Page 50 of One and the Flame

“Right, and if he has the gall to sicken your livestock and kidnap the woman, to kidnap your mate … I’m still getting used to that … then he probably thinks he’s invulnerable,” Qev said.

“And we all know that he’s too arrogant to see the difference between choosing a battle and winning a battle,” Thyone said.

“While Tura’s peacocking around, thinking he’s doing a victory lap with my drunk ass, we lure him into a trap. I’ll put up a fight, and hopefully, in his arrogance, he’ll take me straight to Hope,” Deimos said.

“Hopefully, he doesn’t suspect she’s your mate already, or he might separate you,” Thyone said.

“I’d guess he doesn’t, honestly, knowing him,” Qev said. “Tura thinks so little of humans that he’d probably never even think she might be here in that capacity. If he thinks of her as his servant … or concubine … he might put you two close together so that he could hold it over you. I’m sorry to even use that word in relation to her, even when talking about someone so vile.”

“I’m hoping that we won’t have to mention her name in relation to him very much longer. Or anything else in relation to him,” Deimos said. “He’s on the verge of treason.”

“And I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s been planning for mobilization, given the chatter we’ve heard from our sources,” Qev said.

“The most important advice I would give you, Deimos, is to keep your dragon under control. I know you almost never show your temper, but I’ve seen people lose awareness of everything when it comes to their mates. So, if you find yourself on the edge of transformation, or feel like you’re about to murder him in human form, just remind yourself, ‘If I kill Tura, I won’t find Hope.’”

TWENTY-ONE

HOPE

It was pitch black, with not a hint of light. Her eyes hurt from straining while trying to see in the dark. She had no idea where she was. She could be in a basement, dungeon, or cave for all she knew.How far away am I from the ranch? From any civilization? Does anyone even know I’m missing?

Her wrists were bound behind her, ropes tied her arms to her sides, and her legs were secured at the ankles and around her thighs. She felt bruised under the ropes, and where they touched her bare skin, they’d rubbed it raw.

She blinked against the rising tears. She wasn’t cut out for this.I’ve been kidnapped, for goodness’ sake. How am I supposed to deal with that? How is any normal woman?

I’m not a shifter. I’m not strong or brave. Why is Deimos even interested in me?She let her head fall back against the hard stone wall behind her. She was cold, uncomfortable, and dirty. Her muscles were cramping from not being able to move, and it smelled damp and gross.

She wanted to go home, back to the sights and smells she knew, one sun and Garth Brooks on the radio, back to her routine and her patients, even if Buttercup did try to flay her hand when she treated him.How’s Dr. Klein, I wonder? She said she’d be fine without me, but she must be busy.

She closed her eyes. It was easy to remember how her apartment was set up just the way she liked it. It was just a little one-bedroom, but it was all hers, and she loved it. She’d gotten to decorate it herself, half from flea markets and a half from discount store sprees with her mom.

The living room had a green velvet, two-person couch with a floral blanket and fluffy throw pillows with pawprints on them. Her bed was a queen, which felt decadent for just her, and her grandmother’s quilt sat proudly at the foot of the mattress.

I’d never have been able to afford it without Dr. Klein hiring me. Right out of school too.Hope missed the older woman immensely. Polly had been both a mentor to her and a friend. She always had good advice.What would she say about this, I wonder?

Polly’s clinic was typical. It was a decently large building set just off of the freeway. Close enough to four or five towns for it to be used for most of the small animals and out of the way enough to treat the larger livestock too. They saw everything from rats to horses.

Hope had arrived with her hair up, wearing jeans she could get messy, and not at all dressed for an interview. Dr. Klein had immediately approved. “You’re a woman who knows what the job’s about. I like that.”

She’d brought her right into the exam room. “Let’s see you with some of the animals,” Dr. Klein had said. She brought a dog in from the back, a terrier. “This is Daisy. She’s almost recovered from a sprained paw, and she needs some shots.”

This was it. Hope’s dream from when she was a little girl. This was everything she’d ever wanted, the culmination of sleepless nights at college and hiding injured birds and squirrels in her room when she was little.

Hope put her hand out for the little dog to smell. “Hi, there, Daisy,” she said, keeping her voice gentle. The dog was buzzing with energy and was probably on edge with all the pain she’d experienced lately. She’d need to be patient.

It took a few minutes and plenty of liver treats, but eventually, Daisy was licking at her hand eagerly, her bobbed tail wagging so hard that it swished her hindquarters side to side. Hope was able to get her on the exam table and get her shots done with little fuss, but Daisy yelped and growled when she reached for the injured paw.

“Poor baby, I’m sorry,” Hope cooed, stepping back and giving the dog space to calm down. She approached more slowly the second time, using a lot of treats, pats, and praise, and they managed to get through the exam. Hope kissed the puppy between the eyes. “Good girl, I’m so proud of you.”

“I’ve seen enough,” Dr. Klein said, and Hope jumped. She’d forgotten she was being watched. Hope’s heart had pounded, waiting for the judgment. Dr. Klein smiled. “You’ve got the job if you want it.”

Excitement filled her chest, so much that she wanted to jump with joy. She’d done it! All her hard work had paid off. “Thanks for this opportunity. I won’t let you down.”

That had made the older woman laugh. “I know you won’t, Hope. Your resume speaks for itself, and you’ve got the right temperament. You’re going to do great.”

Dr. Klein was looking after Doolittle and Piggy for her too. The idea that she wouldn’t ever have Doolittle curl on her lap and purr, that Piggy would never aggressively headbutt her ankles at mealtime again, made tears well in her eyes.

And what about the sarva I found and rescued?Sure, Deimos would take good care of him or find him a home, but she’d grown pretty attached to the little guy in such a short time, and she knew he loved her too.

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