Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Shane dropped off his heavy pack and sat down.

I wasn’t expecting that encounter. Turning to the firepit, he held out his hand and summoned the same fire that Rai had been using to cook. I feel like these powers get easier every time I use them.

Looking at the pit, he frowned. The pot isn’t going to sit on that.

Waving at his flames, he shrunk them down. Even though the stone ring was already blazing hot, he grabbed it and shifted the stones. Over the next minute, he made it small enough that the pot could sit on it easily. The fire would have to be smaller, but controlling the temperature of the flame would still heat the water just as fast.

Picking up his pack, he moved to the pantry. Pulling out the dishes and utensils, he set them aside. The pot and lid were set next to him along with some of the canned items. The rest was added to the floor where the meat usually sat. The last of the smoked meat was all but gone.

“There,” he mumbled to himself.

Standing up, he cracked his back before replacing the pot in the pack and leaving. The soft glow of the fire helped him through the den.

I have to go to the river first, he thought to himself. After that, I need to find herbs while Rai hunts.

With his plan in mind, he headed out. The walk to the river didn’t take longer than a few minutes.

Kneeling by the edge, he filled his pot before setting it aside. A rustle of the bushes from his side made his heart race.

Something is here.

Filling his hand with fire, he prepared for something to step out to attack him. What he wasn’t prepared for was a spike of stone to shoot out from between his feet.

The world slowed down as he twisted and leaped back, the spike grazing his cheek.

As the world returned to normal, he hurled his fireball at the bushes. The explosion tore the area apart, revealing Reginald.

“What are you doing?” Shane yelled.

Reginald didn’t answer.

Three more stone spikes shot up from the ground, aiming to pierce Shane. Light on his feet, he danced back, the world slowing as he pushed himself.

Knowing that Reginald was stronger than him, he dipped into Rai’s essence and infused his body with even more. The pain was excruciating but only lasted a second as he adjusted.

This time when the bear attacked, he sent rocks flying through the air. Shane grabbed two of them while dodging the others. Wrapping them in flame, he hurled them back at Reginald.

The bear’s eyes widened as he brought up a wall of stone to block the attack. Shane took advantage of the wall and raced forward. Snapping his fist forward, he encased it in flames and blew apart the stone, sending fiery shrapnel into the bear.

A roar of pain escaped Reginald as he aimed multiple spikes towards Shane.

Once again, the world slowed and Shane ducked, weaved, and even caught and broke some of the spikes. His hands and arms were encased in fire as the caught stone melted in his hands.

Reginald took a step back as Shane flickered, changing his normal red and yellow flames to a searing white.

The area heated, but the bear didn’t back down more than a few steps. The ground quaked and split, leaving Shane to pick a side. Dancing to the left of the fissure, Shane raced forward once again.

Reginald stood on his back legs, encasing his body in stone as they fell into melee.

Shane raised both arms, stopping a paw and melting the stone. Reginald roared in pain as he retracted his arm. Stones ripped from the ground a moment later and circled Shane.

Even more flames encased his body as every step left a fiery trail. The trees around the area smoldered and the river started to boil. The pot that was long forgotten was white-hot and melting.

Reginald panted as the very air snapped and burst. The stones around Shane dropped to the ground, and Reginald finally backed off.

“Stop!” a voice called in Shane’s head.

Shane glanced over his shoulder. “Why should I?”

Rai stepped into the clearing in her giant fox form and shook her head. “He was testing you.”

Growling, Shane lowered his flames, cooling the air. The river stopped boiling, and the steam dissipated.

“What was the point of this?” Shane asked.

Rai transformed into her human form. “He didn’t think you had enough strength to fight for us.”

Reginald bowed his head and dismissed the stone around his body. Then he transformed.

Stepping out of the dust in his human form, Shane almost whistled. The man was huge. Strongman-competitor-sized. Standing nearly seven feet tall, his bulk made Shane feel smaller than he already was.

