Chapter 14
Later that night, Alex emerged from her second shower, wearing an oversized, forest green, cotton robe. Breakfast had been awkward. Domhall had shot weird looks at Collum all through the meal while Collum acted every inch the dragon. Eventually, Domhall noticed her growing tattoo and said, “Cool” before grabbing more of Glenn's coffee. Her grandfather was one strange guy.
Collum was right of course. She’d only needed one bite of the cinnamon bun before thinking Glenn must be an angel. Not even an immortal could bake like that.
Their discussion centered on strategy and location spells. Alex alternated between feelings of guilt, frustration, excitement, and exhaustion before finally excusing herself and crawling into bed. Eight hours later she'd woken up, still exhausted, and made her way downstairs for dinner. The two men were still there. She doubted they'd even slept.
After more talk about locating the witch and her father’s people, it was all she could do to get away before she made a fool of herself. All she’d wanted was to crawl into Collum's lap, have him rub her back, and tell her everything was going to be okay.
She left the kitchen. Decided to snoop around the dragon’s castle for a while. Collum caught up with her as she opened the door to what she assumed was the study. His hand covered hers. His warm breath against her neck.
“I can give you a tour if you’d like.”
His scent, his voice, were aphrodisiacs. He dripped sex and something else she couldn’t yet name. It was obvious why he turned her on physically. It was his barbaric attitude she could do without. And she really had to figure out what he’d pulled in the kitchen earlier.
She turned the doorknob under his hand and pushed into the room to gain a little distance. “I was really hoping for some alone time.”
“You had alone time all day, sweetheart, while I was stuck talking strategy with a guy who’d rather talk about Glenn’s cinnamon buns.”
Alex perked up. “Well they are absolutely incredible.”
“Oh God. Not you too.”
“Where did you meet him?”
He advanced toward her. “Glenn? I don’t know. He’s always been there.”
She shoved her hands into the pocket of her sweats. “What about your dad?”
At the mention of his father, Collum stopped his pursuit. His eyes turned cold. “What did Quinn tell you?”
“That he killed my mother and that you killed him. Is that true?”
He picked up a book off the shelf, his stance rigid. “It’s true.”
“I’m sorry you had to do that.”
“I’m not.” He closed his eyes for a moment. “The man was a killer of women. Your mother was not the first.”
When he opened them, she noticed a red glow under black pupils.
“I’m The Guardian, Alex. He didn’t get a free pass because he was my father.”
The air in the room tightened. “And with his death you also became king?”
“No, I was king long before.” He placed the book back on his desk and flexed his shoulders. “He lost the right to lead when he killed my mother.”
“He killed your mother?”
“He broke her wings, she committed suicide. Same thing.”
She took a step toward him but his raised voice stopped her.
“Don’t. You don’t get to comfort me. I don’t want it or need it. I’m not heartbroken.”
“But . . .”
“No. My life wasn’t yours. There were no cuddles. No lullabies.” He shook his head softly. “I’m a dragon, sweetheart. Warm and fuzzy don’t come with the territory.”
Alex couldn’t imagine not being adored by her parents. Even after they’d told her about the adoption, she’d never, for a second, felt unloved. She couldn’t fathom having such a cold upbringing. But she also knew what it felt like to have people intrude. Collum was right. They weren’t friends. She didn’t have the right to question or comfort him.
She straightened her shirt before nodding. “I would like to thank you for getting my mother out. Somehow because of you I survived.”
He’d already made his way to the door.
When she spoke, he turned. His eyes burned through her. “You’re welcome. Your life,” he growled, “was worth saving.”
Chapter 15
Sunshine poured into her room. The clock on the nightstand flashed six in the morning. Alex groaned and shoved her head under the pillows but sleep eluded her. She climbed out of bed, shoved her feet into pink flannel socks, and wrapped up in her favorite yellow housecoat. People made fun of the housecoat, but her adoptive father had given it to her and she refused to give it up. Plus, it was nice to have a piece of home with her. Thankfully aunt Quinn knew her well enough to pack it. She stared out the window for a while, watched the world, marveled over everything that had happened, before making her way downstairs to the kitchen.
As she rounded the corner, her stomach rumbled loudly. The smells wafting out the kitchen door were heavenly. She inhaled as much of the smell as she could before saying to the older man sprinkling sugar on wicked-looking pastry, “You must be Glenn.”
He dusted his hands on a blue, rhinestone embroidered apron and replied, “That’d be me. You must be our new addition, Alex.”
She smiled. “Your cinnamon buns are incredible.”
“Well, dear, I’m always happy to accept a compliment.” He reached for a fresh bun, put it on a plate, and passed it to her with a wink. “You should probably test this one and make sure it’s up to snuff. Now, can I make you a coffee?”
She nodded while shoving pastry into her mouth.
Glenn reached around her, grabbed a cup out of the cupboard to fill. Her mouth watered as he placed the cup on the counter and motioned for her to take a sip.
