It wasn’t until the sun began to set that Bastian returned, his skin pale and his eyes sad. I sat on the porch in the light of the setting sun and stood when I saw him walking toward me. His eyes met mine, and then traveled up and down my form. I was wearing a white tank top and jeans, and had my hair down around my shoulders to air-dry, so the natural curls had taken over.
His step faltered, and his eyes grew wide. “You didn’t leave?”
I stood up. “Did you want me to?”
He shook his head slowly, his eyes still wide. "No, but... surely you've had second thoughts about working with me."
I smiled gently. "Are we going to go swimming in the creek still or not?"
Bastian smiled at the change of subject. He nodded and then we both ran inside to switch to our swim gear. Since I didn’t have anything, exactly – I just kept my tank top on and put on a pair of shorts.
We reached the creek when it was completely dark. The moon overhead shined on the waters. I skipped ahead and jumped in, waist deep.
"Oh!" I screamed. "It's so cold."
"Of course it is!" Bastian laughed as he followed me in, splashing the cold water toward me.
I jumped, screaming even more. "Aren't you cold?"
"Not really. Maybe it has to do with the fact I shift into a cold-blooded..." he trailed off.
I smiled again in, refusing to let things get too awkward. "I, on the other hand, am a hot-blooded mammal."
Laughing, he splashed another wave of water at me.
"Stop!" I squealed. "Besides, if you hadn’t run off we would have been in here while it was still sunny outside."
He shrugged and dove deeper in the water. For a moment, I backed up, getting deeper in the water, so that I had to swim a bit to keep my head up. I watched and for several seconds, he didn’t come back up.
I felt something brush against my side and then he popped up right next to me, splashing me again with water. I splashed him back—not that it mattered much since he was already thoroughly wet. But it was great to see him laughing and smiling. And for a moment, we were both two teenagers having innocent fun.
*
We were up with the sun the next morning and ate what was left of the eggs and perishables in the fridge since we didn’t know when we’d be back. As I gathered my things, I prepared myself mentally for what I was sure to come. Eventually, I'd be facing the people who were responsible for me mother's disappearance… responsible for the pink and white scar-lines along Bastian's skin… for my broken childhood… for his.
Once we were both ready, we hopped into his truck and made our way on back roads to the nearest airport. I hummed along to the radio as Bastian kept his eyes focused intently on the road.
"Who taught you how to drive?" I asked.
"Oh, myself, I guess," he answered vaguely.
I shrugged. “I don’t even have my license yet.”
“I have a fake one my lawyer provided.” He lifted a brow and gave me a short glance before returning his eyes to the road.
I laughed. “Seems like your lawyer is pretty useful.”
He nodded. “He is.”
We pulled into the long-term parking area and got a ticket from the attendant. Then we pulled into a spot a short distance away from the building. I hopped out and then looked over when I noticed that Bastian hadn’t followed suit. His fists clutched the steering wheel and the scales started to appear on his arm. I hopped back onto the bench seat of the truck and reached over, placing my hand over his. The scales erupted on the surface of his hand and scratched against my skin.
His eyes met mine, the dark blue flashing red, and my heart ached to see the fear in them.
“It’s okay. Just breathe. Match me,” I said as I breathed in. Then out. He followed along. Slowly the scales pulled back in and the back of his hand became smooth again. His eyes became that mellow, dark blue of the sky just before it became black. The grip he had on the steering wheel loosened, and his shoulders relaxed.
“Sorry,” he mumbled. “It’s just there’s so many people.”
“It’s okay.” I patted his hand and hopped back out of the truck, coming around and meeting him on his side. Then I slipped my hand in his, giving a gentle squeeze. His eyes went wide and then grew appreciative as he squeezed my hand lightly back.
We walked into the airport together. Only once did his grow scaly upon talking to airport staff, but I squeezed his hand, grounding him in the present. His eyes met mine, and I mouthed “breathe.” Which he did as he concentrated his gaze upon mine. Once we made it through the panic attack, he closed his eyes.
