After what seemed like forever, he stepped out and noticed a backpack sitting in the bathroom. He quickly opened it and found a hoody. He whipped off his shirt and replaced it with the sweatshirt. Covering his head, he headed into the airport, looking for an exit. He didn’t have any bags to pick up, and he just needed to get out of the airport without the Silver Council finding him.
He followed the signs until he stepped into the parking garage. He took an elevator to the floor where a line of cabs set. A few seconds later, he was on his way to Seattle. Finally relaxing, Finnian sat back and closed his eyes.
Resting on the plane wasn’t possible sitting next to the brat’s mother, who never stopped giving him a death glare while the pig continued to shovel snacks into his face.
* * * *
Adam parked and beat Danika to getting Makayla out of the seat. Danika stuck her tongue out as she passed him on the way to the door with the diaper bag.
Fallon opened it with a smile and Ryan in her arms. “Morning, Danika. How are you feeling?”
“Tired, but that’s okay. How are you?”
Fallon stepped inside. “Good. Rhiannon is out back playing with Brody. She won’t shift back. She may go with you guys.”
Danika smiled. “Okay. I figure after Adam shifts, we can bring Makayla out to see his other form.”
“That’s a good idea. Let her get used to him. The kids are used to ours. Well, at least most of mine.”
“You really can turn into anything?” Danika asked.
“So far, yes. Rhiannon can too. Ryan hasn’t figured out anything but a wolf pup. But considering I shifted every full moon for my pregnancy, it makes sense. Usually druids don’t learn to shift until they are two or three. And we usually figure out one form, but won’t find others until later.”
Danika smiled. “Then shaman only ever get one form. I’ve seen Tomahawk turn into a panther. Never seen Dakota turn into an eagle, though.”
“You may have seen it and never knew.”
“Maybe.”
Adam’s hand curled around her waist as Makayla scooted past, on her way to the back door. “Where are you going? You’re staying here with your mom and aunt. You’ll be outside in a bit.”
She spun back and came toward them. “Ryan and Rhia?”
“Let’s play,” Fallon said, moving to the den.
Danika nodded to the back door. He smiled. “Sure you want to see?”
“Wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
He stepped outside and held his hand out for her. She slid the door shut and followed him down the path, toward the lake. He couldn’t deny some nervous energy bouncing around, but Danika’s presence went a long way to easing it. And she wanted to see this.
There wasn’t a thing he would ever deny her.
Her nose scrunched. “You’re going to have to get naked in front of Rhiannon.”
“Pretty sure she’s seen her dad get naked to shift. And a dozen other wolves. You’re going to have to get used to the idea of me getting naked with everyone else to run with the pack on the full moon.”
“I liked that better when I was going to be with you, but that’s fine. Most of the women are taken, and Sophie knows I will dismember her if she ever tries to touch you. I’m sure the rest do too.”
He grinned. “Wouldn’t let them. I’m all yours.”
“If you want to experiment with Mathis or Paavo, I’m not going to argue. I’m going to have to.”
“I just want you to enjoy this.”
“I know.” And she still wasn’t sure what she thought about having sex with them. But he had a point. A smile spread across her lips. “Oh, Sunday we’re having Anne and Henry over. She called this morning. I’ll tell her then what’s up with me. The question is, if she chooses to, should I let her run tests?”
He drew a breath and let it out. “Might not want that going to a human hospital. But if Jolene could work something out so she could test it at the Edenton Hospital, then I don’t see the problem.”
“Good point.” She stopped when she found Brody sitting on the dock, rubbing Rhiannon’s head.
She was a little gray furball as a wolf pup. Rhiannon looked up and ran across the dock.
Danika knelt. “Hey you, Rhia. Having fun?”
She climbed Danika with her momentum, and she wrapped her arms around Rhiannon as she got puppy kisses.
Brody laughed as he moved toward them.
“Morning, Danika.”
“Morning.”
