Chapter 16: Chapter 16

“Shane… Shane, honey…”

Shane opened one eye, squinting at the light coming through his window. Standing in his doorway was a woman with black hair and dark eyes.

“Mother?” Shane asked.

“Yes.” She giggled. “It’s time to wake up. We’re going on our trip today.”

Shane propped himself up on one elbow, his tiny body easy to move. “Did I sleep in again?”

“You always do, dear.”

Smiling, Shane opened his other eye and yawned. “Where are we going?”

His mother waved a finger at him. “That’s a secret.”

Huffing, Shane got to his feet and started pulling off his pajamas. “Privacy, Mom…”

Giggling again, his mother closed the door.

Smiling to himself, Shane got dressed in jeans and a short-sleeved shirt with his favorite cartoon characters on it—a blue dog with her younger sister.

Opening his door, his smile grew as he smelled bacon cooking downstairs. Knowing his mother would admonish him for not brushing his teeth, he hurried to the bathroom.

It only took a few minutes, and by the time he was done, his mother was calling him.

Taking the stairs two at a time, he flew into the kitchen. His mother and father laughed as they sipped their coffee.

“Are you going to tell me now?” Shane asked.

“Nope.” His father chuckled. “But you’re going to have fun.”

Putting on a frown, Shane pulled out his chair. “Fine…” he whined.

Smiling, his mother laid down a plate filled with mini pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Jelly and syrup were nearby and to finish it off, his mother set down a glass of orange juice. “You’re going to need the energy, so eat up.”

“Yes, Mom.” Shane smiled.

His father grabbed his tablet and flicked through it. “The project is going ahead, even though they were warned.”

For the first time that morning, his mother frowned. “They’re idiots. They’re risking everything.”

“Risking what?” Shane asked.

“Nothing, son,” his father said. Setting down his tablet, he added, “Just workplace drama. Something you won’t have to worry about until you’re an adult.”

“Okay, Dad.” Digging into his food, he tuned out his parents. He didn’t fully understand what they did for a living, but they only worked while he was at school. After that, they worked from home. He wasn’t allowed in their office.

“Ready?” his mother asked, her smile back in place.

“Yes!” Shane chirped as he pushed his plate away.

“I’ll just add this to the dishwasher and then we can be on our way.” Taking his plate and glass, his mother did as she said.

His father packed up his tablet before grabbing his wallet and keys. “I hope you’re ready for a long car ride.”

“Aww. Do we have to?” Shane asked.

“Yes.” Walking over to Shane, he ruffled father ruffled his hair. “You’ll be fine. I’ll even stop and let you use the bathroom.”

“Daaad,” Shane whined.

Laughing, his father shook his head. “You’re not going to let me enjoy this, are you?”

“Nope!”

A sad smile passed over his dad’s face. Glancing at his mother, she too had a sad smile.

Shane didn’t know what was making them sad, but he hoped he could cheer them up in the car. Today they were supposed to be having fun, not frowning.

***

Rai watched as Shane tossed and turned on the couch. She had been in her fox form when they fell asleep, but now she kneeled by his side in her human one.

“Shane…” she whispered softly.

Once again, he was having some sort of dream. Tears were rolling down his cheeks as he sniffled and rolled around.

Grabbing his hand, she lent him the strength that she could. Using her essence, she eased his turmoil until he drifted into a restful slumber.

“Is he okay?” a deep voice asked from the doorway.

Glancing up, she found Reginald standing with his arms crossed. Returning her focus to Shane, she nodded. “He’ll be fine. He won’t want to talk about it though.”

“He never does,” Reginald agreed. Walking over to them, he kneeled by Shane’s side.

“He seems so strong until he sleeps,” Rai murmured.

“Memories wear on the strongest of warriors,” Reginald grumbled. Reaching out, he rested a hand on their tattoo. “I can feel him bonding to my essence.”

Sighing, Rai touched Shane’s chest. “How many bonds will he have when this is all over?”

“I’m not sure. But it would be nice if he had the four prime elements at least.” Reginald let Shane go and stood. “If it was up to me, he would get dark and light as well.”

“Those are rare,” Rai said before resting her head on Shane’s arm. “Would we even be able to find bonds for him?”

Reginald nodded. “They’re out there. With what is coming, he will need us. Humanity will need us.”

“They don’t deserve us,” Rai hissed. Pulling back from Shane, she stood and spun. Resting her tail on Shane’s chest, she crossed her arms.

“They don’t,” Reginald concurred. “But we have no way home, and now this world is in danger. If we want to live, we have to compromise.”