Thick brown hair, wild and short, dominated his head. A rugged beard encased his face and chin, giving him a very powerful look. Coarse hair puffed up from the neck of his shirt, making Shane touch his own chest and lack of hair.

Grunting, Reginald stepped forward and clapped his hand on Shane’s shoulder, nearly knocking him down. “I brought you a different pot.”

“Why?” Shane asked warily. Turning, he glanced towards the river. “My pot!”

Rushing over to the molten metal, he bent over and covered his eyes. “I’ll mourn you forever, my beautiful pot.”

Rai sighed. “Do you ever turn off?”

Shane lowered his hands and glared at her. “This is your fault!”

“How?” Rai protested. “I’m not the one that sent stone spikes at you!”

“You could have stepped in and stopped this at any time! Now my pot is destroyed!”

“He brought another one!” Rai growled.

“Guys?” Reginald asked.

Shane held up his hand. “Not yet. It’s too soon.”

“What’s too soon?” Reginald asked.

“I’m still in mourning. There’s a bereavement period.”

“There is not!” Rai snapped. “You should be more upset that Reginald tested you!”

“You test my patience every day. Why is being attacked any different?” Shane asked.

Flames flickered over Rai’s body. “What was that?”

Shane winced and scooted back. “Nothing, my love.”

“Are you too really a couple?” Reginald asked.

Shane smiled. “Yes, we are! Even though I’m in charge, Rai likes to step out of line.”

Bursting forward, Rai snapped out a kick and sent Shane flying into the river.

Shane flailed in the water. “Help!” he yelped as he started to sink.

Rai gasped. “He can’t swim!”

Reginald sighed as Shane drifted away. Just as Shane felt himself sink to the bottom, the ground rose up to meet him and carried him back to the shallows. After that, the river returned to normal.

“You can’t swim?” Reginald asked, raising his brow.

Shane gasped for air. “No…”

Summoning a chair, Reginald sat down. “You’re stronger than you should be.”

“He’s also a freak at dodging,” Rai added.

Despite feeling attacked, Shane sat back and closed his eyes. “Why does it matter if I’m stronger?”

Opening his eyes, he found Rai shaking her head and glaring at Reginald.

The giant man held up his hand, stopping her. “He deserves the truth, Railen.”

Rai growled and flames coated her body as she stepped forward. “He is not ready!”

Reginald sighed. “Very well. But if you do not tell him soon, I will.”

Shane frowned. “Tell me what?”

“The truth about the Descendance and what you humans have done,” Reginald said.

“Reggie!” Rai snapped.

Holding up a finger, Reginald paused. “I’m not going to say more.”

“You’re not the one he’s going to pester for answers!”

Shane raised his brow. “When have I ever pestered you?”

The tension in the air dissipated, and Rai glanced at him with a bewildered look. “Are you seriously asking that?”

Shane nodded. “All I’ve ever been is sweet and kind. I’m the perfect role model.”

Smacking her forehead, Rai groaned. “I don’t know if I can handle this right now. I need to hunt still.”

Turning, she stalked away.

Smiling, Shane pivoted to Reginald. “Remember that time you tried pie for the first time?”

Reginald frowned. “I’ve never had pie.”

“Sure, you have! It was cherry, and you got most of it all over yourself. Ah… Classic times.”

Getting up, Reginald walked after Rai. “Your pot is down river. I didn’t want you destroying it.”

“Thanks, Teddy!”

Reginald stopped. “Don’t call me that.”

“But you’re a giant teddy bear. What else am I supposed to call you?” Shane asked. “I bet Mary would have a great time with you. I should introduce you to her.”

“Who’s Mary?” Reginald asked before shaking his head. “Never mind. I don’t want to know.”

Picking up his pace, Reginald fled through the trees.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Laughing, Shane picked himself up and started walking down river. I need to find out the truth of things sooner rather than later. Something is happening, and I need to be ready.

