He looked ahead, picking out landmarks of the surrounding area. They were close to the dragons’ house. Yes, he did know where it was. And yes, his bear might have explored the surrounding area in what he would call a reconnaissance mission. It was his job to stake out an area and get the lay of the land before moving forward with a project.
Thorn smiled wryly, not wanting to admit how fascinated he’d become with the dragon shifters. Once he met Magnus and knew he was from the past, it had awoken a need to know how and why a man could straddle time. Thorn wasn’t prepared for the truth and yet it opened up a new world to him. As a man who spent hours and even days poring over old scrolls and books, trying to piece together a puzzle as old as time, the knowledge that there was a man alive who could give first-hand accounts of events that happened so long ago was exciting.
With those events being tied to Thorn’s ancestors, they were particularly of interest. Magnus Dumas might be the one man alive who could explain why Peregrine Manning handed over his grand house to the town and yet left a ruined cottage and the land it stood on tied to the family forever. No one could sell the land or rebuild the cottage.
The emergence of Emilia answered so many of those questions. What a trick of fate for Peregrine to have lost out on having her as his mate, while Thorn, his descendant, would make her his wife.
Ruby landed in a small clearing behind the dragon house and Emilia followed. There was a heart-jolting moment where she stumbled and nearly sent Thorn flying over her head, but she recovered and set her big dragon body down on the ground. Thorn quickly scrambled off to land heavily next to her.
“This way.” Ruby ushered him toward the house, and then the air shimmered, filled with static electricity before the outline of Emilia in human form came back into the world.
She fell to her knees, her hands splayed out on the grass and her head hanging as she breathed heavily. Thorn rushed forward. Without pause, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her back toward the house. Before they’d reached safety, the starlit sky above was blanketed out as Magnus came in to land.
“Let’s get Emilia inside,” Ruby said, her face turned toward Magnus. She opened the kitchen door and led them into the warmth of the kitchen.
Emilia lay against Thorn’s chest as he carried her, following Ruby as she led him into the living room where her mom and dad were watching TV. The day had been filled with surprises but seeing the two dragon shifters watching a reality TV show had to be one of the weirdest sights.
“Mom, Dad, I think you already know Thorn,” Ruby said quickly as her parents got up, looking defensive.
“We know of him,” Fiona said tartly, then she took a closer look at the woman in his arms. “Is that Emilia?”
“It is.” Magnus entered the living room, his face filled with anguish. “She needs rest and food.”
“I’ll get her something from the kitchen.” Harlan rushed from the room.
“Here, lie her down.” Ruby patted the sofa. “Do you think we should fetch Kit?”
Fiona pressed her lips together thoughtfully. “How do you feel, Emilia? Do you need a doctor?”
“I’m tired. I just need to close my eyes for a moment.” Her eyelids fluttered.
“You need to stay awake,” Thorn said, patting her cheek as Harlan returned with a piece of cake on a plate. He handed it to Thorn.
“Get her to eat,” Harlan ordered.
Stating the obvious, Thorn thought but didn’t say a word. He didn’t need to waste his own strength, he needed to concentrate on Emilia and getting her better.
“Here, open your mouth.” Thorn broke off a piece of cake and pressed it to her lips, hoping he wouldn’t have to force-feed her.
Emilia did as he asked and opened her mouth just wide enough for him to slip a piece of cake between her lips. Then he watched as she chewed slowly before swallowing. He broke off another piece and she ate that, too. With every mouthful, she seemed to get stronger.
“What about coffee?” Magnus asked.
“Right, the caffeine should give her a nice boost. I’ll get some.” Ruby left the room and Harlan and Fiona followed, while Magnus stood behind the sofa, concern on his face.
“She’ll be okay,” Thorn assured Magnus. “She’s strong.”
Magnus looked at him and nodded. “I lost her once, we never thought we would wake her. I think I’m in shock.”
Emilia lifted her hand and patted Magnus lightly. “I am not going anywhere, brother.”
