“Aye, you’re late, come on now, get aboard.”
“Are you Captain Crannach? We’re interested in a…”
“Aye, aye, get aboard. Too many prying eyes and big ears around. Hi Shaman, I’ve been expecting you.”
Kieran smiled at the old shifter and, taking his offered hand climbed aboard the boat, as Logan followed him. Glancing around, Kieran said, “Fabulous boat, Captain. Do you do all the work on it?”
“Aye, this is my sweetheart, the love of my life. She’s fast and ye won’t find a better boat on the Loch.” Waving his hand toward the cushioned seat running the width of the boat, he continued, “Have a seat there while I get underway.”
Logan grasped Kieran’s hand as they sat where the Captain had pointed. This was the first time he’d ever been on a boat, so he was trying to remember what little he knew about going out on the water.Babe, I think we need some life vests. Would you ask him where they are?
Why don’t you?
Because he likes you better than me.
How do you know that?
Trust me, babe. I know it.
Okay, but we won’t need them.
Why not? It’s proper safety procedure. I’m surprised he hasn’t offered them.
Do you trust me?
Absolutely!
Then be patient and you’ll find out why he hasn’t done so in a few minutes. You are going to love this!
Logan did as his mate suggested and kept his mouth shut. Pulling Kieran closer to him until his mate was almost onhis lap, Logan kept his eyes on the Captain, wondering what was going to happen next.
Kieran held his face up to the sun as the boat sliced through the water, wasting no time getting far away from the shore. Giggling when water spray hit his face, he licked off the droplets he could reach with his tongue until Logan took over, licking Kieran’s face dry every time it got splashed.
Finally, Logan felt the boat slow down and then stop in a sheltered cove and, after looking around, he understood why this spot had been chosen. Nobody would be able to sneak up on them. Breathing a sigh of relief, Logan waited for what was coming next as Captain Crannach stood before them.
“I’m honored to meet you Shaman. Can I get you anything before we talk?”
“Nope, Captain, I’m fine but my mate might want something. Logan?”
“I’m fine. But I have a question for you if you don’t mind, Captain.”
“Not at all. I’m also honored to meet the mate of the Shaman.”
“I know you’re a shifter, but I can’t tell what kind. I’m not prying, only assessing the danger to my mate about being on the water without a life jacket.”
Chuckling, the captain looked at Kieran. “Ye didn’t tell he?”
“Nope, I like to keep him guessing.”
“Well son, y’ere right about me being a shifter, and there’s a good reason I didn’t offer any flotation devices to you.”
“I know I’m going to be had by my mate, but go ahead, hit me, what’s the reason?” asked Logan.
“Have ye ever heard of the Loch Ness monster?”
“Sure, who hasn… Holy fuck! You’re the Loch Ness Monster!”
“Well, I prefer to be called a sea serpent but yes, that is the name humans first gave me and it kinda stuck.”
