Not only was I going to a party, but my best friend would be there. This was exactly what I needed. I’d start studying again tomorrow, refreshed and ready!
Chapter 13
Bec
The Clover Pack compound was deep in a rural area of east San Diego County. Danzig guided me and made sure to point out sharp turns because I was distracted by the properties we passed. Some had large, elaborate houses while others were modest with fields full of cows or horses.
When we pulled onto their property, we had to drive another quarter of a mile to get from the entrance to the parking area. The driveway was lined with tall trees all wrapped in lights, making it feel magical. As we rounded the last bend, I was hit by even more lights wrapped around trees, strung between buildings, and lighting up pathways.
It was night now, but there were so many lights everywhere that it didn’t feel oppressive or limited.
We parked in a gravel area along with a few dozen other cars. Danzig was experienced at getting out of my small car, but poor Marduk had a hard time wiggling out of the back seat.
“I don’t understand why I couldn’t ride here,” he grumbled, successfully getting one leg free.
“Our mate asked us to ride with her in the car, that’s enough of a reason,” Danzig said.
“I want you guys to have fun,” I said. “If I’m the designated driver, the two of you can drink as much as you want and don’t have to worry about getting home safe.”
Now that they were both out of the car, they faced me and stared, as if surprised.
“What?” I asked, feeling a little defensive. “No one should drink and drive, and I figured it went double for riding a motorcycle.”
The brothers exchanged a look, then Danzig smiled at me. “You’re sweet to think of us. I promise, we’d never drink to excess, even if we could.”
“What do you meaneven if you could?”
Marduk answered, “It takes a special kind of magic liquor made from a few types of poisons to get us drunk. We like the taste of beer, but it doesn’t do anything to us.”
“Oh, that’s, um, different,” I said, feeling bad, but also distracted by the fact that I wasn't bothered by them referring to me as their mate. I forced a smile on my face. “I’m sorry. I guess I should’ve asked.”
Marduk shook his head. “No, Danzig’s correct, and I was being a jerk. It doesn’t matter why you wanted us in the car. Besides, it was nice listening to you and Danzig talk as we drove here.”
“New arrivals!” someone yelled from behind Danzig. When he turned, I was able to see several people walking toward us. I didn’t recognize them, but they were all smiling broadly and carrying multiple bottles of beer.
That’s when I realized we hadn’t brought a gift for Mason.
“Damn it,” I muttered.
“What’s wrong?” Danzig asked.
“No birthday gift,” I said.
“Don’t worry about it,” Marduk said. “Mason doesn’t expect any gifts. He’s a gargoyle. They’re happy when everyone around them is safe and enjoying themselves."
The group walking toward us heard Marduk’s words.
“Hell yes!” one of them said, shoving a beer at Marduk. “You’re right. The best gift you can give a gargoyle is to have fuuuuunnnn!”
“In a secure location, with the consent of those around you,” another said with a laugh.
“Gargoyles tend to be protective,” Danzig explained. “It’s in their nature.”
“Do a lot of you guys have special aspects to your personalities?” I asked. “What would a Jörmungandr’s nature be?”
Danzig didn’t even hesitate to answer. “Find our mate.”
Marduk nodded. “Male Jörmungandrs are driven to find their soul bond and wrap their coils around them.”