She wiped her mouth on her sleeve. “Thank you. I hardly ate last night and I’m starving.”
“Would you like another one?” He scooped up a second cinnamon bun and put it on her plate before she could say no.
She laughed out loud. Pushed her hair out of the way as she accepted the second bun. Sighing with contentment, she said, “Collum tells me you’ve been with him forever. Did you know my grandmother?”
“I’m afraid not my dear. Collum is,” he clicked his tongue, “very private about his friendships. Dragons usually are.”
“Are you an Angel?”
Glenn laughed out loud. “Oh no, no. Valhalla forbid. I’m a raven my dear.”
With a blank look, she repeated, “A raven?”
“I’m a shifter. The raven is my true form. It’s a bit of a gift from Odin.”
Alex thought back to her basic knowledge of Norse mythology. She might not know much but everyone knew about the Ravens of Odin. She gulped down her coffee. “Wow, so, shifters and Odin’s Ravens, exist? For real?”
“Yes, we’re all for real. That’s likely the case for everything you think is unreal.”
She bit her lip as Glenn laughed again. It was a kind laugh, though. “Can I have another coffee please? I think I’m going to need it today.”
As Glenn plucked the cup from her hands, Collum walked in. Surprise lit his face. An entirely ridiculous giggle embedded in her throat. She climbed off the counter. Tried to smooth down her hair without him noticing.
He inclined his head to her. “Good morning, did you sleep well?”
“I did thank you. The bed is very comfortable,” she stammered, feeling like an idiot.
“Your paper is on the dining table. Your steak and eggs are almost ready,” Glenn said as he handed a coffee to Collum.
Fascinated, Alex watched as Collum took the cup and slapped the other man on his shoulder affectionately. She’d never seen Collum touch anyone, well other than her. He appeared completely at ease. She re
cognized all too clearly that she knew absolutely nothing about him.
“You have icing in your hair, Alex?” Collum said.
“What?” Alex pulled at her housecoat.
“I said—you have icing in your hair.”
“Oh.” She grabbed her hair, found the offending piece and shoved it in her mouth to suck the icing off.
Rushing to cover her embarrassment, she said, “I’d like to go for a run. Do you have any trails I can use or should I run the road?”
Collum shook his head. “You can’t go for a run.”
“Excuse me?”
Glenn began banging pots and pans, but Collum talked right over the noise. “I said—You. Can. Not. Go for a run.”
“I beg to differ. You told me this place would be safe. My back is aching and I need to release some pent-up energy.”
Collum gave her a sinister look. Behind him Glenn began coughing. She ignored them both and carried on, “I need this Collum.”
“Nope. Not happening.”
“Look, buddy, I don’t think you get it. I’m going for a run. I’m only asking you the best route to take.”
Her tattoo tingled against her skin as she stepped into his personal space. She could smell the shampoo he used. He smelled good in the morning. She inhaled. Why did he have to smell so good when he was acting like a cretin.
His eyes narrowed. “You can’t protect yourself if something happens and I don’t have time to follow you. Go work out in the gym on the lower level.”
“I can’t what? Maybe you haven’t heard, but I can protect myself just fine. I’ve already saved my own ass once. It’s not like I’m talking about leaving your precious estate. Man, you’re being a total jerk.”
She glowered at Collum but the jerk refused to give in. Behind her, Glenn interjected. “I can follow her.”
Alex clapped her hands. “There, see, Glenn will follow me. You can drop the male chauvinist act now.”
Glaring at Glenn he retorted, “Fine, you fly behind her and keep an eye on things. But you two had better not leave the fucking property. I don’t know who else is out there, and I can’t bloody well protect you if you won’t listen.”
He stormed out of the kitchen with his coffee in hand.
As soon as his footsteps faded in the hall, Alex hugged Glenn. “Thank you. Is he always so grumpy?”
“Well, actually yes, though he’s usually not so talkative or accommodating,” Glenn replied with a confused smile.
Alex snorted. “You call that accommodating?”
“Trust me dear, that was very accommodating. Now why don’t you go get changed while I finish up here. I’ll meet you out front in twenty minutes.”
“Done.” She gulped down the last of her coffee before rushing out of the room.
~ ~ ~
True to her word, Alex was waiting on the front steps when Glenn showed up. They went over a map of the surrounding property before agreeing on a five-mile trail that looped past the river near the back of the property. As Alex tightened her laces and stretched, Glenn disappeared around the corner of the house to shift into his raven form. Within minutes a gleaming, deep purple bird cawed at her from the tree.
As she jogged through the trails she felt the raven’s steady flap of wings behind her. How odd it was, to feel such calm with his presence. What a fascinating and bizarre world she found herself in.
She heard the lapping of water not far off. Other sounds joined in. Grasshoppers and woodland bugs talked in the underbrush. Dew on the tress and ferns sparkled. It was cooler here in the shade. As the sweat ran down her back, she was thankful for the shadows. Small animals rustled nearby. If she didn’t know better, she’d have thought she was home on Vancouver Island with Quinn waiting up at the house with hot chocolate.
