“Because your brain is sideways right now.” Cade grinned. “Don’t worry, Ash, things’ll settle once you complete your bond. You’ll see.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
Asher knew several bonded and mated couples in town, but aside from Cade and Lucy, he hadn’t been privy to much of the process. All he knew was that when Cade had met Lucy, things had happened fast. He’d never suspected something like that might happen for him, but here he was, itching to get out of his skin and take to the sky in search of his mate. He needed her with an urgency he couldn’t explain.
Maddox gestured toward the window. “Get out there, Ash. Go find your woman. Let us know if you need backup and we’ll be there.”
“Backup?”
“You know,” Maddox waved his hand. “Wingmen and shit.”
“You want us to drive you?” Cade asked.
Asher shook his head. “I’m good. Flying’s faster.”
He’d figure out the return trip later. With any luck, he and Duchess would return on that sweet bike of hers.
After he packed a bag, they left his house together, Cade and Maddox wishing him well and reminding him to check in if he needed anything.
As Asher shifted into his dragon form and took to the sky, he’d never been more grateful for his pack mates. If not for his best friend and his Alpha, he really would have lost his mind today.
Now, while he still had that strange ache in his sternum, at least he had clarity around the relentless desire for deeper connection with Duchess. The sense of urgency he hadn’t been able to shake since waking up alone. He’d been running on instinct without understanding, but he knew the truth now, Duchess was hisanam cara. His mate.
And damn, he couldn’t wait to see her again.
10
Bythetimesheand Blaze had rejoined the rest of the club at Chimney Rock, Clea was ready for a shower and a nap. But the crew’s enthusiasm for the historical site was contagious, and she found herself going with the flow, taking the hike up to the top with the others.
And holy hell, what a view.
Fantastic didn’t even begin to describe it. She literally had a three-hundred-sixty-degree view of the San Juan Mountains. It was easy to imagine a simpler time, a simpler life, from that vantage point overlooking all that nature, and there was something soothing in that.
Bringing Blaze and Mav up to speed hadn’t been a picnic, but after that encounter with Kluge, she hadn’t had a choice. They’d taken things in stride. Mav already knew most of it anyway, and he didn’t care that she was a thief. But that trip down memory lane hadn’t been a pleasant one and now, anxiety churned in her gut despite the warm breeze on her face and the spectacular view.
As she gazed out at the landscape, Clea replayed the interaction at Treasure Falls. If Blaze hadn’t been there, that whole thing could have gone very differently. As it was, she’d just managed to piss Kluge off, which, while hilarious to her, probably wasn’t a good thing. She’d seen that man throw more than one temper tantrum before, and they weren’t pretty.
“You okay, Duchess?” Mav’s voice startled her out of her thoughts.
“You know it.” She tried for a grin, but it was half-hearted. In truth, she felt like crap, exhausted, anxious. God, what she’d give for a little respite.
Thoughts of Asher flooded her mind. Asher with his powerful body and gorgeous voice. His handsome smile and easy way. His belly laughs and tender touches. His emerald eyes and drugging kisses. He’d made her feel safe, welcome, beautiful. What would he think of this situation? she wondered.
Probably for the best they’d only had the one night together. Though the ache in her chest suggested otherwise.
“We’re heading back to Durango.”
“Already?” She frowned.
“Razor and Duke are doing the flat track tonight, and you’ve had a helluva day, Duchess.” Mav rested a hand on her shoulder. “The sooner we get back to the rally, the better.”
Clea nodded. He had a point. And there was safety in numbers. Jeff Kluge may be a total douchebag, but he wasn’t fool enough to go head to head with a bunch of bikers.
“I’m sorry Mav.”
“Nothing to be sorry about.” He pulled her into a one-armed hug. “Let’s get you back to the hotel.”
“Good call.” She nodded. “I’m already dreaming of getting clean and putting this day behind me.”
