Page 9 of Saving Dakota

“No.” Terrance shook his head. “But I believe you’re more intuitive than I regarding subtle differences in aura and atmosphere.”

“Thank you for not writing off my impressions.”

“I never will.” Terrance stated casually but it was a vow. “You’ve shown yourself to be capable and correct. You knew that Lawson was a wolf, that I was a vampire and that DuCane was the Master so why would I not trust your opinion now.” Terrance glanced down when he felt Dakota touch his hand.

"I find your touch comforting and stabilizing." Dakota suddenly changed the subject as if needing to understand. "Every time you touch me, my spirit calms and my mind clears." He continued, and Terrance stayed silent but took Dakota's hand in his and brought it to his lips for a kiss that lingered for a few seconds. He then continued to hold it as they resumed their walk along the edge of the river.

"I chose you because I was drawn to you. You entered my room effortlessly when others could not, and I know that it was not the first time you were there. I recognized your presence when I returned to my room." He glanced up at Terrance, and they stopped and turned to face one another.

“I understand why the Master moved about with ease he’s at a level that far exceeds my abilities to stand strong as a vessel of my shaman’s power. But you should have been thwarted just as the others were.” Dakota searched his face over and over he was looking for something that would answer his questions.

"I sense no heightened powers within you, and yet my protections and the medicine that my shaman put forth are ineffectual. Able is a powerful medicine man and thoroughly prepared me for the experiences and confrontations I would have in this land. Yet you walk effortlessly through every barrier and limitation. I look at you, and I see the thunderbird, the protector." Terrance was freshly astounded by the sensitivity and insight of his beloved and grappled with what to say to him.

“You are my beloved as I said earlier, and I am your protector. Everything you’re feeling is correct and I’m here for you Dakota.” Terrance concurred and was about to explain further when his phone went off and he quickly answered. “Hello.” He said but never took his eyes off Dakota.

“We’ve found Eric Blackbird.” It was Kass calling. “Lawson and Sergeant McShane were combing some of the more obscure local areas and found him behind the Pettiford mausoleum in the Maple Ridge Cemetery. He’s in bad shape and has been taken to the Palace for treatment.”

“Was he dumped there?”

“I believe so or perhaps he escaped either way, it’s not good.”

“Thanks, we’re on our way.” Terrance closed the call and before he could say anything Dakota spoke.

“They found him.”

“Yes.”

“Is he alive?”

“Yes, but he’s not in good shape.”

“Is he being taken to the hospital?” Dakota turned and started back to where they’d parked the car.

“They’re taking him to Coven DuCane.” That statement had Dakota stopping in his tracks and turning to Terrance with a dark and stormy expression.

“Why in the hell would they take him to a coven for treatment?” He said through a clenched jaw.

“His issues are not something a human doctor would understand. Remember the acrid scent from his car?” Dakota nodded. “We believe he was in the company of something dangerous.” Dakota just stared at him for several seconds processing what Terrance wasn’t saying and then nodded his head.

"Let's go then. I need to see him." They jogged quickly back to their vehicle and took off for the Palace.

CHAPTER FIVE

The news that Eric was found should have brought relief but the fact that he needed the skills of the supernatural to heal him brought a tense uneasiness. He trusted Terrance even though he knew little about the tall handsome nightwalker he felt in his soul that the man was true and solid and there for him like the thunderbird in his visions.

“What is Eric’s condition?” He asked for just the basics or a heads up knowing that once he got to the coven house he would know the situation as long as they allowed him to see Eric.

“Kass told me that he was unconscious when Deputy Lawson and Sergeant McShane found him lying in the long grass behind the mausoleum. He is alive but unresponsive.” He could tell that Terrance was holding back. He’d only known the man for a few hours, but he found himself tuned into his expressions and behaviors.

“Has he been affected by one of the others? By the danger that was in his car?”

“The others?” Terrance asked.

“Everything supernatural is referred to as others in my culture.”

“Yes, he has been touched by something dark and powerful.” Terrance did not hold back this time.

"Is Eric still present?" Terrance would know what he meant. Just because he was still breathing didn't mean that his soul was present.

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