My attention was drawn back to the boat as the chaotic sounds got louder. The boat was getting closer. I wasn't worried about the boat running into my dam—it was big and sturdy enough that the boat would take the brunt of the damage. But I was worried about why humans were here in the first place.
I couldn't ignore the sinking feeling in my stomach any longer. I dropped the birch tree, threw myself into the water, and swam as fast as I could towards the boat.
I didn't know what came over me. Normally I'd be in no rush to approach humans and their terrifying metal beasts. But I couldn't stop thinking about that musical voice, and how afraid it had sounded. I trusted my instincts that something was wrong, and I couldn't let this go until I got to the bottom of it.
As I reached the open water of the lake, I wrinkled my nose. It stank of fuel. It wasn’t calm and clear like usual—the boat’s motor churned the water, turning it choppy and uneven.
I raised my head above water. The boat stuck out like a sore thumb on the surface. It was already speeding away.
My heart skipped a beat. Beneath the foul odor of gasoline, there was another distinct scent. It was sweet, yet salty like the sea, and wholly irresistible. It struck me so intensely that I shuddered. For a moment I was frozen to the spot.
When I stopped treading water and began sinking, I shook myself off and got a grip.
Whatwasthat?
My gaze snapped to the boat, shrinking as it sped away. The amazing scent and musical voice were coming from that boat.
And then I saw it—just before the boat disappeared around a bend, a bright flash of crimson flailed in terror.
I lost my breath. I couldn't mistake the colour for anything but the stranger I'd seen earlier, the one I had nearly hit with the tree.
Something awakened inside of me, as if the sky split open and a bolt of lightning struck me where I stood. I was overwhelmed with the sudden knowledge that I'd finally found him.
My alpha. My fated mate.
And he was being poached by humans.
Without thinking, I surged into action. In an instant I forgot about the dam, the birch tree, everything. Nothing mattered except rescuing my fated mate. I didn't question my certainty. This feeling was so intense it was almost painful. There was no doubt in my mind that the red haired stranger was my fated mate. I'd bet my life on it.
And by trailing the humans’ boat, Iwasputting my life on the line. I knew what happened to beavers who were trapped by humans. But I didn't care that the threat of being turned into a hat loomed over me. Rescuing my fated mate was worth it.
"Hang on!" I yelled out.
But the boat was so far away, and my cry was lost beneath the motor's roaring engine and the raucous, whooping humans. I doubt he heard me.
It didn't matter. I would swim day and night to catch up with the boat. After all, compared to beavers, humans had a lousy work ethic. Even while controlling a hulking motorized beast, they had no stamina. They had to stop and sleep sometime—and that was when I would rescue him.
I'm coming, my fated mate. Wait for me.
5
River
Whoever was drivingthis boat was a complete idiot. I'd come to that conclusion after multiple figure eights, enough hooting and hollering to wake the dead, and the fact that the boat swayed so much that even I, amer, felt seasick.
My initial wave of panic passed. After grabbing hold of me, the men threw me in the cage and locked it. At that point my heart was beating so fast that I thought it might explode. I survived and now I was only dying of boredom. And simmering awful dread. But mostly boredom.
The men were both blabbermouths. All they did was talk about what a "great catch" I was. They spoke about me like I wasn't even there, which ended up working in my favour since I could eavesdrop on them freely. Since I hadn't spoken out loud except for wordless crying, they didn't know I spoke English and understood everything they said.
"Dude, I seriously can't believe we caught this thing," guy number one said for the millionth time.
"You know, I thought your plan was stupid, busting into the preserve, but I take it back. You're a genius."
"Yeah, that's why we’re splitting it 60-40."
"What? That's bullshit!"
"Why? It was my idea, just like you said!"