***

Rai stalked through the forest on the balls of her paws. After leaving Shane, she had transformed into her fox form and started her hunt.

Just as she found a herd of deer last time, Reginald showed up in her territory. The stupid bear attacked her human. If she wasn’t sure he had been testing Shane, she would have torn him apart.

Then again, Shane had been handling that just fine without her.

Rustling leaves behind her made Rai slow down.

“What do you want?” she asked.

Reginald stepped up next to her. “Why don’t you talk out loud to your human in this form?”

Rai shook her head. “I like the intimacy of being in his mind.”

Nodding, Reginald sniffed the air. “There’s a herd nearby. Are you going to hunt them?”

“Yes,” she grumbled. “You didn’t answer me. What do you want, Reggie?”

“Railen,” he said firmly. “You are consorting with a human. You have even mated with him. What’s going on?”

Rai sat down. “I was dying just a few weeks ago. I had no choice but to steal him away and offer up my essence. The man was about to die. He survived the transition, and we both lived. I owe him my life.”

“Just as he owes you his.” Reginald shook his head. “That doesn’t explain why you slept with him.”

“I don’t know,” Rai whispered. Sighing, she shook her head. “I take that back. For some reason, I’ve fallen in love with the man. Within the first day, I knew he was different than the rest of the humans. I found myself longing for him.”

Reginald grunted. “What makes him so different?”

“Why did you test him?” Rai asked in return.

The bear didn’t answer. Instead, he dug his paws into the ground and tossed the dirt into the air.

“Reggie,” Rai said softly. “You noticed it too. He’s not afraid of us. He even loves me. He’s our way in.”

“You’re just going to use him?” Reginald asked.

“Of course not!” she growled. “If I was just going to use him, I wouldn’t be training him!”

Holding up his paw, Reginald said, “You’re going to choose him over your own goal. Yet you won’t tell him the truth about the humans.”

“He’s not ready. Our people killed his family, and he still loathes us. I want him to see first-hand why he needs to steal that vial back.”

“Who has the blood?” Reginald growled.

“Veronica,” Rai answered before casting her gaze towards the ground. “I don’t know how she found this town, but she’s come to claim the blood.”

Reginald groaned. “What did you tell him it would do?”

Rai lay down. “I told him that it would transform anyone who drank it into a monster.”

“That’s not… incorrect…” Reginald said.

Grunting, Rai shook her head. “He wasn’t ready to hear the truth. He has people in that city that he cares about. We need to get them out.”

Reclining, Reginald asked, “Why are you going this far for a human? Not to mention multiple humans?”

“A human was the one that set me free. As much as I hate them, I also know they have a compassionate side to them. Shane proves that.”

“He didn’t show any compassion when he started to melt me,” Reginald grumbled.

Chuckling, Rai said, “He can fight. I just wish I understood how he’s so good with the essence. Did he increase his essence in the middle of the fight?”

“Yes.”

Glancing around at the forest, Rai watched the leaves fall from the trees. They were starting to change color, but fall was still a month off.

“He’s nearly assimilated with my power completely,” Rai said. “Yet he can use the flames in ways that are foreign to me. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but he thinks outside the box.”

Reginald stood up and stretched. “He likes to ramble.”

“I don’t know if that is a flaw though,” Rai said.

Shaking out his fur, Reginald sniffed the air again. “The herd is still close. We better bring back food, or else your human is going to starve.”

Rai giggled. “You just want the stew he’s making.”

“That’s not…untrue…”

Getting up, Rai dug her claws into the soft soil. “We haven’t hunted together in a long time. Do you think you can keep up?”

A grumble escaped Reginald.

Laughing, Rai started towards the herd.

***

Shane set the pot over the firepit before focusing his ball of flames underneath. He kept it gentle so the water would boil slowly.

Picking up his herbs, he pulled the leaves off the stems and added them to the water. He didn’t exactly know what he was doing, but what did that matter?

