Page 2 of Lion Conquers All
Both had joined and along with one of the dragons from Seattle, had practically taken over the entire program for the town after completing their certification programs. There were still a couple of humans from the town that were a part of the team as well and they all got on great together. The humans of course didn’t know what the Reyleans were. TheVrakaand his mate had made it quite clear that keeping “what” they were a secret was of the utmost importance.
Aarav was happy he’d chosen the sheriff’s office. He’d learned so much about the town and how humans operated. It made it easier to keep closer to Connie too, since she bounced between the town’s empty medical practice building and the official EMT desk inside the sheriff’s office.
She did everything for this town. Everything and anything they needed her to do. And she did it with a smile and an encouraging word. He’d seen her calm grown adults having a panic attack and soothe babies with an upset stomach.
At some point she would let him take care of her too.
He continued on, parking in front of the empty sheriff’s office. He always made his first round before the office officially opened. The sheriff himself rarely appeared before 11am, and even when he did, he was always drunk and barely functioning.
This morning Col was standing at the base of the stairs leading to the front door. Aarav straightened his deputy uniform and got out of the patrol car. “Good morning,Vraka.”
“No formalities in town. Col, will be fine.” The big male’s words were slow and defined and purposeful.
Aarav tipped his chin respectfully. “Col then, what can I do for you?”
“Wanted to check in. I hadn’t talked to you in a couple of weeks. Winter is set to hit any day. How are you and your brothers doing? Do any of you need to come out to our land and take a run? I know it’s hard being in town and holding back your beast for long stretches.”
“That would be much appreciated. I know I could use one. I’ll tell the others. Perhaps this weekend? I think we’re actually all off on this coming Saturday together. Doesn’t happen often.”
Today was Monday. What was another few days? He’d gone this long already. His lion was pissed as hell and his brothers were probably feeling the same inner turmoil, but this is what they signed on for. They promised to follow the rules. These were the rules necessary so that they could stay in town, be accepted, and keep the Tribe safe.
Connie warned the Tribe back in January. People were watching. People were suspicious. Col had been very clear about rules when he’d allowed them to find work in town.
Shenn and Veer lived at their workplace when they were on call, but otherwise, they all still lived in the underground bunker beneath the Mystery Community Center. There wasn’t much in town available to rent. And building a cabin was expensive, slow, and had to be done during the summer. They’d have to wait their turn.
He and his brothers had made the bunker comfortable, but it was still a bunker. It wasn’t a home. But they all agreed it was a huge step up from sleeping in the woods and stealing or being forced to hurt people to survive.
He was grateful. They all were.
They were hoping to pool enough money together to help Shenn and Heather find an actual apartment to rent when one came available. The bunker was large, but it didn’t afford much privacy and their little one was due in less than two months.
“How is Heather?”
Aarav smiled, his chest warming. Col always asked about her. He always wanted to know about everyone. He was a dragon, but he cared equally about his Tribe. Even new members.
He and his brothers had come to Mystery through less than positive events, but once the decision had been made to spare them. They were just…accepted.
Made part of the family.
He’d never thought he and his brothers would have that again after the Ka’lagh took everything from them and forced them into service.
“She is well. Eager to find a home, though.” Aarav leaned against the rail and smiled, thinking of a happy future where his brother had children. “I can’t wait to see his little one. It’s been so long. We never thought any of us would have a chance for a mate or a life.”
Col’s expression was somber and serious, the dragon’s face rarely gave away what he was thinking unless his little mate was around. “Eventually there will be space for everyone on our land. Hopefully some of the summer visitors will vacate the apartments near the MCC once the first snow hits. Then they should be able to get a place to themselves. With the little one, we will need to get them a cabin built sooner than later.”
“They have time. Little ones don’t usually start shifting until they can crawl.”
Col’s face tightened and his lips pressed into a straight line. “It will be closer than I prefer, but there’s no way to get another cabin underway until next spring. If it comes down to it, I’m sure we can find them a temporary place in one of the existing cabins. Please keep me apprised. The last thing we need is a baby lion wandering about in public.”
A chuckle slipped from Aarav’s chest. “No, that would definitely not win me any points with Connie.”
A rare grin split Col’s face. “How goes that endeavor?”
Aarav was quite sure that his difficulties with the human woman were a source of pleasure for Col. “We exist in each other’s town civilly. She doesn’t run from me, but she doesn’t really speak to me either unless it’s work.”
“Do you still bring her gifts?”
“Every morning I bring her the special coffee she likes. And I check the wood pile. Anything she needs, I find a way to take care of it. One of the neighbor boys accidentally broke one of her windows. She taped it up and went to work. When I saw the replacement had arrived from Anchorage, it was the first thing I got done that day. Owen helped. He’s very good at building things.”