“You keep her busy while I show Adam what he needs.”
“Sure.” She scratched behind Rhiannon’s ear. She made a cooing noise as Danika turned to watch Adam strip off his clothes. She winked at him.
“So, what do you know about shifting?” Brody asked.
“Get naked and pretty much just imagine it?” Adam lifted a shoulder. He’d heard the speech a couple times.
“That’s about it. Shouldn’t take too long. I can feel your power rolling off you. That’s a good sign you’ll be a strong wolf.”
“Does that matter?” Adam asked as he put his clothes in a pile on his shoes.
“Means you should shift faster. The weaker the wolf, the slower they shift. At least usually.”
Adam knelt and met Danika’s gaze. She winked and he focused. His hands dropped to the ground as he watched them turn to massive paws.
Okay, weird, but he settled into his wolf form without discomfort. A tickle ran through him and he stood, shaking all over.
Rhiannon barked and hopped down, running over to him. She nudged him with her face as Danika joined them, kneeling down to rub his face.
“Hey, I like this version,” she murmured.
He rubbed his snout against her cheek. Love, just pure love poured from Danika. Rhiannon headbutted his leg.
“Better play with her before she gets annoyed,” Brody teased.
Danika giggled. “Go ahead. You joining them?” she asked, glancing up at Brody.
“Up to him.” He nodded at Adam.
Adam glanced up and nodded once.
“Why don’t you go run. I’ll go back in with Fallon until you come back. Then you can show Makayla?”
Adam dipped his head.
Rhiannon climbed back into Danika’s lap and shifted back. The twins loved Makayla.
Adam nudged Danika and she rubbed his face and kissed his head. “See you soon, babe.”
Danika stood, grabbed Adam’s clothes, and headed back to the house with Rhiannon. It still amazed her that as half druid the little one shifted without getting naked. But she knew Fallon and Tomahawk did the same. Had something to do with how they shifted. Druids and shaman used magic. The wereanimals naturally shifted.
Makayla ran to the door and slammed her hands against the glass with a big grin.
Shaking her head, she slid it open and set Rhiannon down. “Rhia. Come on.”
Fallon patted the couch. “Come talk while they play.”
The girls moved to Ryan, who was in the corner playing with toys.
“You ready for tonight?” Fallon asked.
“Think so. You’ve been with them. How did that go? Should I be worried?”
Fallon shook her head. “No, they are good at reading you and your comfort zone. I don’t regret the night they saved my life. But it wasn’t what I would have chosen if given options. I get why you wanted to be a werewolf before that. I’m sorry it didn’t work, but Adam is more than happy to go this route. I’m sure the guys will make it a very memorable and pleasurable night.”
“So you did enjoy your time with them?”
She nodded. “Don’t mention that to Brody. I wouldn’t repeat it without a dire emergency, but they made me forget the fact I was bleeding out and in serious pain. By the time they were done, I was healed and very relaxed, not to mention beyond sated.”
“I can imagine.” Shaking her head, Danika met her gaze. “He is curious about tonight. I mean, he wants to explore too.”
Fallon smirk
ed. “Wouldn’t have guessed that, but that should make the whole thing easier, I would imagine. I mean, I know you don’t want to share, but he is sharing you.”
A smile spread on Danika’s lips. “I’m not worried about that. Honest. I told him whatever happens. It’s just…were you with someone the night they saved you?”
“In a relationship? No. But I do know people who were. People who didn’t have the support of their other half. You have that. You’re giving that to him. Just enjoy the night. And in the morning, put it out of your mind, unless they inspire something new you want to try again later.”
She giggled. “I don’t know. I can’t think of anything Adam and I haven’t tried. We’re both imaginative.”
“I have no doubt of that. So, what do you think of his wolf?”
“He’s gorgeous, but I knew he would be. Don’t think anything about Adam could ever make me feel differently.”
“That’s why you two are so perfect together. Did mating change much.”