Thorn fed her the cake and then helped Emilia sit up when Ruby came back into the living room alone. Thorn guessed she’d given her parents a brief account of what happened on the mountain. He sure would like to know where they’d gone but wasn’t about to ask. Emilia was the focus of his attention now and the relief that she was looking better, and the color had returned to her cheeks, was overwhelming.
“Here, drink this.” He took the coffee cup from Ruby and held it to his mate’s lips.
“What is that?” Emilia asked after the first sip and wrinkling her nose.
“Coffee.”
“It’s so bitter.” Despite her look of distaste, she leaned forward and took another sip.
“You’ll get used to it and it should help you feel better.” Magnus stood up, looking relieved to see the change in his sister.
“Is it medicine?” Emilia asked.
“To some people.” Ruby leaned into Magnus and rested her head on his shoulder. “What do we do now?”
The question had been rattling around in Thorn’s brain since they reached the house. There was so much they needed to talk about, but Emilia needed rest first. “Why don’t I take Emilia home and we can meet up tomorrow and talk?”
“Home? She is home,” Magnus said possessively, but Ruby placed her hand on his chest and shook her head. His shoulders slumped forward. “I’ve only just gotten her back.”
“But she is Thorn’s mate,” Ruby reminded him. “And this is Emilia’s choice.”
“But she’s not strong enough,” Magnus continued.
“I’ll take them to Thorn’s place,” Ruby offered. “If that’s what you want, Emilia? If not, we can find you a bed here.”
Emilia finished her coffee and then swung her legs off the side of the sofa and got up. “I would like to spend the evening with Thorn.” She looked at him from under her eyelashes and his stomach clenched with longing.
“Sure,” Thorn replied. “If you don’t mind giving us a ride?” He directed his question to Ruby since he wasn’t sure if Magnus wanted to put up more of a fight.
“I’ll go upstairs and get you some clothes, Emilia. A good shower and fresh clothes will make you feel so much better.” Ruby left the room and ran upstairs, leaving Emilia confused.
“A shower? Like rain?” Emilia asked. “I don’t want to wash in the rain.”
“No, not like rain. The water is warm, and they have these shampoos and soaps that make you smell wonderful.” Magnus gave a crooked smile. “Now I know how I sounded when I first woke up.”
“You don’t sound much different now,” Ruby told him as she returned with the clothes. “Although you have stopped calling my car a mechanical beast.”
Thorn laughed. “Modern life. For better or worse, you will both have to get used to it.” He looked down at Emilia and reached out to push a stray strand of hair back from her face. “Although if it’s too much, I know plenty of places we can go where life is slower and the technology is less advanced.”
“Technology?” Emilia asked. “I think I am going to need to read a dictionary to learn all these new words.”
“One word you do know is sleep.” Thorn held out his hand to Emilia and Ruby passed the bag of clothes and what looked like toiletries to him. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome. There’s some shampoo and conditioner in there. Goodness knows you might need it when you wash your hair for the first time in four hundred years.” Ruby grinned at Emilia.
“Thank you, Ruby, you are ver
y kind.” Emilia swayed and pressed her body against Thorn’s.
“Are you sure?” Magnus asked Emilia. “You can stay here. We can make room.”
“She’s made her decision,” Ruby told him gently.
“I am sure.” Emilia nodded. “Thank you again, Ruby.”
“We’re similar in size. Something should fit. I can come by tomorrow and take you clothes shopping if you want. There are several clothing stores in town,” Ruby offered.
“I would like to wear pants,” Emilia replied eagerly.
“Then we’ll buy you pants,” Ruby smiled brightly. “You know, Emilia, once you get used to the new world, I think you are going to fit in perfectly.”
Thorn chuckled. “I believe you might be right, Ruby.”
Emilia blushed, while Magnus looked as if he disapproved but kept his mouth shut, which was a wise move since Ruby would give him hell if he didn’t support Emilia. They walked toward the front door, but Ruby turned and placed a hand on Magnus’s chest. “Can you stay here and look after Harlan Jr.?”
