It still felt a little strange to have to commute to work, even if it was only a short flight from their new house to the camp. Still, it had its advantages. She enjoyed having a reason to stretch her wings every day, especially with Shan at her side. And she certainly appreciated the extra privacy.
Our nest.Her griffin purred in contentment.Our place. Our mate.
With a full month to go until the start of camp, most of the site was deserted, all the kids’ cabins still locked and shuttered. There was a lot to do, but she rather liked this quiet, expectant time when it was just her and a few other senior staff. In a few weeks, the first counselors would start arriving for training, and then she’dreallybe busy.
A warning growl rumbled down the mate bond.*Not too busy.*
*I didn’t say anything,*she sent back.
*No, but I know you.*He leaned into the wind, wingtip brushing against hers.*I could see you scanning the camp, making to do lists in your head. I will hunt you down and drag you home every evening, if I have to.*
She nipped at him playfully.*Is that a promise?*
Hunger flooded down the mate bond.*Yes.*
She was tempted to make him carry out his threat now. Unfortunately, she really did have to get to work, and so did he. There would be plenty of time for fun later.
Zephyr was sitting on the steps outside the office, while Ashley played in the dirt nearby. The toddler waved excitedly as they landed.
“An! An!” Ashley ran over, her steps still unsteady. Reaching Shan, she thrust both hands out imperiously. “Up!”
Shan gravely scooped her up, setting her on his shoulder. Ashley giggled in delight, flapping her arms like wings.
Leonie smiled, watching the softness in Shan’s expression. She enjoyed having this time when it was just the two of them, deepening their connection every day. But still…when the time was right…
One day,her griffin whispered, echoing her thought.We will have our own cubs, when we are ready. And they will fly high.
“Good morning,” Zephyr greeted her. He got to his feet, brushing off his pants. “Ready to go over the itinerary for today?”
“Whenever you are.” Leonie looked around. “No Conleth?”
“Not yet,” Zephyr replied. “Paige sent me a text to say he’d be a bit late. Apparently he was up with the baby most of the night, and she didn’t have the heart to wake him this morning.”
“Conleth, late to work?” She clasped a hand to her chest, pretending shock. “Fatherhood really has changed him.”
Zephyr laughed. “For the better, I think. Even if he’s currently in zombie mode. I wasn’t expecting to see you here this morning, Shan. Is this a personal visit, or a professional one?”
“Neither,” Shan replied, Ashley still bouncing on his shoulders. “Just stopping by. I’m on my way to the unicorn herd. I need to speak to Alder-in-Winter.”
Zephyr’s eyebrows rose a little. “What about? If I’m allowed to ask, that is.”
“It’s not classified. In fact, I planned to alert you, since it might affect the camp.” Shan disentangled Ashley’s hand from his ear. “The sheriff called. There’s been a spate of new thefts recently. Food, and basic clothing.”
“Just like last year,” Leonie said, Shan having already filled her in on the details. “Some people say they saw a floating light in the woods near their houses, too. It seems our ‘ghost’ is back.”
Zephyr frowned. “Alder-in-Winter said he’d put a stop to that.”
“Which is why I need to speak to him,” Shan said grimly. “Evidently, one of the young unicorns is slipping past his guard. At an increasing rate, too. I’m concerned they’re going to get hurt. One of the victims thought they saw the thief running into the woods and took a shot at them.”
Zephyr whistled. “Must have missed, since Alder-in-Winter hasn’t come storming down the mountain in an absolute fury. Well, I might be able to save you some time. I saw Flash and Leaf earlier, hanging around the obstacle course. If they’re still there, they could fetch him for you.”
“An!” Ashley kicked her heels against Shan’s chest as if he was a pony. “Fly, An!”
He shook his head, putting her down. “I’m sorry, little one. I can’t play right now. But I’ll come back when I can.”
“Come on, Ashley.” Zephyr held out his hand. “Shan has to go to work.”
“I’ll come with you,” Leonie said to Shan as Ashley toddled back to her father. “I want to talk to Alder-in-Winter, too. We don’t need another outbreak of ghost stories.”