“We still haven’t found a way home?” Rai asked. Her frown grew as she looked up at her larger companion.

Reginald stepped away. Moving over to the vending machines, he pressed the buttons to no avail. “Not yet. The humans in the capital control the technology for the portal. Our people are spread around the world. Unless we all gather, we can’t storm their city.”

“With Shane, we could.” Rai yawned before closing her eyes.

“Yes, but he would need more bonds. For every bond he has, we will all get stronger. I only hope his body can handle so much essence.”

Rai frowned. “He can. I can feel it.”

“And if he dies?” Reginald asked. “Will you take back your essence?”

Rai opened her eyes she started waving her tail over her mate’s chest. “No. I might have before I got to know him, but I would die with him now. He’s my mate and the only thing on this planet that I won’t destroy.”

Reginald nodded. “You need to get along with his humans. You’ll break his heart if you can’t.”

Sighing, Rai said, “I know. I’m trying.”

Turning, Reginald waved. “Get some sleep. He’s going to need us at our best if he is going to bond more essence.”

“Good night, Reggie.”

Closing her eyes, Rai focused on Shane’s breathing. Her head rose and fell with each breath, lulling her to sleep.

***

Shane groggily awoke as he felt crust on his eyes, thick and impeding. A wet spot was forming on his stomach and once he rubbed most of the crust away, he found Rai drooling on him again.

“Really?” he whispered.

Shifting, he woke the fox, making her yawn.

“Do you always have to drool on me?” Shane asked.

Rai met his gaze with blurry eyes. “Huh?”

Shane raised a brow. “My stomach.”

Turning her head, she glanced at his stomach before her eyes widened. “Why did you pee on me?”

Growling, he summoned a towel and handed it to her. “Stop drooling on me!”

“I would never!” Rai defended herself. “I’m a proper lady.”

Rolling his eyes, he pushed the towel into her hands. “Clean up your mess.”

Giggling, Rai took the towel and wiped him down. “Anything else I can help you with this morning?” Her gaze was trained on his morning stiffness.

“Down, girl.” Shane chuckled. “We don’t have time.”

“Fine, but you and I are finishing this tonight.” Crossing her arms, she paused. Looking at the towel, she frowned. “How did you summon a towel?”

Shrugging, Shane sat up. “I wanted to.”

“That’s not how it works!” Rai grumbled.

“It isn’t?” Shane asked. “It worked for me.”

Sighing, Rai got up and flicked him with her tail. “Get up. Your humans await you.”

Rubbing his eyes, Shane summoned his clothes and got up. Is it me, or is she a little salty about my friends?

Touching her shoulder, he said, “You matter a great deal to me. You’re growing closer to the one I want to run away with.”

Rai reached up and touched his fingers. “I already want to run away with you. Can’t we just be selfish and escape all of this?”

Shane squeezed her shoulder. “We have to finish in the city at least. And you still owe me answers.”

Sighing, Rai turned to him. “I don’t like that we’re helping humans. I’m trying, I really am, Shane. But…”

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So, there is a problem.

Shaking his head, Shane opened his arms. When she stepped in, he said, “I understand. We both have our problems, and yet we are attracted to each other. Are you sure you want me?”

Rai growled and shoved her nose into his. “If you dare leave me, I’ll hunt you down!”

Raising his brows, he whistled lowly. “That’s kind of hot.”

Grumbling, Rai didn’t pull away. “You’re mine, Shane Undere. I’ve claimed you, and I’ll show you how territorial I can be.”

“What if we get more female bonds?” Shane asked warily.

Rai growled again. “If they think they can touch you, I’ll tear them apart and make them return to their tattoo.”

Shane leaned back just an inch in order to kiss her nose. “As it stands, I can trust you not to look at another man.”

“Damn right, you can!”

Chuckling, Shane reached up and touched his shaggy hair. “I thought you were going to do something about this?”

“I thought you were going to tell me about your dreams?” Rai countered.

Frowning, Shane fully stepped away. “There’s nothing to tell.”

“Shane…”

“It’s fine, Rai. Just dreams about the old world. Nothing you need to concern yourself with.”

“Okay,” she said softly.

Clapping his hands, Shane let out a deep breath. “Now that I’m awake, we should head to the kitchen. We can meet Reginald there.”

Touching the mental bond, he sent a message to the big man. “Grab the food chest and head to the kitchen. We need to gather everyone there.”

“Understood.”

Rai took his hand and led him out. “I can walk in front of you if you want.”

“Yes, please!” Shane laughed. “Are you finally going to add that sway?”

Laughing, she complied as they left the room.