This will be amazing! he thought to himself. I just hope those two are resolving their differences.

Shaking his head, he focused on his stew. With a knife and cutting board from the house, he diced mushrooms and wild vegetables. His cuts were sloppy and uneven.

It’s going to take longer to cook…

Tossing everything in, he waited until the water started to boil. Turning down the flames, he let the pot simmer while he waited for the Descendants to get back.

Why do I feel like Rai is more important to me than my own race?

He didn’t have an answer to his question. Instead, he opened a can of corn and poured it into the pot. After that, he added a can of potatoes and called it good.

“What do I do with the cans?”

Shrugging, he set them to the side. Getting up, he left the den to start shadow boxing.

He was only a few minutes into his workout when Rai showed up with another doe.

“Do you only kill females?” he asked.

Rai dropped the deer at his feet. “I’ll kill you if you want me to. You’ve put on enough meat that you’ll make a good snack.”

Poking her nose, he frowned. “I always knew you were plumping me up.”

Reginald stepped out next. Grunting, he transformed into his human form and summoned a chair. “Save a leg for me.”

Shane gasped and turned on the man. “Not you too!”

“What can I say?” Reginald grumbled. “The leg is the best.”

Rai transformed next, her usual leather jacket and tight pants in place. “I’ll hurry and gut this. I bet you need a chunk of meat?”

Shane nodded. “The water is already boiling. I’m just waiting on you.”

Rai grew out her claw and started on the doe. “You’re sweaty.”

“I was practicing,” Shane said.

Smiling, Rai looked him up and down. “Make sure you save energy for tonight.”

Chuckling, Shane held up his hand. “I have something to show you.”

“Yeah?”

“Stay here.” Returning to the den, Shane whistled an innocent tune.

“Now I’m scared,” Rai muttered as he left.

Smiling to himself, Shane retrieved the item from his pack. With a skip to his step, he returned to Rai.

“No!” she shouted.

Shane held up the vines. “But these are the right size, and you wanted them so badly…”

“Shane!” Rai growled.

“It’s fine. With Teddy’s help, we can attach them to the den walls. Just don’t leave me tied up for too long.”

Closing her eyes, Rai asked, “Who’s Teddy? Do you mean Reggie?”

Shane nodded. “Just look at him. He’s a giant teddy bear.” Glancing over, Shane shivered. The giant man had his arms crossed, muscles bulging as his glare could cut glass.

“Teddy, huh?” Rai turned to the bear and smirked. “This is perfect.”

“No!” Reginald grumbled.

“You’re no fun, big man,” Shane said. “Just like that one time we went to the beach. The sand and your fur did not mix.”

Rai laughed. “Teddy, I didn’t know you even had friends.”

Shane nodded. “Yeah, Teddy and I go way back.”

“We do not,” Reginald growled.

“Just because I tried sleeping with your girlfriend doesn’t mean you can dismiss me.”

Rai raised her brow. “I thought you didn’t cheat on me?”

“I didn’t!” Shane said quickly. “This was before you and I met.”

“You’ve known Teddy longer than me, huh?” Rai asked.

“Oh, yeah,” Shane scoffed. “We’re practically brothers.”

Reginald groaned. “Is this what a headache feels like?”

Rai bit her bottom lip as she suppressed her laughter.

“Sorry, Teddy,” Shane said. Coiling the vines into loops, he gestured to Rai. “I only massage pretty ladies. And now that I have Rai, everyone else just looks dull.”

“Aww,” Rai cooed. “It’s the tail, isn’t it?”

“And your desire to tie me up. You’re very good at starting fetishes.”

Snorting a laugh, Rai shook her head. Peeling the skin back on the doe, she cut a chunk of meat free. “Go cook, chef.”

“Yes, mistress!” Shane bowed his head.

“Mistress?” Reginald asked.

“It’s a human subservience thing,” Rai explained.

Raising his brow, Reginald stared at Shane.

