That’s why I insisted that he explore on his own during our last morning here. He was fascinated by the plants down here. Sure, the greenery and the flowers were pretty, but the undersea world was incredible.
I had to savor this carefree time since it wasn’t guaranteed to last. Within the past year, we’d battled demons and sirens. Diego had his mind bent by dark magic and love potion, and Gianna had been cursed by an aging spell. I promised Lucas I would relax and not worry about what could go wrong next.
Something always went wrong.
I never expected anything like an ankle sprain in front of my ex while on vacation, though. I bit my lower lip and considered my new predicament. Unless a taxi drove by ready to whisk me to the ship in time, I didn’t have much of a choice other than to accept his offer to help.
“Okay.” I leaned on Bryan as I hobbled forward, keeping my weight off my injured leg. Him taking off the brunt of my weight eased the pressure.
It was easier to walk beside him than Lucas, who stood six-and-a-half-feet tall.
“What were you doing out here alone?” Bryan asked.
“I’m meeting up with my boyfriend and friends on the ship.”
Bryan’s face fell. “Boyfriend? Where is he?”
“Out exploring.”
Bryan gave me a questioning look that I read asWhy wouldn’t you be together?
“We don’t have to spend every minute together,” I added. Why was I explaining my relationship tohim,of all people?
Bryan slanted me a knowing gaze. Then he smiled. “You’re looking good, Zoe.”
My body reacted to that hit of dopamine, and I hated it. “Thanks.” I rolled my shoulders as if I could shake it off. “Are you still living in Maine?”
“I am. It’s time to explore new places, like you did. Maybe it’s time for a new start somewhere.”
His gaze lingered on me a bit too long for my comfort.
“We should catch up. How about we meet up for dinner tonight?”
Oh no, no, no. “I already have dinner plans with my friends.”
During the awkward pause that followed, I sensed Bryan was waiting for an invitation to join us. That would not happen, especially with the way he continued to look at me.
“Sorry.” I forced a smile.
An empty taxi drove by, and I flagged it down. Bryan helped me in and then sat beside me. I shifted the conversation to checking in on other elves back home. Some had kids now.
Once I hobbled onto the ship, I said, “It was good to see you again. Thanks for helping me.”
Bryan glanced from my face down and back up. “It was great to run into you. I hope I do so again.”
I didn’t share that sentiment. This was supposed to be a relaxing vacation. I didn’t need any drama in dealing with my past.
And I didn’t want Lucas to meet Bryan. Lucas was easy-going, but if he sensed Bryan’s peculiar interest, it might invoke something fierce. A shifter’s connection to a fated mate was powerful. It would be best if I could avoid Bryan during the voyage home.
Nobody wanted to wake the protective instinct of a fiery dragon.
LUCAS
I loved exploring the lush vegetation that grew on the islands in Bermuda. So many beautiful variations to see and smell. I was sure my mate Zoe could use a break from me with all my excitement over plants and flowers. I knew not everyone was as into it as I was. Since she was happy to go snorkeling at a popular spot nearby, she’d likely had enough of me blabbering questions about new species and spouting details about ones I recognized.
As I wandered through this garden, the variety of plants thrilled me.
Ever since I’d learned about gardening from a witch, I grew more fascinated with new discoveries. There were so many wondrous details to be found exploring nature. I walked beneath a canopy of palm trees and lush foliage, snapping photo after photo. I took a few photos of the famed moon gates, a stone arch that was said to be good luck for honeymooners to walk beneath. Sebastian and Gianna had done so after their wedding. Since I’d seen both my roommates get married to their mates in the past year, the idea of marriage danced through my mind more often these days.
