“How many others are like you? Is the town full of them and my family and I are the only humans?”
“Oh, no! Not at all. We’re it, for the most part. Christian is a Lion shifter. His father, Vince is a Lion shifter, as are Christian’s brother and sister, but I’m afraid one of them won’t be able to shift. It’s not a big deal though. They still have all the heightened senses.”
“So…” Bailey started, then just closed her mouth and looked at Tempest.
“Humans are most prevalent. Those of us that are descended from paranormals are few and far between. Through the ages humans have hunted all they didn’t understand, and all they feared, almost to extinction. Which is how my people ended up where I grew up.”
“Where is that?” Bailey asked.
“It’s a remote village, a little town almost on the coast that is glamored to keep humans from stumbling on it, and thereby us. It’s a safe haven for any who aren’t human and are escaping persecution.”
“I’m sorry,” Bailey said.
“For what?”
“That your people have had to hide.”
Tempest smiled. “It’s okay. You didn’t do it.”
Bailey kind of shrugged and nodded.
“Then there are clans of other paranormals, like Kaid’s clan, that are shifters. Most are species specific, but those like Kaid’s and now Brandt’s are my favorites. They welcome anyone, no matter what species. If you need a home, you need a family, welcome — we’ve got you.”
Bailey actually gave a little smile. “I like that.”
“We don’t want to hurt anyone. We don’t want to cause trouble for anyone or any place. We just want what everyone else does — the ability to live our lives in peace, and live and love and be happy and earn a living. But we can’t tell humans that we exist because there’s always someone who feels threatened and wants to wipe us off the face of the Earth. It’s just something that we don’t share. I planned to tell you eventually. But then Remi fell in love with you and wanted to tell you himself, and he had reasons that made sense, so I waited, so he’d have the opportunity. But he never did, then Cristie came, and everything fell apart.”
“He said he wanted to talk to me tonight to tell me everything.”
Tempest nodded. “Yeah, then Brandt needed him so he went off with Brandt. He really wanted to be here, but when Brandt needs you, you go. And when Kaid is standing with Brandt, then you really go.”
“So, Brandt is like, the leader?”
“Yes. He’s the Alpha. Kaid was, but as he’s aged, he’s stepped back and handed over most things to Brandt, though Kaid is still considered an Alpha and is greatly respected. Brandt often seeks him out for advice.”
“Do you know what Remi was going to tell me?”
“Not exactly, but I’m sure it was most likely this, though probably not as detailed in what exactly we all are and where we came from.”
“What exactly are you?”
“Well, my mother is an ancient that carries Gargoyle and human blood lines as well. She’s the most powerful of us all. I carry some of that power, too. And I have my father’s strengths in me. He’s one of the original Dragon shifters.”
“You made my phone fly across the room.”
“That’s just a little tiny trick. Barely an afterthought. I just did it to get your attention so you’d stop thinking I’m losing my mind and consider for a moment that I might be telling the truth.”
“What can you do when you really try?”
Tempest’s smile slowly fell and she shook her head. “I’d rather not say.”
“Why not?”
“I love you, Bailey. You’re my best friend. Not because of what I can do, or because you’re part of my mate’s family and have to because he’s the Alpha. But because you’re truly my friend. I’ve never had a true friend until you. I don’t want you to turn away from me.”
Bailey sat there and regarded Tempest for a few awkward moments before she finally spoke. “That bad, huh?”
Tempest started laughing, but it died down slowly. “Only when I have to. But I love just as strongly and protect those I love without limit. I’d never hurt you, and never allow you to be harmed by anyone or anything. Even if you get up and walk out of my house right now, that wouldn’t change.”