She was still angry with her aunt for not telling her everything years ago. It could have saved her so much pain and confusion. If she’d known, perhaps she’d have started this journey long ago, before she was in danger. It certainly would have been a lot easier in college if she’d known why things frequently combusted around her or why her dreams seemed to predict the future. She’d been a freak. She would’ve like to not be a freak.
She brushed off thoughts of the past. None of that mattered now. It was ridiculous to complain when more important things needed her attention, like the sun and the trees, and a hidden fresh water lake she’d noticed on the map earlier. It was within the boundaries of the estate. Glenn said it was the perfect place for a rest before heading back to the house.
She slowed to a walk as the trail grew thicker. The scent from the water hovered in the air. Alex checked her timer. Thirteen minutes to run two and a half kilometers. Not bad but certainly not her best time either.
Ahead of her, Glenn perched on a low branch. She pushed through the foliage and came upon a small clearing with an emerald lake. Large boulders created a wall. She scrambled down to reach the water.
“I’m jumping in, Glenn,” she shouted as she pulled off her socks and shoes, and dove in the water. Behind her the Raven shrieked.
She squealed with unconcealed delight as her head broke the surface of the lake. “Glenn, get your feathered ass in here. It’s perfect.”
~ ~ ~
“I sent him home.”
She shrieked. Frantically shoved the mass of wet, red tangles out of her eyes to see Collum standing next to her shoes. He was in fine form, dressed head to toe in black. Black track pants that hugged his quads. Black T-shirt that hugged his chest. She lost her breath for a minute.
“What are you doing here?”
“You told me you could save your own ass so I decided to see if it was true.”
His arms were folded over his chest. Tattoos covered his muscled forearms. “Get out of the water, princess.”
“I don’t think so. Not with that look on your face I’m not.”
“I don’t have a look on my face.”
“You sure as hell do have a look on your face.”
“Get out of the water and show me what you know about protecting yourself.”
“Yeah, cause that doesn’t sound at all ominous. I’m good right here.”
He growled at her like the predator he was. “I can see you shivering from here. Get out of the water. I’ll give you a head start.”
“Head start? What do you think’s going to happen here?”
“You need to burn off some energy. I need to know if you can protect yourself. We’re going to find out.”
“I can’t believe Glenn left me. Traitor.” Her teeth chattered. She took perverse pleasure in seeing Collum grimace.
“He isn’t a traitor. He’s following orders. Now get out of the water before I come in and drag you out by that hair of yours.”
Alex had forgotten about her hair and groaned at the mention of it. Goddamn hair would take hours to dry. “Well at least step back. You’re blocking my path.”
A wicked smile curled his lips. He retreated three steps before handing her a towel from behind his back.
She pulled herself out of the water and on to the rocks. Practically launched herself at him to get the offered towel. She was so cold she felt like her bones were going to crack.
“You know you’re made of fire, right?”
“So you keep saying.”
“You’re standing there shivering so hard you look like you’re having a seizure and I’m reminding you that your element is fire.”
At her blank look, he stepped close and traced his finger along the flame tattoo that wrapped up her body.
“You are fire, Alex. Warm yourself.”
He stroked the flames on her shoulder. Alex thought she might faint from his touch. He leaned down and licked the water off her skin. Her tattoo writhed, strained to reach
him.
“Why is it doing that?”
“I’m fire. It recognizes itself in me—even if you don’t yet. You aren’t human anymore, Alex so stop acting like it. Stop pretending this is a holiday.”
“I’m not pretending anything. This is my life. Stop treating me like I’m a child.”
He ignored her. “Try to hit me.”
“I’m not hitting . . .”
“Hit me, girl.”
Finally, angry—really angry—she pulled back her fist and swung.
He blocked her, easily twisting her arm behind her back.
“I’m a dragon, Alex. You can’t hit me with your fist. Use your fucking flames.”
“Let go of me. You’re hurting me.”
“It doesn’t hurt. You’re an immortal. Now wake up and let your fire out.”
“I don’t know how,” she cried.
Collum released her and stepped back. His voice was gentler when he spoke again. “You do know how. You fought off that raider in the parking lot. You’ve been dealing with this since you were eighteen, right? Channel it. You know what you feel like when the fire is rising.”
She squared her shoulders. He was right. She never backed away from a fight and she wasn’t going to now. But she wasn’t going to let him off that easy.
“You’re an asshole.”
“He grinned down at her. “Babe, you ain’t seen nothing yet. You ready?”
With a big breath and last long look at the boulder baking in the sun, she shoved her feet into her runners and replied, “I’m ready.”
“Good, now put your hands out.”
“Why?”
“Just put them out and stop asking me questions.”
“Fine. Here.” She thrust her palms up to his chin and stared defiantly at him.
He clasped her hands in his own. Alex felt the rush of heat flowing between them. He pulled her hands up to his mouth and blew little sparks onto her fingers.
Fire Born (The Guardian Series Book 1) Page 7
