“Let’s go. We’ll head back to the clearing; hopefully, our clothes are still there. If not, we might be walking in the buff,” Angus said with a chuckle.
We made our way out of the cave, where he transformed into his magnificent dragon. He rose on his hind legs, spread his wings, and roared. I shuddered at the sound, but I also found it endearing. I knew I liked to stretch when I shifted into my wolf, so I understood. He settled down and lowered his head, allowing me to climb on.
Then we were off. I loved the feel of the wind on my face as we flew. Who knew that a wolf would like to fly? Most wolves hated planes; we drove everywhere.
All too soon, we landed. As we set down in the clearing, two large wolves exited the treeline. One was black, the other was smaller and brownish-blond. Jackson and Cameron. They shifted as they walked forward. I felt Angus change beneath me, and I was in his arms. He stepped in front of me, blocking the other two.
“Jackson, Cam, do me a favor and turn around. I know we’re all shifters, but no one should see my mate’s naked body but me,” he said gruffly.
Cam chuckled, and Jackson looked like he was trying not to laugh. “Sure thing, Angus. Your clothes are over there. We figured you would be back, since you left them here four days ago,” Cam said.
“Four days!” I exclaimed. “My parents are probably freaking out.”
“Don’t worry, Angel. They’ll understand. They know what it’s like when you meet your mate and need to bond,” Angus replied, handing me my clothes.
“It’s okay, Embry. They freaked out at first, but Alpha James called King Krispin. Krispin explained it could take some time, especially if you were bonding,” Jackson said.
“Still, four days was a long time.” My stomach agreed. It growled at that moment. We needed food.
“Let’s get some food and call your parents, Angel,” Angus said.
Dressed and ready for food, we turned to Jackson and Cam, who still stood naked.
“Do you have clothes, or are you going to shift?” Angus asked, obviously annoyed.
You know I’ve seen them naked before, and shifters don’t have a sense of modesty, I said through our link.
I understand, love. It’s my dragon that’s annoyed by it. He doesn’t like anyone naked around you but us.
I shook my head and grabbed his hand. “Come on, I’m hungry,” I said, not waiting for any answer from Cam and Jackson.
We began walking, and two wolves ran past us, yipping. I smiled. I liked them—I wished I knew them better. Stupid Tom had stopped me from making friends. No. Fear of what Tom did prevented me from making friends.
It’s okay now, Angel. You never have to worry about him, Angus said through our bond.
I hadn’t realized I’d projected my thoughts to him. I was going to need to watch that. We continued walking in silence, making it to the forest edge. James’s house rose in the distance. Cameron and Jackson stood on the deck with Lydia and my parents seated at a table filled with food. My mom saw us, jumped up, and sprinted toward me.
“Embry! You gave me a scare! I was so worried!” she cried, squeezing me tight.
“I’m okay, Mom. We just um—got um—” I stumbled over my words. Luckily, Angus had his.
“It was the mating heat, ma’am,” he said.
“None of that ‘ma’am’ stuff. You’re bonded to my son. It’s Toni or Mom,” she said, grabbing and hugging Angus as well.
He seemed shocked for a moment, then chuckled. “It will be the first time I've ever had a mom.”
I laughed too. Angus had told me about his two dads.
“I’m glad you’re okay, Em. Congratulations,” Lydia said. “Come, sit down. We have tons of food.”
At the mention of food, I became ravenous. I stepped aside, making a beeline for the table. I sat and piled my plate high. They had burgers, hot dogs, and Italian sausage. I put someof each on my plate and dug in, moaning at the first taste. I looked up and saw Angus and my dad grinning. I shrugged and continued.
After satisfying my initial hunger, I heard my father ask Angus, “Have you decided if you’ll stay here, or are you moving?”
Angus and I hadn’t discussed it. We’d been too busy. I felt Angus tense through our bond. He had a position with his king; he was a guardian. I knew it was important to him.
“We’ll be moving to Colorado,” I said, deciding and putting my mate at ease. I’d miss my family, but I knew our place was there.