I pulled him closer and hugged him, whispering in his ear. “You’re doing great.”
When we passed through security, I had to let go of his hand. He seemed nervous but managed to keep himself together until I, too, passed through security and slipped my hand back into his.
“See,” I said with a smile and leaned on his shoulder. “You can handle this.”
He laughed. “There’s just so many people. I’ve been in the woods for so long… I forgot how big the world is.”
Nodded, feeling his solid bicep against my shoulder. “Yeah, it is pretty big.”
Together we waited until it was time to board the plane.
His body tensed in the first class seat when he sat down. His jaw flexed, but he didn’t seem ready to shift, which was good. I squeezed his hand again anyway. “What are you worried about now? There’s not as many people in first class.”
Bastian breathed, his eyes meeting mine. “It’s just flying…”
I laughed a little. “But you fly all the time.”
He nodded, laughing a little to himself. “I know, but I’m not the one in control of this plane. When I was with the guardians, I had no control of anything. I had no freedom. So since I escaped, I’ve made all my own decisions. Even letting go this little bit… it’s a lot.”
I nodded and squeezed then released his hand. “I have an idea.”
I pulled out one of my favorite books, Around the World in 80 Days. I had originally planned to read during the trip, but instead I started reading aloud softly, leaning into his shoulder.
Bastian’s clenched fists relaxed. I smiled up at him and found his eyes watching me. I continued to read throughout the plane ride until Bastian’s eyes closed. I stuck a sheet of paper in between the pages, and reclined back in my seat. Soon, I was fast asleep, too.
Chapter Ten
When we got to Italy, I texted my father from a pay-as-you-go phone we picked up at the store in the airport. I didn’t explain what was happening but asked him to meet me at the train station in our hometown, Trento. I knew my father had many questions, but I couldn’t risk him tipping off the school and the Guardians. I promised I would explain everything, but I needed to come back, so I could be safe. Emphasizing my need for safety, I got my father to agree to wait for me to explain what was happening until I saw him in person.
Hand in hand, they walked outside into the bright morning sun of Italy. I was overcome with a sense of nostalgia. It had been so long since I had been back home. I only wished it was under better circumstances. When we got into the cab, the notification on my cell phone dinged, and Bastian tensed. I checked the message and nodded to Bastian. “My father agreed to meet us at the train station.”
His jaw tightened, and he swallowed. His eyes remained forward.
“We need a place to stay while we’re here searching. And I’m so close to home. It only makes sense that we meet up with him.”
His fists remained clenched and I watched him, to see if he was shifting, but he seemed in control. He nodded his head. “Fine.”
“We can trust him. I promise.”
His frown deepened. “He supports the Guardians, doesn’t he?”
I cupped his fist in my hands. “So did I only a few days ago. Now look at me. Give him a chance, please.”
Bastian’s hand softened, and his fingers intertwined with mine—but his brows remained fur
rowed. Holding hands, the taxi made its way to the train station, where I purchased tickets to Trento.
I noticed Bastian’s body relaxed on the train, and so I slipped my hand out of his and pulled my book out. Starting to read silently to myself, he asked, “Could you read to me again? I’d like to know what happens next.”
I smiled. “Of course.”
As we pulled up to the train stop, I finished reading the story and Bastian smiled. “That was a good story. I liked the end.”
“It’s one of my favorites.” I shoved my book back in the satchel and remained seated for a few minutes, allowing the crowd on the train to disperse a bit before we joined it. Once I stood, Bastian stood with me, pulling my hand into his. I smiled up at him. The slightest red tint colored his cheeks, but he didn’t meet eyes with me. His shyness was endearing. Dragons were the strongest and most powerful shifters. I knew that if he wanted to, he could tear down a whole city. But he was gentle and insecure. I didn’t know what the outcome of this trip might be, but I knew that we would remain friends if I had anything to say about it.
