Page 97 of His to Hunt

“Everything is packed and ready to go,” I say, slinging my backpack over a shoulder.

“Then so am I,” she says, walking past me, our hands touching just enough for me to wish I’d watched her change.

We take the Land Rover to the airport and Saul’s private jet to California. It doesn’t take as long as flying to Alaska, thank fuck, but it’s still a few hours before we’re on the ground again.

“There’s the helicopter,” I nod my head in the direction we’re heading as I help her off the jet.

“This one isn’t as nice as the one we had last time,” she says hesitantly.

“Well, this time Saul knows we have to blow it up after we’re done with it,” I chuckle. “The jet flies unregistered, but we don’t want to leave anything behind they can trace.”

“Great, I’m solving ecological disasters and you’re blowing up helicopters,” she sighs.

“You aren’t as affected by the wildlife this time,” I comment. “We’re not far from the wildfires.”

“I noticed that too,” she says. “I feel it, but it’s not as strong. Maybe because I know I can help.”

“Maybe,” I grunt, guiding her onto the helicopter. “Or maybe you’re just becoming a more powerful druid.”

“Hmm, I wonder if I’ll get special powers or… become stronger,” she speculates, sitting in the passenger seat and flexing her muscles dramatically.

“You’re the only druid, so your guess is as good as mine.” Settling into the cockpit and putting on the headphones, I gesture for her to do the same. “Let’s get this over with.”

I don’t care what kind of powers my mate develops while we do these rituals, because it just means she’s safer if something comes for us. I’ve been keeping a lookout and we haven’t been followed. Once we’re in the air, I don’t see any other aircraft. We seem to be in the clear.

“Alright, you’ll have to do it in about ten minutes,” I prompt.

“I’ll get everything ready,” she says, moving my backpack to her lap.

We get close enough to call it the center of the area devastated by wildfire and I turn, nodding for her to do it. She lights the ingredients, slices her finger deep enough for me to wince, and some blood runs into the bowl. A second later, greenery spills over the top of the bowl and she tosses it out the window.

“Ritual done,” I chuckle, turning the chopper away from the scene of the crime… or impending miracle.

We don’t get very far before the ravaged ground is swarmed by greenery that flourishes for miles in every direction. It’s like time is reversed, and the wildfire never turns the landscape to ash.

“Oh fuck,” I groan. “Yeah, that will definitely be noticed.”

“It’s still going, too,” she says, watching with amazement.

“Yeah, I can see that,” I mutter.

I get us back to the airstrip where we landed the jet, fire off a text to Saul, and practically drag her toward the jet. I don’t wait for her to get seated before I start the engines and accelerate down the runway.

“Damn, fuck, shit,” she grumbles as she stumbles into the cockpit and sits down. She quickly puts on the headphones. “We don’t have to flee like criminals.”

“No, but the faster we’re out of here the better,” I growl, tugging the controls and taking off. “Fasten your seatbelt.”

“Sir, yes, sir,” she snips, settling into her seat and following directions.

“Good girl,” I chuckle, winking at her.

She looks over at the greenery until we can’t see it anymore. She’s excited. There’s no denying that. More ravishing and radiant than ever, if that’s possible. Doing these rituals does something to her. So far, it’s been a good thing. Caution is natural, especially when it comes to my mate, but I have to trust that we’re doing the right thing.

“The next ritual is the one that brought us together,” she says, finally leaning back. “The Ritual of Fate. Except it was a spell then… I guess?”

“Just enough magic to rattle the fate-block,” I say. “But I’m sure your blood had way more to do with it than anything else.”

“This time, I won’t be using it for myself. According to the book, I have to use the blood of an unmated wolf or a druid who is ready for Mother Fate’s blessing,” she says. “Since I’m the only druid, do you know any eligible bachelors?”