New Age Werewolf Series Book 2: Hunter's Daughter, Alpha's Mate

Part 22: Anchors Aweigh

My room was joined with "Uncle Jesse's" by the balcony we shared and adjoining doors inside to our shared bathroom. I had no problem calling him my uncle, especially after he introduced me to the crew.  It turned out it was a favor for him to get my bike on board, but when he explained to the company that I was on my way back to college and reminded that he'd never asked for anything before, they had no problem.

The first thing I did was sleep...really sleep. Being out on the lakes meant I wasn't on land to track, to chase. The only people who had access to me were on the boat, and Uncle Jesse gave me a thumbs up for my safety on board. All humans. I was finally able to breathe, so sleep overtook me as if it was a drug.  Every time I rose during the day, food trays were already delivered with a note from Uncle Jesse to rest and come out when I was ready.

And of course, Kyros seemed to be waiting, in the back of my mind or maybe the front of it. I was completely relaxed and he was there like a presence, in wake or sleep. He was intense, and seemed frustrated or angry every time I dreamed of him these days. It made me uneasy, but then it must mean he was having trouble finding me.

What I did enjoy most was talking to Uncle Jesse. He grew up with my dad and was one of the few who knew of our family lineage. He was a friend, tried and true, and from what I heard, was my godfather of sorts. I barely remember meeting him when I was small, but he knew about me because Dad kept him updated. Everyday at dawn, I would have coffee with him before he headed to work.

"Uncle?"

Uncle Jesse chuckled. "Yes, firefly."

"What does rain mean?" 

"What?"

"You like studying dreams--"

"Yes, a hobby--oh, rain," he chuckled. "A little context, please?"

"The wolf-Kyros-that is chasing me--"

"Is he in wolf form in the dream?"

"No," I shook my head. "He's in human form." I sighed.

"Well, is he frightening? Angry?"

"Only when I run from him."

"So he's chasing you."

"Yeah."

"Being chased in the rain."

"Uh-huh."

"Rain can represent change, fear, depression, even rebirth and cleansing," he told me. "Being chased can be fear of attack, or something else entirely."

"Like?"

"What feelings do you have toward him?"

"I-I don't know."

He looked at me, quiet for a moment. "Don't know." He repeated. "This Kyros could be representing your own feelings-something you don't want to deal with." He was quiet again. "My advice is that you stop running."

"What?"

"In your dream, turn and confront him. Talk to him. See what's going on." He put his hand over mine. "Whatever you are dreaming, you aren't screaming. I'd hear you. Try it and see what happens. You know what else I'd like you to try?"

"What?"

"Going ashore, I mean, really ashore--"

I laughed. "No!"

"Is it money?"

"No." I shook my head at him. "He may pick up my trail."

"We've been to two ports since Mackinac, and you went shopping--"

"Right by the pier, near the boat," I interjected. "This is not sightseeing, Uncle. It's not. I can't afford to go too far inland. He's a rich and powerful alpha from a European line. I don't know who he knows, what he can do." I almost talked about my plan-disappearing in New York City as so many fugitives had, but the less he knew, the better. I smiled. "I will spend the day hiking by the Georgian Bay. Fair enough?"

He quirked an eyebrow. "That was not what I had in mind. What have you been doing? I only see you at dinner at my table, otherwise you're barricaded in here."

"Enjoying the quiet, the breeze, and of course studying the books Dad gave me."

Finally, night came. I was so nervous this time. I knew I was going to face Kyros in my dream. It didn't take long to find him.

I was running as usual, Kyros almost howling my name and swearing he would catch me. I was calmer this time.  Finally, I stopped and turned. He stopped running immediately, his steps becoming slower and more deliberate as he closed in, much like a wolf closing in on prey.

I raised a hand, and he stopped. "What do you want from me?" He gave a small smile, slowly walking toward me. "What do you want?"

"You've got it backwards, darling," he said softly, catching my outstretched hand and nuzzling it, sniffing it. He kissed my palm and asked, "What do you want from me?"