We got off the train and stepped onto the platform. My father stood in the distance with a small sign, reading “Welcome Home, Belle.”
I smiled when I saw him, and he smiled back when his eyes met mine. It had been nearly a year since I last saw him. He pushed back his overlong salt and pepper bangs. He needed a haircut. Then his eyes fixed on the hand I was holding and the boy standing next to me. His smile faltered.
I squeezed Bastian’s hand and then slipped mine away from his and ran up to my father “Papa!”
“Mia Bella.” He reached over and hugged me. His gentle squeeze felt like home. When he pulled away, he smiled at me broadly and then glanced over toward Bastian. “And who might this be?”
“Bastian,” I smiled. “This is my friend, Bastian. And Bastian, this is my Papa.”
“Maurizio,” my father said, offering his hand for a shake.
I was grateful Bastian didn’t break out in scales and maintained his composure, despite the contact with my father and number of people at the station. He bowed slightly toward my father. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Señor Parisi.”
My father smiled and nodded, seeming pleased with Bastian’s show of respect. “Please, feel free to call me Maurizio.”
“Thank you, Maurizio.” Bastian bowed again.
My father looked down at our hands, finding only our carry-one and my satchel. “Is this all that you have with you?”
I nodded. “It was short notice, Papa.”
His brow furrowed. “What is this all about, Bella? Why aren’t you at school?”
My eyes darted around the small crowd. “I’ll tell you everything. Let’s wait until we get to the car.”
“Is it that bad? Are you and this fellow… together? In trouble?”
“Goodness, Daddy, no!” I exclaimed.
Bastian jaw tightened, and he shoved his hands in his pockets.
My father eyed him. “Is he a student at Wonderland?”
“No,” I answered honestly, looping my arm into my father’s and guiding him toward the parking area.
He followed my lead, but raised his voice. “Well, who is this boy then?”
Bastian stepped closer, the slightest growl in his voice. “You could ask me instead of yelling at your daughter.”
“Excuse me, young man, but I was not yelling.” My father stopped in front of his car and narrowed his eyes at Bastian.
“Please, Papa. Bastian means well. Both of you mean well, but let’s just get in the car, okay?”
“Very well then. We’ll wait.” He shrugged and got into the car. The trunk popped open, and we set our bags inside. Then I gestured for Bastian to get in the back seat, which he did, but his frown deepened. I sat in the front with my father. After he started the engine, we sat in silence as my father navigated his way through the traffic, a bit faster than I would have liked.
It wasn’t far to our villa, and when my father pulled into our driveway, he caught of the engine, but didn’t get out of the car. “Now, Bella. Tell me what is going on.”
I nodded, deciding to reveal a watered down version of what had happened.
“A few days ago,” I started, “I was approached by the Guardians to help them with an assignment. The mission was to find a dragon shifter.”
My father gasped. “Bella! No. Too dangerous! Dragons are monsters. Tell me you didn’t accept.”
A pained expression slipped across Bastian’s face, as though he’d been slapped.
“You’re wrong, Papa. He’s kind and gentle.”
“He?” Maurizio frowned, following my gaze to the back of the car. He turned in his seat. His eyes went wide. “You mean, that boy? He’s the dragon?”
I grabbed my father by the shoulder. “He is a person, Papa. He just happens to shift into a dragon, just like I am a person who happens to shift into a tiger. Just like Momma.”
His worried eyes met mine. He shook his head a little. “I…”
I turned toward Bastian and offered him a small smile. “Would you mind getting the luggage out of the trunk. I just want a minute to talk with my father.”
Bastian nodded and got out of the car.
When the door shut and we were alone, I squeezed my father’s hand. “When I found him, Dad, he was alone and so scared. He wasn’t at all like I expected him to be. He didn’t hurt me, I don’t believe he’d ever hurt me.”
