I got the feeling Kai wasn't very used to being around people, and I wondered what his life had been like before he met the asshole who stole his coat.

Once everyone was seated in the living room—Ames was off on another of her trips, so it was just the four of us and my dads—DD glanced between us, his eyes coming to rest on Micah instead of Kai. "I think we should call Cassian and Gus over before we start discussing anything."

I blinked, then realized he was right. Cassian would have a better understanding and knowledge of the ins and outs of Ravenshire, and Micah would probably appreciate the support.

"I'll text them," I offered, then did just that. Their house was only a few blocks away, and they replied instantly, telling me they'd be here in a few minutes.

While we waited, DD asked Kai if he was doing well, and if the lack of his coat was causing him any major discomfort. Thankfully, Kai seemed to be doing okay, though I could see he was desperate to have his coat back. I couldn't imagine what it felt like to lose a part of yourself like that, and I had to wonder why selkies were designed the way they were. Why was it so easy to take their magic?

For that matter, why had the mage stolen his coat? From what I knew of the Ravenshire mages, they disliked any magic different from their own. What use could they have for selkie magic?

Or could it be that the mage who'd tricked Kai was acting on his own? Because if so, we might be able to get the mages to do our work for us. Though I wouldn't trust them with it even if it was my only option.

When Cassian and Gus arrived, they greeted Kai the same way, and he was startled yet again, as if he hadn't expected the kindness. What else had he expected from the people who'd raised someone as wonderful as Micah?

"Okay, so now that everyone's here, can we figure out how we're going to get Kai's coat back?" I asked, then continued before any of the dads could speak. "And, before you say it, we will be doing this. You can't change our minds, and you definitely can't offer to do it for us. Any advice or guidance you have for us is welcome, but that's it."

"Are you done?" Dad asked, his green eyes shining with fondness even though he acted like I was being a brat. Which I was, but oh well.

"Yes," I answered primly, making him roll his eyes.

"We won't try to stop you," DD assured me, then added, "As long as you promise to be careful and give us some time to gather information. You shouldn't walk into this blind."

I frowned, glancing from DD to Kai. I couldn't tell what he was thinking, but I knew he wanted his coat back sooner rather than later.

"Is that really necessary?"

"If you walk in there with no idea of what you're up against, you could get hurt. Micah and Kai are more vulnerable, and you need to remember that."

I sucked in a breath at DD's words, my eyes narrowing as my dragon growled in my head, as angry as me at the accusation.

Somehow, DD sensed my dragon's reaction, because he raised his hands in surrender. "I didn't mean that you don't care, Cam. I was just reminding you, nothing more."

I grumbled under my breath, turning to look at Kai. "What do you think? If you want us to go there right this second, I'm game. And Iwillkeep you safe."

Kai gazed into my eyes for a long moment as he chewed on his lower lip, then shook his head. "Your dad's right. We need to be careful. I'm in this mess because I wasn't, and I don't want to do that again."

Ember placed a palm on my shoulder, his blue eyes warm and reassuring as he nodded at me.

They're right, Cam,Micah added in my mind.Some of those mages are awful, conniving bastards. We need to be careful.

"Okay," I said out loud with an exhale. "How are you planning to gather information?"

"I could go back," Cassian offered, and Micah shot upright, turning to look at his father.

"No way! If we can't go in blind, neither can you."

Cassian frowned, rubbing his fingers through his bright red beard. "It's not like any of them would try to mess with me, and someone has to. Who else is there?"

A soft meow broke the thoughtful silence that fell after Cassian's question, and all eyes fell on the slim black cat peering out of the shadows. At everyone's attention, she slid back into the shadows, but Micah's eyes stayed glued there as he tilted his head.

"I think...I think Saaya just volunteered to go," he said, sounding puzzled.

"Really?" I was surprised, to say the least. While familiars and mages could communicate, Micah and Saaya had more of a pet-and-owner type relationship since Micah usually didn't need magical assistance. I hadn't even known Saaya could do stuff like this, but who better for a reconnaissance mission than a cat who could travel through and disappear in the shadows?

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