“Where did Harlan and Fiona go?” he asked in confusion.
“I asked them to go back to the cave mouth and block it.” Ruby glanced sideways at Emilia. “Until we know more about that amulet and where it came from, we need to be careful.”
Thorn raised his head, suddenly alert. “Surely there’s no threat to Emilia now. The person who cast the spell and used the amulet is long dead. They must be.”
“Most likely,” Ruby replied. “But we have to be sure. Harlan suggested we move your treasure in the next few days and keep our distance from the cave for a while. Just in case.”
“In case of what?” Thorn pressed Ruby for information.
“I described the amulet to them and Harlan thinks he might have seen one like it before. But he can’t recall where.” She shrugged. “It might be nothing, but Harlan and Fiona have not lived this long by taking chances.”
Thorn considered Ruby’s words. “You’re right, we must be careful.” His throat constricted in panic. Losing Emilia wasn’t an option, he would do everything he could to keep her safe. Moving the treasure and leaving the cave empty was a good decision. “Tomorrow, I’ll set up a motion-activated camera. If anyone goes up there, we must know.”
“Agreed.” Ruby nodded, kissed Magnus on the cheek and said, “I’ll be back soon. If you’re sure you don’t mind staying.”
“I don’t mind. Anything to spare me a ride in your mechanical beast,” Magnus said. “But I prefer to travel by my own feet or wings. I’ll see you tomorrow, Emilia.” Emilia’s brother hugged her tightly and then let her go. “I’m never far away.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Magnus.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you for everything.”
“I didn’t do much,” Magnus admitted. “It was Thorn who freed you.”
“And it was you who slept next to me through all the years.” Emilia kissed his cheek and then slipped away, leaving the house with her hand in Thorn’s.
“I won’t be long,” Ruby called as she opened the door of her car and got in.
“This is a mechanical beast?” Emilia stood in front of Ruby’s Volkswagen and eyed it suspiciously.
“It’s a car. You put the key in the ignition and turn the engine over. The engine starts and then you drive it. The pedals make it stop and go, and you turn the steering wheel to change the direction you travel in.” It was a basic explanation and didn’t satisfy Emilia’s curiosity. “Once you are stronger, I can teach you all about cars. Right now, let’s get you home.”
Emilia ducked her head inside the car and assessed the interior. “There are lots of lights.”
“There are. These tell me how much fuel I’ve got and what speed we’re traveling at,” Ruby explained as Thorn reached across Emilia and pulled her seatbelt across her body. “And that keeps you safe if we crash.”
“Crash?” Emilia asked, her eyes widening. “Why would we crash?”
“We might hit a tree or another car. Or a car might hit us.” Ruby put the car into drive and moved forward slowly.
“Oh,” Emilia said gently. “We are moving.”
Ruby sped up, driving down the dirt road leading away from the house at around 10 mph. Emilia clutched the door, her fingers digging into the seat. “I see why Magnus does not like it.”
“You are safe, and we are going to go faster,” Ruby warned.
“Faster?” Excitement filled Emilia’s voice as they reached the main road and then turned right.
“I live on the stretch of the mountain between Bear Creek and Bear Bluff,” Thorn told Ruby.
“I know exactly where you live,” Ruby told him.
“You’ve been spying on me?” He feigned displeasure.
“Yes.”
Thorn gave a short laugh. “I thought you might try and deny it.”
“Why would I? You can hardly take offense when you were spying on us.” Ruby accelerated, and Emilia leaned forward, watching the lights as they illuminated the road.
“Does it go any faster?” Emilia whispered.
“It does, but not tonight and not on these roads,” Thorn said, putting his hand on her shoulder and easing her back into her seat. “Sit back there, speedy.”
“I’ve never gone this fast without wings.” Her eyes were wide as she watched the trees and bushes fly by as they drove toward his house.
“What’s that?” Emilia pointed out of the window as another car approached. “It’s heading for us.” She leaned back, her fingers curled around the seat as the car sped toward them.