Shrugging, Shane hurried back to the den. The water was simmering quite well when he returned. Setting down the hunk of meat on the cutting board, he got started.

Reginald isn’t a bad guy, he thought. There’s so much to both of their stories that I’m not being told though. I wish I had whiskey. That would loosen their lips.

Tossing the meat in the pot, he sat back and waited.

***

Rai turned to Reginald. “He seems to know you so well.”

Grunting, Reginald narrowed his glare. “Does he always talk nonsense?”

“No,” Rai said unconvincingly.

“I feel like I’m supposed to have a mate right now. I haven’t had a mate since before we came here.”

Rai sighed. “I miss my family.”

“It seems like you are starting a family of your own.”

Nodding, Rai glanced towards the den. “He deserves a family more than most. At least I was free for most of my time on this planet. He’s been living in garbage cans.”

Reginald sat up, his face hardening.

“It’s true,” Rai said. “Humans are despicable to their own kind. As much as he rambles, I believe he does it so he doesn’t collapse.”

“Garbage?” Reginald asked.

“Yeah. That and living on the streets. He doesn’t even have fur to protect him during winter. I don’t know how he survived as a child.”

“You’ve learned a lot about him,” Reginald commented.

“There’s so much more to learn still. He stole the vial just so he could eat for one more week.”

Shaking his head, Reginald huffed. “I’m angry for him.”

“He is your best friend, after all.” Rai winked before peeling the hide the rest of the way off the doe.

Reginald gave her a flat look.

Holding up her hands, she said, “I’m just saying. You two have a lot of stories together. I’m a little jealous.”

“He’s a strange man.” Sitting back, Reginald rolled his neck, stretching the massive muscles.

“He isn’t intimidated by you,” Rai pointed out.

“He should be,” Reginald grumbled.

“Stop grumbling.”

Frowning, Reginald asked, “What’s wrong with grumbling? This is how I talk.”

Raising her brow, Rai asked, “Are you going to talk with him tonight?”

“Not tonight,” Reginald said. “But soon.”

“You know what not to tell him. Also, did you see the size of his tattoo?”

Reginald shook his head.

“It stretches from his shoulder down to his wrist.”

“That’s…odd,” Reginald muttered. “That’s more power than a human should have.”

“He’s making me stronger.” Rai smiled. “Through the bond, my essence is growing. I can feel myself getting faster, but not nearly as fast as him.”

“He twists and dodges like a weasel,” Reginald commented.

“He does. He’s hard to pin down. Apparently, the world slows down for him when he fights.”

Sitting back up, Reginald narrowed his eyes. “His reactions can’t be that fast. His perception would have to be beyond freakish.”

Laying the hide out, Rai started sectioning the meat. “Have you heard him talk? He’s kind of a freak.”

Reginald nodded.

Settling into her work, Rai let the silence hold. Glancing towards the den, she found herself longing to be in Shane’s arms.

***

Shane stirred the stew several times before checking the venison. The meat was already cooked through, and that was good enough for him. The vegetables had cooked the longest, but he realized something important. This wasn’t thick enough to be stew.

“Soup,” Shane mumbled with disappointment.

Turning towards the den entrance, he yelled. “Get your ass in here, woman! It’s time to eat.” Pausing for a moment, he added, “Reginald, your company is welcome as well.”

A growl filled the air as Shane felt anger pass over their bond. Chuckling to himself, he moved to the pantry and pulled out the bowls and spoons.

Rai came stomping into the den, dragging the finished doe behind her. “What did you call me?”

Shane blinked at her a few times. “Are you not a woman?”

“You said it degradingly!”

“Are you sure?” Shane asked. “Because I’m pretty sure I called you beautiful as well.”

“You did not!”

“I’m positive that I did. Is your hearing going? Do I need to clean your ears?”

Growling, Rai stepped past him to put the meat away.

With a smile on his face, he went back to the fire. Reginald had summoned a table and chairs in the center, which Shane was grateful for.

