Dark Fangs: Forbidden Fugitives

Chapter Thirteen

Coco squawked on Drake's shoulder as he stirred the chicken tortilla soup in the massive cast iron pot sitting on the old stovetop. Ellery had somehow been able to knock around a few things to get the oven and stove working, the sinks and baths, and every light in the house. 

     It was a very odd series of miracles. 

     "Keep stirring, Drake, and don't you dare let that bird ruin the soup!" Ellery growled, sitting at the extensive wooden table in the dining room, the next room over from the kitchen. She was brushing Sofia's wet hair after her bath and glaring every so often at Swifty, who lay on the ground at the head of the table, silent as a mouse, and as patient as a wolf stalking its prey.

     I know, Grandmother...Drake thought dully. I know. He rubbed a finger against Coco's chest. I know. He wouldn't do a thing. 

     Drake smothered a sudden laugh. Imagine her seeing me cooking with Indominus looking over my shoulder. What would she say? 

     "Drake?" The sharp remark made Drake jolt. Ellery narrowed her eyes at Drake. "What are ya' laughing about?"

      So, I didn't repress that laugh. Whoops. "Sorry, nothing." He said softly. 

     She scoffed. "It wasn't nothing. Obviously you're thinkin' something." 

     "He was thinking about you getting eaten by a T-Rex." Sofia chimed in with a good-humored chuckle.

     Drake quickly put a hand up to his mouth this time as he heard Ellery yip and scoff, but it was wry, not abrasive. "You! Oh, you little child. What possessed you to think that?" Ellery's voice was practically a roaring laugh by the time the last of her words escaped her mouth.

     "I was definitely not thinking that." Drake chuckled delicately. Coco screeched a laugh in as well, flaring his sharp silvery-grey wings.

     "I would severely hope not." Ellery snuffed. Sofia laughed and Drake and Ellery joined in eventually.

     Ray did not join the three for dinner that night, but Drake felt he'd never had such a wonderful meal in his life. Ellery told them stories of Jurassic Park, the first open recreation ground, and Sofia and Coco alike were captivated by the stories. 

     When they were all finished, Ellery sent Sofia to bed and put the rest of the soup away in the half-broken fridge. Drake was about to go to bed when Grandmother called him to the antique sofa in the massive family room. Drake tilted his head, stalking in. It was nearly nine-thirty p.m, and he had hoped Ellery was going to go to sleep too.

    "Drake." She said, and her tone was much softer now.

     Drake sat down next to her, and asked, "Yes?"

     "I know about Indominus." She said in a hushed whisper.

     Drake's heart nearly stopped. His cobalt blue eyes flashed with anxiety, which is what probably gave him away first, he thought. "I-I-I--what?"

     "I knew Mr. Wu personally." She began. "It was nearly a decade ago, but I knew him quite well. Your Grandfather was very disappointed when the Park fell. He wanted it to thrive so badly. But I was given the chance, confidentially by Henry to see the Indominus when she was three months old."

     Drake's eyes widened. "You...did?" 

     "Mhm." Ellery nodded.

     "But...wait...What do you mean you 'know' about the Indominus? What does that have to do with me?"

     Ellery chuckled. "I can read you very well, you know. You've been so deep in thought, and muttering all day about her." She winked at him. "And I can read lips." 

     Drake brought a single hand to his face, closing his eyes. I have been muttering about her since Jae and I left the beach....He admitted to himself. 

     And....gosh darn it...?! I forgot she can read lips!

     "Don't worry. I won't tell your parents. But I can help you get an up close encounter with her if you'd like." Grandmother winked at him again.

     A lightbulb went off in Drake's head and his eyes snapped open.

     You could help me get Indominus and Jae's Indoraptor away from Hal. He speculated, and the thought filled him with adrenaline. 

     I have a real plan now. Jae will believe me, and she'll be able to get her...well, not her pet, but she'll be able to get the Indoraptor off this island, somewhere safe, or....We'll think of something! Drake's eyes flared with a sparkling array of vibrant color, and he couldn't stifle a grin.

     They'll all be safe. And our Bonds will grow, whether Jae believes in them or not.