Shifting, I spread my wings and leaped skyward.
Flying was nearly as important as breathing. And as necessary. I beat my way toward the stars, passing a few wisps of cloud. I climbed higher, rejoicing in the simple feel of the breeze under my wings. I soared. I folded my wings across my back and dropped like a stone, gravity sucking me toward the land faster than a peregrine falcon stooped upon its prey.
A hundred feet from the very hard earth, I snapped my wings out.
I locked the scream of joy in my throat as I coasted effortlessly over the landscape before climbing skyward again. I circled as I flew high, observing the lights of the town, the headlights of cars on the freeway stabbing the darkness. Up here, my troubles, my worries, all fell to the ground below.
Busy practicing a few backward loops, I failed to see another of my kind until she flew past me at roughly the speed of sound. Caught in her wake, I fumbled, dropped a hundred yards before catching myself and regaining my balance plus flying ability. She banked back toward me, her jaws wide in silent laughter.
Nor could I be angry at her joke.
“You’re hilarious,” I called to her. “Nice flying, by the way.”
“Thanks,” she replied. “You’re a handsome devil. I just had to say hi.”
I eyed her as she flew beside me. “I don’t suppose you’re single?”
She laughed. “Nope. Married with kids. Nor do I cheat.”
“Oh, well. It’s still nice to have a companion to fly with once in a while.”
“I totally get it,” she replied. “My mate is terrified of being discovered by humans so he doesn’t fly much, even at night as we are. The law, you know.”
“I’m Avery. Nice to meet you.”
“Sasha. And ditto.”
It’d been far too long since I’d spent any real time with another of my species. Reveling in flying with Sasha, I danced the dance of wings and air and sky with her. And she was easy on the eyes, too. Her scales were a golden red shade, her eyes as green as Jacy’s. I breathed deeply as I watched Sasha fly with the ease of long experience. Contented with simply having a friend to fly with, I spent two glorious hours laughing, comparing flying skills, and, of course, showing off.
“You know what you’re doing,” Sasha commented. “Your abilities are amazing.”
“Until lately, I haven’t been able to fly much. Kid at home, you know.”
“I certainly dig that,” she said. “You have a babysitter tonight?”
“Live in nanny. A good one, too. She totally adores my son.”
“That’s awesome. You know what they say, you can’t find good help these days.”
I chuckled. “Sometimes you get lucky. I’d better get home. Might we do this again?”
“I hope so. But I’m like you, I can’t always get away. The hubby worries I’ll break the law and get into trouble with the council.”
Like I did. And now I’m on the run from the consequences.“I hear you, Sasha,” I said slowly. “Take care, all right? I had fun.”
Sasha laughed. “I did, too, Avery. Stay safe.”
We parted ways, flying in opposite directions. I flew toward home, craving what I may never ever find. A mate to fly with. A female with whom I can share the glory of being what we are, creatures born to dance through the sky like eagles.
***
Jacy’s light was out when I walked back from the field.
I let myself into my silent house, thinking I’d have only a few hours’ sleep before needing to rise for work. In the kitchen, I poured myself a glass of wine and sipped it, leaning against the counter.
On the table, my phone beeped. I had an e-mail.Who’d send me an e-mail at this ungodly hour?At first, I thought to ignore it as I dealt with business e-mails during business hours. This was my time off.I should ignore it until I get to the office.Still, I reached for it with a heavy sigh and opened my account.
I blinked.