She shook her head. “Not really. I feel more of his emotion, but I always knew how he felt. We were always pretty much one.”
“Think you two will sync further after your awakening?”
She let out a breath. “I might need to talk to Dominique about what to expect from an awakening standpoint. All Fae are different. We experience the awakening in different ways, and being only half can affect things.”
“You could call. I wouldn’t mind.”
“Nah, I’ll wait until she comes over tonight.” Danika looked out the window.
“How are you handing everything?”
“Right now, good. As long as I remember I won’t be like my father after tonight.”
“You won’t. He’s a bastard.”
“How would you know?”
She sighed. “I’ve met him in the past. Long ago. Before you were even born. He’s a real douchebag. I didn’t mind preventing him from indirectly harming everyone around him.”
“Why’s that?”
She laughed. “He came on too strong and I damn near twisted his balls off.”
Danika laughed. “Kind of glad you didn’t. I wouldn’t be here if you had managed.”
“Yeah, but he can’t hurt anyone now. Not physically. I’m sure he can hurt you if you let him. So don’t. Bastard isn’t worth your time.”
“Of course not.” Didn’t mean he hadn’t hurt her heart more times than she could count. “Sometimes I wish my father hadn’t been such an asshole. Or my mom had left.”
There was a bark and she looked up to find Adam and Brody on the other side of the glass door.
Makayla was on her feet, running to him.
Danika opened the door and Makayla slipped past, throwing her arms around Adam. “Daddy a puppy.”
Danika couldn’t help laughing. “He’s a werewolf now, like Uncle Brody.”
“Bwoody puppy too.” She patted Brody’s side.
“Okay, but if you see another one like them, don’t go to them unless one of us is with you. Got it?”
“Just family.” She turned and rubbed Brody’s side. “Pretty.”
“They are, aren’t they? Especially Daddy?”
“Ya-huh. Pretty, Daddy.” She hugged Adam again and he licked her face. Makayla giggled. “Love you, Daddy.”
She let go and patted his head again. “I go play.” She went back inside with Fallon and the twins.
Danika sat on the step and he nudged her side. She turned to run her fingers through his fur. “Softer than I imagined. You going back out to run? Or going to shift back?”
He shook his head and headed off the porch.
She got the feeling he was going to change, which was fine with her. Danika sat there, waiting, her eyes closed.
* * * *
Running with Brody was exhilarating. Being in the wolf form gave him a sense of nature he’d never experienced. It was inspiring. He trotted back to the deck where his clothes were and shifted back.
Brody was right, the change happened fast, and he hurried into his clothes. He almost expected Danika to follow, but he could sense her fatigue.
Without waiting for Brody to finish getting dressed, he ran back to Danika and dropped to his knees before her. He gently took her face and kissed her lips. “Ready to go home, babe?”
“Mmhmm.” She took his hands. “First, tell me, how was it? I felt your excitement.”
He chuckled. “Exciting, fun, inspiring. I could hear the forest in a way I didn’t think was possible.”
She smiled sadly. “Wish I could have joined you.”
He brushed her hair back. “Sorry that didn’t work. Truly. But you’re going to be healthy, and maybe that will grant you a better connection to nature. Your sister does seem to enjoy the outdoors. She goes hiking, wanders the forest, all that.”
“Yeah, but it won’t be the same as running with you.”
He kissed her again. “Maybe you can learn to glamour into a wolf.”
She laughed. “Doesn’t work that way, usually. I do know some forest Fae who can shift to animals, but I understand that’s less glamour, or more magic like Fallon.”
“Had to ask. I know Amethyst can’t do glamour at all. Never saw your sister try.”
“She can. Doubt she ever tried an animal, though. Hmm.”
“You gonna try?”
Danika laughed. “We’ll see. First, let’s get Makayla home.”
“And take a nap?”
She lifted a shoulder. “If you don’t mind getting her fed.”