“Here’s your bowl!” Shane chirped before handing over the bear’s dish and spoon.

Rai came back of the pantry still growling. Marching up to him, she held out her hand.

“Yes, dear?” Shane asked.

“Bowl!” she demanded.

“Do you even know how to use a spoon?”

Rai’s face fell flat. “Did you seriously just ask me that? Why aren’t you asking Reginald?”

“Because I know he can,” Shane said. “We’re buddies, after all.”

Closing her eyes, Rai slumped. “Just give me a bowl.”

“Here you go!” Shane handed her a bowl before moving to the pot. Ladling his own serving, he waited for the others to join him.

Taking his spot at the table, he blew on the steaming soup.

“You know it can’t burn you, right?” Rai said.

“True…” Shane said slowly. “Habit, I guess.”

Reginald plopped down in the seat beside him. His elbows took up a majority of the table as he started on his soup.

Shrinking in on himself, Shane frowned.

Rai giggled across from him.

Narrowing his gaze, Shane said, “Since I cooked, you get to do the dishes.”

Rai paused, her spoon halfway to her mouth. “How does that make sense?”

“It’s the rules you put in place,” Shane said.

“What rules?” Rai growled.

“They’re written on the wall,” Shane stated, pointing.

Frowning, Reginald and Rai both turned towards the blank wall.

“I don’t see anything,” Reginald grumbled.

Shane gasped. “Why would you erase them, Teddy?”

Rai closed her eyes and thumped her head on the table. “How do you reach my idiot threshold so quickly?”

“Because I’m charming and witty,” Shane said happily.

“He is witty in an odd sense,” Reginald agreed.

“Thank you!” Shane chirped.

Rai lifted her head and glared at him. “You’re not getting my tail tonight!”

“You’ll change your mind after I give you that massage I promised.”

Rai perked up. “I forgot about that. Didn’t you also promise to bathe me after dinner?”

Shane opened his mouth before closing it slowly. I’ve been had!

Taking a bite of his soup, he hummed. “Not bad for random ingredients thrown together.”

Reginald nodded. “Better than eating raw meat.”

“Tell me, Reginald,” Shane started, “how did you come into possession of that town?”

Reginald shrugged. “It was abandoned when I found it. I have an earth affinity and realized that I could repair some of the structures. Mostly, I was bored, so I started working.”

Shane nodded along to the story. “For someone who hates humans, you are protective of their things.”

Reginald grunted and went back to his soup.

Rai sighed from across the table.

“Yes, love?” Shane asked.

“Please don’t,” she mumbled. “I just want a few minutes of you being serious.”

Shane’s smile fell. “Are you going to tell me the truth yet?”

Rai froze.

“I didn’t think so,” Shane said in a cold voice.

Reginald had stopped eating as he glanced between him and Rai.

Shane let himself smile again. “My mother used to make excellent tomato soup. We’d have grilled cheese with it, and it was to die for.”

Finishing his soup a few bites later, he stood up. “I’m off to the river! I have to bathe after all!”

Without waiting for their responses, he carried his bowl and spoon away with him.

***

Rai watched her human leave with a frown.

Reginald cleared his throat.

“What?” Rai growled.

“You aggravated him.”

She sighed. “I know.”

Rubbing his beard, Reginald stared at her. “Until you are ready to tell him the truth, you should not provoke him.”

“I know!” Rai snapped.

Slurping up the last of his soup, Reginald moved to follow Shane. “This isn’t half bad.”

Rai closed her eyes for a moment. I’ll apologize to him in the river.

Diving back into her soup, she smiled. “I think I’ll let him cook more often.”

“Damn right, you will,” Reginald grumbled. “I’ll dig up some more ingredients.”

“Wait. Why?” Rai asked.

“Didn’t I tell you?” Reginald smiled just before reaching the ramp out of the den. “I’m moving in.”

Rai surged to her feet. “Hell, if you are!”