“It’s okay, it’s just another car.” Thorn watched her breathe in and tilt her body away from the car. Unconsciously, she reached for his hand and gripped it tightly. As the car passed them, she burst into laughter. “Oh, Emilia, you are gonna love this world.”
And he was gonna love her. Or maybe he already did. There was a spark in his heart that was about to explode.
Chapter Six – Emilia
The car ride shook off her fatigue and left her exhilarated. The sights and sounds of the modern world were many and varied and she wanted to explore each and every one.
With Thorn.
He was still chuckling as they got out of the car and stood in front of his house. Emilia placed her hand on the smooth metal of Ruby’s car. One day she would learn to drive one of these, too.
“Thanks, Ruby.” Thorn took the bag of clothes from the trunk of the car and slammed it shut.
“No problem. I’ll speak to you tomorrow.” She waved, and the car started to move backward.
“Look after Magnus for me,” Emilia called after her.
“I will.” With one final wave, Ruby turned the car around and drove away, leaving Emilia and Thorn standing next to each other in the darkness. “I always remembered the stars as being brighter.”
Thorn followed her gaze. “Light pollution.”
“Pollution?” Emilia asked.
“Yes, light pollution from all the street lights and buildings.” He sighed. “Maybe when you are stronger we can fly to a place I know high in the Peruvian mountains where there is no light pollution and we can look at the stars.”
“I’d like that,” Emilia said. “Although I do not know where Peru is.”
“I can give you directions.” He turned to look at the house which stood in a clearing, surrounded by trees; it was hidden away as if he didn’t want to be found. “Let’s get inside.”
“All right.” She followed him toward the steps leading up to the porch and stood waiting while he fished a key out of his pocket and unlocked the door. “Does everyone lock their door?”
“Yes.” He pushed the door open and leaned forward to switch on light, which blinded her with its brilliance. “Not everything has changed for the better.”
She stepped inside. It was warm and clean with paintings on the wall that looked so lifelike they might have been real. “Magnus was a good artist but even he could not paint such work.”
“These aren’t paintings,” Thorn told her. “They’re photographs, taken with a camera.”
“A camera.” She nodded, peering at the images before her. “What else is there?”
“So much.” He raised his eyebrows and nodded. “But the first thing I’m going to show you is the shower.”
“The warm water rain shower.” She gave him a half smile.
“You’ll like it.” He carried the bag of clothes under his arm and took her hand, leading her up the stairs.
“You carry the water upstairs?” It seemed like a lot of hard work.
“No, the water pressure pushes it up. Never mind.” He opened a door and switched on another light. The room before her was white with smooth tiles on the wall. “This is the shower.”
“And what are these?” Emilia pointed to what looked like a white bowl on the wall, and something that looked like a chair. She was certain it was a water closet but had never seen one like it, even in Perry’s mansion.
“A sink, with faucets.” Thorn switched on the faucets and the water gushed out, one hot, one cold. “And this is the toilet.”
“Inside?” she asked in wonder. “It doesn’t smell.”
“The wonder of indoor plumbing.” He showed her how it flushed. Then he opened the glass door of the shower cubicle and turned a dial. Water sprayed out in small jets and Thorn ran his hand under it until satisfied. “Nice and hot. Now if you want it cooler, you turn the dial this way toward the blue, hotter you turn it this way toward the red. I’ll put the shampoo and conditioner on here.” He reached inside and placed two bottles on a wire tray.
“Very well.” She nodded and looked down at the coat she wore. “How do I?”
“Oh, here.” He reached up and took the zipper between his finger and thumb and pulled it down until the two sides of the coat parted. She shrugged it off her shoulders and stood before him in the remains of her dress.
The very little remains of her dress. The fabric had almost disintegrated and left little to the imagination. Emilia was from an age where women kept their bodies covered from neck to feet, only a husband should see his wife naked. But she enjoyed the look of hunger in Thorn’s eyes as he looked at her body.
Treasure Bear (Return to Bear Creek Book 19) Page 5
