A Dragon's Clutch
Page 30
“Sapphire is fine. She was shaken from the intensity of the Gaki and falling into the ocean. Miu healed all her bruises and as much of her throat as possible. Apparently magical wounds are different, and we’ll have to wait to hear the dulcet sounds of Sapphire speaking again.”
God, he was laying it on thick today.
“Thank you, Shin,” Anali said.
“When will you be coming to India?” Gavin asked.
“Ah yes. Well, we’ve been given a new list of GPS coordinates along with a black feather like last time. Or that’s what the others said,” Shin explained. “And the coordinates match the last twelve weeks the cirque is traveling, so we’ll see you at the beginning of August.”
“That’s a long time,” Gavin frowned.
“Darling, they do have a job to do. And I think Sapphire and the others have proved they can take care of themselves.”
Gavin kissed Anali’s cheek. “You’re right, of course. I’m very proud of you, Sapphire, and I know Gabriella and Keegan would be proud too.”
I smiled and blinked back tears. If I started crying, Gavin would freak again. I looked at Shin.
“Okay, well good chat, but we are headed to the park. The cherry trees are in full bloom,” Shin said.
“Okay, okay, go have fun. I love you. Call me again soon,” Gavin said.
“Take picture of the cherry blossoms for me,” Anali said. “I love you. Take care of yourself.”
I blew them a kiss, waved, and hit the end button before they could say anything else.
“Come on. I want to kiss my man under the cherry blossoms.” Shin pulled me up and carried me down the hall. Normally I would have protested, reminded him that I could walk, but instead I wrapped my legs around his waist and twisted until I was against his back. At least that way I could see where I was going.
“Hurry,” Philip said once we got to the front porch.
Shin let me down and I sat to lace my Converse when the guardian of the ryokan reached out to me. “You didn’t leave?” I asked telepathically.
“No. I am a being of Earth magic not Akasha. And I am bound to the Muto family.”
“I noticed a few of the faeries stayed.”
“Yes, they are as attached to the family as I am. I’m glad I let you stay; you have done good here.”
“Thank you, and thank you for keeping me and my family safe.”
“I wish I could have done more,” the guardian said in my head. “I’m glad you broke the connection to those evil dreams.”
“Me too.”
“Do you need help tying your shoes?” Nyota asked.
I stuck my tongue out at her. “I have to go. We’ll be back tonight and then we leave for Thailand.”
“I shall miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too.”
* * *
Cameras clicked. Deep breaths taken to try and capture the faint sweetness of the blossoms. And my friends and family talked and laughed around me as we walked under hundreds of cherry trees, the pink tipped white blossoms making the day magical.
All of the Cirque du Feu Magique were here. We would tour for about twelve more weeks and then take a break for two months. Some of the performers planned on coming back, some were going to move on to the next show or stage of their life. I was determined to enjoy the time I had left with everyone.
Kayin and Shin kissed, cherry blossoms surrounding them. Quickly, I focused my camera and took a few shots, until the kiss turned from sweet to hot then I turned away. Of course several of the other Chinese pole performers started to hoot and whistle at them, ruining their moment.
“Are you having fun?” Taliesin asked.
I nodded and pointed at him.
“Yes, it’s beautiful. Maybe I could send some of your pictures to my mom and Shante? They’d love to see this.”
I smiled up at him.
His gaze focused on my mouth, then he turned away.
I tugged on his sleeve.
“I ...,” he sighed, “I’m still kind of a mess from Emiko.”
I linked our fingers together.
Stopping he looked at me, his smile sad as he ran the backs of his fingers over my cheek.
“I want this. I want you. But I need to get my head sorted out first. Sometimes I think I can still hear her voice.”
Miu had said the same thing. She said each day the voices became quieter and less frequent.
I pointed at Miu and her brother.
“Yes, we’ve talked. I know it’ll fade. Even the dragons said it would take time. I’m sorry.”
What was he sorry for? Needing time? There is nothing wrong with that. Did I smack him for being silly or hug him for at least explaining what happened?
Taliesin rolled his eyes. “I can see all the things you’re thinking. Your face and eyes are so expressive. I want to ask you something. Something not exactly fair. Something selfish.”
Squeezing his hand, I smiled encouragingly. He could ask me anything.
“Will you wait? I mean we’ll see each other every day, and we can hang out. But will you not … um … date anyone else, please?”
Joy lit up my whole face. I could feel it, and if Taliesin’s smile was anything to go by he did too.
Standing on tiptoes I whispered into his ear, “I’ll wait.”
He wrapped his arms around me hugging me tightly. The warmth of his breath tickled my neck. We slid apart. Our cheeks touching, our lips passed so close our exhales mingled. Taliesin’s fingers tightened in my shirt then he stepped away letting go and closing his eyes.
“Hey, no hogging Sapphire.” Sasha grabbed me and tossed me over his shoulder.
Taliesin laughed as I squirmed and tried to get away. I reached out to him, but Taliesin just waved at me. Brat. Well, my brat.
“Need some help?” Shin asked.
I thought Shin was talking to me. Then I was passed to Shin and carried like a baby.
“Hey, little sister. Sorry but you’re stuck with all of us.”
I guess I could handle that—being stuck with my family and friends forever.
The End
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About the Author
Being told she was a horrible speller and would never learn to use a comma correctly, Alica never thought to write down the stories she constantly had running through her head. Doesn’t everyone daydream about flying on a spaceship while walking to school?
Not until she was thirty did Alica dare to write down any of the people living exciting lives in her head. The relief was instantaneous. By giving them life on the page they could be released from her mind and given greater adventures.
As her books grew in size and the voices in her head learned to wait their turn, Alica found a loyal group to journey with. Women who would help her slay her commas, and use their magical gifts to traverse plot holes, transform words into their proper spelling, and release characters from any Mary Sue spells they might be under.
In-between magical adventures, Alica is mom to two personal kids, five foster kids, has one exceptional hubby, a bunny she knows is plotting her death, and some fish, aka her daughter’s minions.
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