“Oh no.Nope.I’m out on the whole snake thing,” said Blythe shaking her head.
“I’m with you,” laughed Marissa.“But honestly they’re all quite tame.Irene has the ability to communicate with them and she’s passed that onto her son and grandson.”
“Communicate?Like talk to them?” she frowned.
“I know it seems unbelievable but when you see it, you’ll understand.Just don’t be frightened by any animal on this land.They’re probably family.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“What did you think?” asked Logan hopefully.
“I think it’s the most amazing place I’ve ever seen.They have equipment that most city hospitals and emergency departments don’t have.They also have equipment that I’ve never seen in my entire life.”
“Does that mean you’re interested in staying?” he asked.
“I’d like to.I mean, if you’re okay with that,” she said looking up at him.
“Blythe, I’m more than okay with that,” he smiled, reaching down to kiss her gently.“Why don’t we take a boat ride out to the animal sanctuary.”
“I think I’d like to see it,” she smiled.“But please keep the snakes away from me.”
“I promise that they’re very friendly.My favorites are Poppy and Caraway, the jaguars, and Twiggy, one of our elephants.Of course, you can’t help but love Alvin, our friendly neighborhood alligator.”
“I’ll have to take your word on that,” she grinned.
Blythe was impressed by Logan’s ability to maneuver through the bayou.He pointed toward the island where the seniors now lived and the island where the ghosts congregated, even with their own cabins.She didn’t understand why a ghost needed a cabin but she also didn’t question it.
When they passed by G.R.I.P. she was in awe at its size and impressive fortitude.
“Here we are,” he grinned, helping her from the boat.Standing at the end of the dock, was Oscar and Mabel, two of the Komoda dragons.
“Wh-what are those?” she stammered.
“Oh, that’s Mabel and Oscar.They’re Komoda dragons.We thought they’d only be here a few weeks but they’ve been extremely helpful keeping the rodent population down, as well as the nutria.”
“Nutria?Like those big rat things?” she frowned.Logan laughed, nodding.
“Yes.They’re out of control in the swamps but in our part of the bayou, we don’t have any issues any longer.Don’t worry, Oscar and Mabel are as sweet as they can be.”
She held tightly to Logan’s hand as they passed the massive beasts and in the distance, she saw Gaspar leaning down actually speaking to the small skunk.If she didn’t see it with her own eyes, she wouldn’t have believed it.
“Now, listen.You can stay but you cannot spray any of the animals and you damn sure can’t spray any of the humans who live here.If someone who you don’t know comes on the island, then it’s okay.”The skunk actually seemed to nod, then looked toward Blythe.
“Oh, no.She’s new but she belongs here,” he said to the black and white fur ball.“Don’t spray her.”
“Gaspar?You good, brother?” smirked Logan.
“Don’t start your shit with me, Logan.I didn’t ask for this.My mother has been a ghost for nearly a year now and she’s making my life hell.”He shook his head, running his hand through his hair.“Sorry.Hi, Blythe.”
“Hi.Is there anything I can help with?”
“Actually, they’re pretty self-sufficient.We make sure their enclosures are cleaned out but for the most part, other than feeding them, they’re free to roam the island.They know not to attack one another.”
“Really?That goes against their nature,” she said looking around at the animals casually strolling the island.
“I’m well aware, believe me.It seems my mother has a gift for finding animals that are willing to take orders.”He looked behind Blythe and sighed.“That one only seems to take orders from Trak.”
Blythe turned and saw the massive alligator next to the dark-haired, dark-eyed man.It seemed to be rubbing his body against his leg.