***

Shane took a deep breath as he stepped into the dining hall. “This is going to need to be cleaned.”

Rai nodded. “Good thing we have humans.” Pushing a moldy tray away from herself, she smiled.

“Rai,” Shane said despondently.

Rai spun, beaming, she asked, “Yes, love?”

Sighing, Shane shook his head. Panning his gaze around the room, he counted dozens of tables and chairs. Nearly all of them were filled with moldy trays. The garbage bins had turned into compost over the years.

“They are human, right?” Rai asked.

“Yes, but they are not slaves,” Shane said.

Rai clasped her hands together and held them to her chest. “Can they be?”

“Rai!” Shane snapped.

“Sorry!” She held up her hands. “Jeez, I was just joking.”

Shane raised a brow. “For some reason, I don’t believe that.”

Grumbling, Rai crossed her arms.

“Did you smoke the meat?” Shane asked.

“Yes. It’s ready to eat. You will need to find a spot outside to cook. That should be a priority today.”

Nodding, Shane started moving towards the kitchen. Reginald was just stepping out.

“The crate is open,” the big man said. “I have to go.”

“Stay safe?” Shane held out his hand.

Reginald took it. “Why did you phrase that as a question?”

“Because you seem like the type to get yourself in trouble and enjoy the pain.”

Grumbling, Reginald glared at him. “I’m going to go…”

Chuckling, Shane shook his hand. “Seriously, though. Be safe. I don’t want you suddenly returning to your tattoo.”

Nodding, Reginald stepped up to Rai. “Keep him safe.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Rai waved him off. “If anything, I’ll sit on him and hold him in our room.”

“I can think of a few places you can sit,” Shane quipped.

“Shane!” Rai growled. Still, she looked him over before stopping on his face.

Holding up his hands, he turned as people started to come in.

“Do your best to clean the mess at the tables,” Shane called out. “Some of us will be focusing on cleaning up this dining room today. After we eat, I’ll list the jobs that need to be done. Spread the word.”

Mumbles of understanding spread through the groups. Shane turned back to Reginald and slapped his shoulder. “We only have a few days. Make them count.”

“I will.” Reginald took his leave without looking back.

Left alone with Rai, Shane huffed. “I’m going to miss him.”

“Oh?” Rai asked. “I guess I’ll have to remind you why I’m company enough.”

Rolling his eyes, Shane laughed lightly.

When Marge and Rachel showed up, he waved them over. Jeremy was helped to a table with Lin and forced to sit.

“I’m going to need your help handing everything out,” Shane said as the two women joined him.

“Do we have trays?” Rachel asked.

“Maybe?” Shane questioningly looked at the kitchen.

“I’ll check,” Rachel said before stepping past him.

Marge moved to follow. “I’ll start dividing the meat. No one will be able to handle large portions of real meat right away.”

“Thank you,” Shane said before watching the rest of the people come in.

Running a hand through his hair, Shane readied himself.

“Now that you are all here,” Shane started, “it’s time to go over jobs. We have a few priority jobs that need to be done. The first is gathering clothes. There are many houses in this town, and we will need fall, winter, and spring clothing. A second group will be tasked with rounding up canned goods. Search the houses, shops, and anywhere you think they will be. You are not allowed to eat them when you find them.” Holding up a finger, he added, “We are making a community stockpile. We are no longer in the slums, and we are going to act like a family. I don’t want to have to admonish someone for thinking of only themselves.”

Rai raised her brow at him. Ignoring her, he waited for everyone to nod.

“There’s a third job for the day. There’s a playground at the school, and we are going to use it. Clean it up as best we can, and I’ll need some adults or teens to watch over the children. For the first time in their lives, they’ll be able to play. Let them.”

One of the men held up his hand.

“Yes?” Shane asked, calling on him.

“We are only handling those three things today?”

Shane shook his head. “That’s only for part of the day. At some point, I’m going to need a group to help clean this dining hall. The trays and dishes will need to be collected and carried to either the river to clean, or we can pray for a miracle and get the water working.”

“Who’s going to cook?” another asked.

Shane nodded at the question. “That’s up to you. Almost no one here has cooking skills. Marge can help show any of you how to cook if you let her. She’s in charge of this school. The living situation, the dining hall, and the playground. You will bring her the canned goods so she can plan our meals. Everyone will be fed. Every day. Unless something unforeseen happens.”

A few sighs of relief filled the air as Shane gave them the best news.

Holding up his hand, Shane quieted them. “We are going to make this work. Once you all eat and your stomachs settle, we will split up. If there’s an unbalance among the groups, I’ll sort you out.”