“Course not. And while I make lunch, I’ll call Dominique, see when she can come over. I don’t like seeing you this worn out when we haven’t done anything exciting, yet.”
Her eyes lit up. “I hate this. At least it’s not as bad as when I was a kid.”
“And you won’t get there. Then we never have to worry about that again.”
She kissed him one more time. “We should get going.”
“I’m glad we drove now,” he murmured.
“Me too.”
Brody squeezed her shoulder. “Next time, stay longer.”
Nodding, she smiled. “How about you all come over tomorrow night? We’re inviting a couple friends, and we want them to get used to Others,” Danika suggested.
Adam grinned. “You know Henry. He’s a paranormal investigator. His wife is the doctor Danika went to see. As long as they take the truth well, we should let them in on some secrets.”
“Sure, they’re trustworthy. We will be there.”
Chapter 24
Three blocks from the hotel and he was slammed into the door as something struck the cab. His ears rang as he shook his head and unstrapped the belt.
The cabdriver hit his head and the gas. The cab slammed into the car in front of them and Finnian suffered whiplash. He shoved the door open, stumbling into the street. A car honked as it tore the door from the car. He slammed back against the cab, before slipping around the back and onto the sidewalk as someone started yelling at him to come back, that he needed help.
Yeah, he needed his luck. What the fuck happened to his luck?
He made it to the hotel and slipped into the elevator, sliding the key into the slot, and pressed his button.
The doors closed and the car started moving, only to stop sometime before his floor. The doors never opened. He waited a minute, then pounded on the door before grabbing the phone off the receiver.
No one answered. It just rang and rang.
He pounded on the door some more.
Nothing. No one seemed to hear.
He slid down the wall of the elevator and closed his eyes. Something was wrong, really wrong.
His head spun. His vision dimmed. Then darkness crept in.
* * * *
Adam made lunch for all three of them. So far, Danika was doing well with short naps, not needing long ones. That, of course, could change at any time.
Hopefully not until Paavo and Mathis intervened.
Makayla tugge
d on his jeans and Adam crouched down. “What is it, Bluebird?”
She grinned. “I turn into bird?”
He shook his head. “Sorry, Makayla. Maybe when you get older, if you decide to become a werebird, maybe. But I’ve never heard of a bluebird wereanimal.”
She pouted. “Okay, I no fly. But I be puppy?”
He kissed her head. “We’ll talk about that when you’re a big girl like Mommy. Okay?”
“She a puppy?”
Shaking his head, he picked her up, dragged the highchair over, and put her in it. Then he went back to the grilled cheese before it burned. “She’s not. And she won’t be a werewolf, baby. But that’s okay. She’s going to be really lucky after tonight.”
“Lucky?”
He lifted a shoulder. “Mommy’s a leprechaun. Like Aunt Dominique. She just hasn’t accepted it yet, but tonight she is.” That was a safe way to explain it to a toddler. He hoped.
“Oh. Am I?”
His brow pinched. “One day you may be. You have to be bigger for that to happen. Much, much bigger. For now, you’re my bluebird.”
She smiled.
He took the sandwiches out of the frying pan and sliced one into triangles before putting them on her plate. “Juice or milk?” he asked.
“Milk and banana.”
He grabbed one of those, peeled it, and put it on the tray before filling her cup with milk.
Then he made his and Danika’s food.
* * * *
Robert sighed when he saw the call from Kevin. He knew Finnian was back in town already. He had to be.
“Where is he?”
“You expected this call?” Kevin asked, half amused.
“Unfortunately. And I’m assuming you have news about Finnian Walsh.”
“Yes, a leprechaun who’s pissed off the wrong people apparently.”
“Oh, I know all about that. Have Rory Golden and his band of goons caught up with him?”
“They’re trying to. Finnian is currently in the hospital for a concussion and broken ribs. He left the scene of an accident, and is now in the hospital after being trapped in an elevator for a couple hours.”
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