My father looked to the back of the car where Bastian had just closed the trunk. Then he remained at the back of the vehicle and leaned against a nearby tree, keeping a respectful distance. “I don’t know, Bella. Everything I heard… everything your mother taught me about shifters… the Guardians said…”
“There’s more, Papa. Bastian had papers with him, and one of them had Mom’s name on it. It was a list from the Guardians… it looks like it’s a list of shifters who they tortured.”
“Tortured?” He blinked and his eyes grew wide. “They would never do such a thing.”
“I don’t know, Papa. Someone made that list.”
My father’s gaze narrowed on the back of the car. “Who’s to say it wasn’t your little friend?”
“Papa!” I gasped. “That makes no sense and you know it. He had the papers, but they had the Guardian’s water mark on them. He wouldn’t have been able to fake that. And he was with her… with Mom.” I swallowed. “They tortured him, too. He has the scars to probe it.” I shook my head. “I need to figure this out. For you. For Mom.”
My father’s gaze returned to me, his eyes sad. “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”
“Would you have believed me? Trusted me?”
He shook his head. “I don’t know if I do. The Guardians?” He shook his head. “That makes no sense.”
“Tell me, Papa, about Mom. Where she was when she went missing? I know you’ve told me bits and pieces before, but I don’t remember it all. I didn’t want to know, but now I need to know.”
“Are you sure about this, Bella? Are you sure about him?”
“Yes, Papa. I’m sure.”
He let out a big sigh, “Fine then. But let’s get inside.”
I nodded, and we both got out of the car. Bastian joined us and we headed into the living room of the villa. “Would anyone like something to drink?” Papa asked as we both started to sit on the couch together.
“No, Papa. We only need to get information about Mom. Please, tell me what you know about when she went missing.”
He sighed, and settled into the chair across from us. For a moment, he just stared at his hands. Then he began, “Your mother was on a business trip when she went missing. She went to Salzburg in Austria. She checked into her hotel room, but never arrived at the meeting. There wasn’t any trace of where she went. Not a single sign. Nothing in her room was disturbed. She hadn’t even unpacked yet.”
My father seemed to be on the verge of tears, so I stood and put an arm around his shoulders. “I
know it was hard to think about all that again. Thank you.”
He nodded. “I suppose you’re going to head out that way then?”
He’d said Austria, and that was the same place Bastian had said he though he might have been, too. We’d definitely need to go.
I looked over to Bastian, who nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “We have to. It’s the only lead we have.”
I nodded.
“When do you plan on leaving?” my father asked.
“As soon as we can. Let’s have lunch, and then we will get going.”
He breathed. “I wish you were staying longer, but I understand. I’ll help you in any way I can. Hotel costs. Food. I just need you safe.” He stood and dusted himself off. “I’ll get started on cooking us up something. You both can relax a moment and freshen up.”
I stood and kissed my father’s forehead. “Thank you for always being understanding.”
He humphed and lifted an eyebrow toward Bastian. “You just keep my daughter safe, understand?”
Bastian stood and bowed again, then he met eyes with my father, the determination in them hard to miss. “I promise to do everything in my power to make sure no harm comes to her.”
My father humphed again and then headed toward the kitchen.
I patted Bastian on the shoulder. “I think he likes you.”
It was Bastian’s turn to quirk an eyebrow. “I don’t know what makes you think that.”
I shrugged. “He didn’t kick you out.”
That brought a wide smile to Bastian’s face. I pointed down the hallway. “The bathroom is the first door on the right. I’m going to go to my bedroom to shower and change clothes. Do you need anything?”
“Provided there’s a towel in there, I’m good.”
“On the shelf right over the toilet.” I started toward my bedroom as he headed into the bathroom.
My bedroom had that same mixture of vanilla and cinnamon that it always had when I was young. Nothing had been moved. Twisting the ring on my finger, I was flooded with memories of my childhood; moments with my mother before my disappearance. I could only hope that my mother was still okay and waiting for me. I peered at her picture on my nightstand. “Keep hanging in there, Mom. I’m on my way.”
Belle the Beast Tamer Page 6