Marge stuck her head out of the kitchen. “We’re ready, Shane.”

Shane gave her a thankful nod. “Bring out the trays. I’m done.”

***

Shane walked with Rai down the main street of the town. The houses and shops closest to the school were already being searched, and he needed a little room to breathe. Rubbing his eyes, he groaned.

“We can still run away,” Rai offered.

“No.” Shane sighed. “It’s only for a few days. After that, they’re Rachel and Marge’s problem.”

Rai chuckled. “If you say so.”

Pointing to the water tower in the distance, Shane said, “Let’s check it out. The town might still be drawing water from a reservoir.”

“And you know how to get it working?” Rai asked.

“Not at all.” Smiling, he grabbed her hand and pulled. “That’s where your big, beautiful brain will come in handy.”

“I’m not some tool for humans,” Rai huffed.

“But I’m human,” Shane reminded her. “And I’ll owe you a special treat if you help me.”

“Special, huh?” Rai’s lips quirked up into a small smile. “I’m going to enjoy this.”

“I’ll stand by my promise,” Shane said stoutly.

“Good,” Rai purred. “I’m looking forward to taking you back to the den tonight.”

“Tonight?” Shane asked.

“Yes. Reginald is gone for a few days, and I want some actual privacy with you. Plus, we can bathe in the river for what I have planned.”

Chuckling, Shane pulled her along. “When are you going to tell me about yourself? You can’t fill our conversations with only sex.”

Rai brought him to a stop. “Do you really want to know about my past?”

“I don’t need to,” Shane said. “But I’d like to know you. Your favorite color isn’t allowed to be red, by the way.”

“Why not?” she huffed.

“It can be blue. I like blue. Blueberry pie sounds really good right now…”

“Shane!” Rai growled.

“Are you making the pie?” Shane asked.

“I’m not making you a pie! We were talking about my favorite color, which is red, by the way.”

“I thought you said it was blue? I started dreaming about pie because of you.” Smiling, Shane waited for her to get after him.

Throwing up her arms, she walked away. “You’re impossible!”

“Impossibly handsome!” he chirped. “I’ll have you know this face is all yours.”

Rai smirked. “I’ll put it to good use.”

Laughing, he caught up with her. The walk over to the water tower didn’t take long, but it was filled with wide grins and easy quips.

Reaching the door at the base of the tower, Shane touched his palm to the handle. With a push of essence, he unlocked the door and forced the hinges to work.

The grating metal struck his ears like an anvil, causing him to wince. Rai had it much worse, actively holding down her ears as she glared at him.

The scent of rust and old air came from the water tower, making Shane scrunch his nose. Summoning a small ball of fire, he tossed it inside where it floated in the air.

“Let’s get this done with,” Shane said.

Rai nodded and followed him inside.

The contraptions of machines and pumps were startling. Nothing made sense to Shane, but he did find the dials for pressure. They were completely empty.

“Great,” Shane muttered as he flicked the dial.

“I’m not sure if we can get this working,” Rai said. “It doesn’t have a generator for the electronics.”

“I know,” Shane groused. “Without power, we aren’t going to get this working. I was hoping there was a valve or something that would allow water to flow despite pressure.”

“That’s a tall wish.” Rai stepped up to his side. “We might be able to get power on at the school though. If we can, we can swap gas stoves for electric ones, and we can cook indoors.”

Shane nodded. “Lights would also be nice.”

Smiling, she took his hand. “Let’s get you out of here.”

Turning back towards the school, Shane let Rai take the lead.

“Just a tad more sway,” Shane suggested.

Rai glanced over her shoulder with a frown. “You’re like a dog in heat.”

“I like what I like.” Shane chuckled. “Speaking of heat, do I have to worry about that with you?”

Groaning, Rai let go of his hand and picked up her pace.

“I’ll just ask Reginald!” Shane called after her.

Whirling around, she glared at him. “Don’t you dare!”

“I dare to do a lot of things,” Shane said proudly. “Just recently I was seducing a baker while stealing her coins.”

“You did what?” Rai growled.

Shane mimed zipping his lips.

“If another woman touched you…” Rai trailed off as flames licked over her hands.

“She didn’t,” Shane said with a small laugh. “But it’s good to know that you were serious about tearing anyone apart.”

Huffing, she turned away.

Shane caught up to her and walked with his hands behind his head, fingers interlocked. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you had a crush on me, Rai.”

Stopping, Rai gave him a flat look.

Waving her off, he gave her his best smile. “I had a crush on a girl once. It didn’t work out. Turns out, the common folk don’t like street urchins. We smell and are dirty. She didn’t even offer me a shower. I clean up nice, you know.”

