I told him my name and shook his hand and lost my ability to breathe.
Chapter Three
Falkan
As I watched my Lexus hoisted up on the tow truck’s crane, I let out a heartfelt groan.
Over the phone, my cousin Hugo tried to be sympathetic amid the shouts and chatter of his kids in the background.
“Dude, you’re coming from New Mexico. Why didn’t you go around San Diego and through LA?”
“I was taking my time. I wanted to sightsee. San Diego’s beautiful.”
“I didn’t know you’d be here, or I would have made different plans. I’m sorry I can’t come get you. I’ve got the kids today, and it’s mayhem here. Plus, they have appointments and stuff all afternoon.”
“No worries. I’ve got an Uber on the way. Arriving in seven minutes.”
“Did the tow truck guy have any idea how long it would take to repair?”
“It’s serious. A few days, at least.”
“Do you need a place to stay?”
“Nope. I already made reservations. Nice place. Has a pool. This is my vacation. I’m not in any hurry to get to Portland to see Jin.”
Jin was my other cousin on my mom’s side. He had a lovely estate in Oregon with huge property surrounded by protected forests. Perfect for dragons to shift and fly away from public view. He’d invited me to stay for a couple of weeks because I’d complained my beast was restless and wanted a change of scenery for his shifts.
“I told you, Falkan. You should have taken a plane. You’d be there already.”
“You know I hate to fly. Except shifted.”
“Yeah. But you could close your eyes, have a few drinks, and it’d be over.”
“Right. No can do.”
“Hey, maybe we can do dinner one night. Not tonight, though. Are you sure you’re okay? Sorry I’m so busy.”
“I’m fine. But my dragon is restless. Wants to stretch his wings now. Any suggestions?” I asked.
“If you’re not too tired from driving, there’s a shifter nightclub called Animals SD.”
“I’ve heard of Animals in the Arizona Superstitions. I didn’t know there was one in San Diego.”
“It’s great. You can shift out on the back acreage. They have good food, music, dancing…everything.” The shouting in the background grew louder. I heard something crash.
“Thanks, Hugo. Sorry to catch you at such a busy time.”
“Yeah, I gotta run. I hate to abandon you. You’re family. But today is just one of those days. I’ll get back to you, okay?”
“Sure thing.”
I stood on the sidewalk, suitcase at my feet, watching the traffic move up and down the two-lane road. At least I didn’t break down anywhere dangerous. I’d pulled off to get gas and immediately my car quit.
Finally, the Uber showed up. I shoved my suitcase in the trunk and headed off to my hotel.
***
By the time my second ride for the day dropped me off at the nightclub, my stomach was complaining from hunger. So was my beast.
