I listen, extending my senses in the way only Storm Eagles can. “Three scouts, moving in a search pattern rather than a standard patrol route. Still half a mile off, but approaching.” The implications chill me. “They’re looking for something specific.”
“For you,” Elena concludes. “They’ve noticed your absences.”
I nod grimly. “Take the eastern path back to the settlement. Stay low, near water when possible to mask your scent.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll lead them away, then circle back to the aerie.” I take her face in my hands, pressing a quick, hard kiss to her lips. “Next meeting, same time, the backup location we discussed.”
She nods, her expression a mixture of regret and resolve. “Be careful, Kael.”
“You too.” I step back, preparing to shift. “Go. Now.”
Elena disappears into the forest with remarkable stealth for a laboratory scientist. I wait until I can no longer sense her presence, then shift into eagle form, launching myself toward the approaching patrol.
I intercept them high above the forest, making sure they see me clearly. As expected, they change course immediately, following their Stormwright as duty demands. I lead them on a lengthy chase far from Elena’s path, executing complex aerial maneuvers that would challenge even Viktor’s best warriors.
Only when I’m certain Elena has reached safety do I permit the patrol to approach close enough for communication. I shift momentarily to human form on a high cliff edge, maintaining enough eagle aspects to speak while ready for immediate flight.
“Report,” I command the patrol leader, who hovers respectfully at a distance.
“Stormwright,” he acknowledges with a bow of his head. “We detected unusual energy signatures in this sector. Viktor ordered expanded patrols of all border regions.”
So Viktor has noticed the unique energy pattern created when Elena’s power and mine interact. Clever and concerning.
“I was conducting personal reconnaissance,” I inform him, my tone permitting no questions. “Return to standard patrol routes.”
The scout hesitates, conflicting loyalties evident in his expression. “Stormwarden Viktor requested immediate notification if we located you, Stormwright.”
My authority is being openly questioned. The situation at the aerie must have deteriorated significantly during my absence.
“Then notify him you found me conducting clan business, as is my right and responsibility as Stormwright.” I inject every ounce of authority into my voice. “Unless Viktor now presumes to dictate where I may fly in our own territory?”
The scout bows his head, properly chastised. “Of course not, Stormwright. We’ll resume standard patrol.”
I watch them depart, maintaining my imperious posture until they’re specks in the distance. Only then do I allow my concern to show. Viktor is moving more aggressively than anticipated, setting scouts to track my movements, potentially undermining my authority with the clan.
And the mate bond with Elena, incomplete but strengthening with each meeting, complicates everything. What began as a strategic information exchange has evolved into something that threatens both our positions, possibly our lives.
Yet as I launch myself back toward the aerie, I find I cannot regret it. The taste of her lips, the glow of her hands againstmy skin, the way our powers intertwined—these memories burn brighter than any warning my rational mind can offer.
I am Stormwright, leader of the Storm Eagles, prophesied ruler of the skies. And I am falling in love with the enemy, with a ground-dwelling scientist who challenges everything I’ve been taught to believe.
The storm that has been building all night finally breaks, rain lashing against my wings as I soar through darkness. I welcome it, letting the natural forces that have always been my birthright wash over me. But now, for the first time in my life, the storm alone doesn’t feel like enough.
9
ELENA
The security door slides open with a hydraulic hiss, revealing Director Voss flanked by two Haven’s Heart security officers. Their crisp uniforms and stern expressions leave no doubt about the nature of this unscheduled visit.
“Dr.Ashford,” Voss says coldly. “Step away from your workstation, please.”
My heart hammers against my ribs, but I keep my expression neutral as I comply. Behind me, my computer screen displays genetic sequence data from my most recent analysis of Kael’s blood. I hadn’t expected anyone so early—it’s barely 5 AM—but I should have known better. Security protocols at frontier outposts include random monitoring of all research terminals.
“Director Voss. This is unexpected.” I gesture to the officers. “Is all this necessary?”
Her gray eyes narrow. “That depends on your cooperation. We’ve detected unauthorized research protocols and data encryption on your personal terminal. Would you care to explain?”