“Shane,” Rai groaned.

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he continued, “I even went as far as buying her a caramel apple. Took me all day to steal enough money for it too. I wonder if I can buy you a caramel apple. Would you make me a pie if I did?”

Rai rubbed the bridge of her nose. “You’re rambling again.”

“It makes me happy knowing that you’re going to make me a pie,” Shane said with a smile.

Clenching her fists, she had her arms straight against her sides. “I’m not making you a pie!”

“Fine.” Shane shrugged. Gesturing with his off hand to no one, he added, “I’ll have someone else make me a pie.”

Shane smiled as Rai closed her eyes and groaned.

“God, grant me the strength not to kill my mate,” Rai muttered.

“Mate?” Shane asked. Lowering his hand, he leaned forward for the answer.

“Yes. That’s what you are. Reginald had a wife, but I’m taking you as a mate. I’m in charge, after all.”

Frowning, Shane stared at her for several seconds. “Am I still getting that pie?”

“There is no pie!” Rai snapped.

“But you promised…” Shane whined.

“God isn’t giving me enough strength.” Raising her hand, she smacked Shane on the arm.

“Ow,” Shane said, rubbing his arm. “Rude, much?”

“I’m not kissing it better,” Rai said dismissively before picking up her pace again.

“I’ll take that pie as apology!” Shane called after her again.

Shane watched Rai groan as her shoulders slumped. She had clearly given up on winning the argument.

***

Rai stepped inside the utility room of the school. Holding out her palm, she summoned a flickering blue ball of fire, lighting the interior.

“They have some kind of generator,” she announced as she went into the middle.

Shane was right behind her, reaching out to touch her tail.

Slapping his hand, she glared at him. “You don’t get the tail.”

“Fine,” he huffed.

Rai watched as he moved over to the furnace first. The old boiler-style furnace could be used to heat the entire school as vents took the heat throughout the building.

“What did they do about smoke?” Rai asked.

Shane shrugged. “Beats me, but I know we can get this to work.”

“We have no fuel, Shane,” Rai said pointedly.

“Sure, we do!” he chirped.

Opening the furnace door, he tossed a ball of fire into the center. Immediately, the room started to heat.

Did he just… He used pure essence to power it…

Rai shook her head. “How long can you sustain that?”

Shane shrugged. “No idea. But it hardly took any essence. I don’t even feel it pulling from me.”

Rai’s mouth fell open.

“Rai?” Shane asked.

“That doesn’t make sense!” Glancing between the furnace and Shane, she didn’t know what to think. How can he use essence so easily? I’m struggling to process this. He wasn’t born with essence. He shouldn’t be able to use it at all without training. I haven’t trained him!

“Right…” Shane trailed off as she didn’t continue. Moving over to the generator, he clucked his tongue. “Diesel-powered.”

“That ran out a long time ago,” Rai stated.

“Yeah… Although, I might be able to stimulate the act of the fuel igniting to power the engine.”

Rai glared at him. If he thinks he can activate an engine without any kind of control, I’m going to be surprised—

The engine sputtered to life with a whine rattling through the air that made Rai cover her ears. The lights overhead sputtered to life, filling the room with a dull glow.

“Well, that worked,” Shane said while brushing off his hands. “I took out the heat from the fire, but it should keep combusting for a while.”

Rai stared at him with wide eyes. Who is this man?

“You’re starting to worry me, Rai,” Shane said.

Shaking her head, she dismissed her flame. “The things you are doing with your essence… I’ve never seen before. In theory, they shouldn’t be possible, and yet you are making it so effortlessly.”

“I wouldn’t call it effortless. I had to learn how to do the things to begin with,” Shane said while rubbing the back of his neck.

“How are you not using really any essence?” Rai asked.

Shane paused, and he shook his head. “I don’t know. When I do small cantrips like this, I barely feel it. I haven’t tried fighting with my essence yet.”

“We need to test that.” Rai sighed. “You’re upending everything I know.”

“You know what would help?” Shane asked.

Rai narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t you say it!”

“Blueberry pie. The tartness. The sweetness. The berries popping in your mouth. Everything a growing boy needs.” Shane licked his lips as he finished.

Rai closed her eyes. I’m beginning to worry that Shane isn’t going to survive this day.

Returning her attention to him, she let out a weary breath. “I’m not promising anything, but if you find the berries—”

Shane pumped his fist. “Yes!”

He’s so easy to please. Laughing in her head, she prepared to leave. I’ll give him an hour to check in with everyone. After that, he’s mine.