Homesick Book 2. The Secrets of Blackthorn Manor

Opening Night

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Chapter Fourteen

Opening Night

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The ride back was insanely tense. Adrian had a death grip on the envelope. Both cats were plastered over his lap, no doubt noticing the fact that he was practically vibrating with tension. Neither Daniel nor Lyndall spoke. Lyndall didn't even ask if they were successful, she had just opened the door for them as they had raced out onto the road. Adrian was eager to get back to the manor. He needed to read this letter, but he also didn't want anyone else around. Daniel kept glancing his way, but thankfully, the pyromancer didn't ask. The drive back seemed to take forever.

As they pulled up, there was already a figure waiting for them. The sight of the naga eased a little of the tension that was prickling its way along Adrian's nerves. The car door opened, and the two cats leapt down from his lap, leading the way into the house. Owethu glanced down at the envelope.

'It went well?' Owethu asked.

'More or less. It wasn't perfect. Let's go inside.'

'Not me, I'm afraid,' Daniel sighed. 'I need to get home. Plus, on the off chance someone did see us, it would be best that I'm not here if anyone comes calling.'

'You were seen?' The naga's eyebrows raised.

'Maybe. Not sure. Not directly... Probably,' Daniel replied.

Adrian sighed and placed a hand on his mate's arm. 'I'll explain inside. Daniel, go home. You too Lyndall. We'll catch up later.' His friend agreed. After a brief hug from Lyndall and chin scratches for Dutchess and Prince, Daniel and Lyndall left.

Owethu followed Adrian silently into the large manor house. He didn't ask any further questions which was good because now that they were home, Adrian didn't want to do anything else but read his letter. Adrian sat down on the bed and felt a sudden chill. It was late but there was absolutely no way he could have slept. He looked up at the naga, needing the man's support.

'Could you... shift?' Adrian asked quietly. Adrian was sure there weren't many humans who would ask such a thing. Maybe some thrill seekers, like the humans that worked for the naga clan, would appreciate the sight, but most would not be happy to see the long fangs and shiny coils of the enormous serpent. Tonight, Adrian needed to it, to ground himself in the here and now so he wouldn't be stolen by the past. He let that sensation and longing travel down the link he shared with the naga.

Owethu nodded. In one strange, fluid movement, muscle grew scales, the enormous tail growing and coiling around the human. Adrian kicked off his shoes and trousers, settling back on the bed. Protected by Owethu's coils and barricaded from the outside world, Adrian finally felt safe enough to open his letter. He took it from the envelope, barely daring to breathe.

'It is blank,' Owethu murmured in concern.

'Not for me,' Adrain breathed. Duchess and Prince leapt up onto the bed. Duchess found the highest coils she could and perched herself there. Prince yawned and found a spot in the pillows to curl up. Adrian could feel Owethu's curiosity but the naga was keeping his questions to himself for now. Adrian stared down at the letter and began to read.

To our dearest Adrian

It's almost difficult to think of you as an eighteen-year-old. It seemed like only yesterday you were stealing your mother's growth tonics to test them out on candy bars.

We are so proud of you and what you have achieved. When your affinity for shielding presented, we could hardly believe it. The first of the Blackthorn family line was said to be a shield crafter. With this enormous talent must come the reason for your gift.