Winter Wonderland

Prologue

Citali

Remy paused by the door, backpack slung over his shoulder. He was wearing a pair of light grey cargos and a black golf shirt, a pair of sunglasses pushed up on the top of his head as he grinned to Citali. "Lee. I love you."

It had taken him a long time to admit that, not that she blamed him. He had lost his mate a couple decades ago and had not believed he'd find love. Even when he was falling head over heals in it with the human doctor on her internship at Knight Corp. Originally brought in to specialize in paediatrics, during the worst of the wars, Citali had patched up many of Knight Corp's fighters as well. She had finished her practicum on medical teams during the worst of the fighting across the world.

Even shapeshifters who were injured previously and not healing quick enough for the catastrophic wounds they were suffering from.

Like Remy.

And somehow, despite the constant reminder of what he had lost from all the happy mates settling into the company, Remy had become enamoured with her. And found a way to worm his way into her heart.

"I love you too. You be safe. I'm not there to reattach your limbs." She teased and put down her book as she walked across the distance toward him.

"It's a simple business meeting, Lee. And I never lost any limbs. Other than my heart. But you keep that safe." Remy wrapped his free arm around her and pulled her close, grinning against her lips as she kissed him firmly.

Citali laughed and ran her fingers through his beard. "The heart is an organ. But you're not going with any of the magical types this time, Remy. Promise me."

"I'm Team Lead, Lee." Remy chuckled and kissed her forehead. "I've done this a hundred times, but I promise. No risks, no heroics. We're flying in, they're signing some forms, shaking some hands, then we're leaving. Eirene is going to be there with Eliza. We're just there cause Ryker enjoys annoying Liza."

"Those two are smart women. They'll keep you out of trouble." Citali kissed him once more, before letting him pull away.

Remy offered her a wink before slipping out the door.

Things had calmed down. There were still dangerous regions and bad people all over the world, there always would be. Citali had listened to Remy getting his brief over the phone the night before. So she knew they were going to a region that was unstable. Not completely under any Order's control and half forgotten by most everyone, even bad guys, it seemed.

Ryker was right to send a team with Eliza and Eirene, Citali knew that. But she wished it had not been Remy's turn to go out the door. She had gotten used to him going on missions with Carbry or Timothy. A powerful mate protected one, and the other could use the same sort of power for protection himself. And both ensured the safety of their people.

Eliza was smart and Eirene was preternatural in sensing danger. They would avoid trouble better than most everyone else. But they did not have the power of gods.

With a rueful shake of her head, Citali locked the door and turned to pick up her book and walk to her bedroom. She had an early morning at the centre tomorrow. 

*** 

Naiche 

His prey moved through the dark forest, oblivious to his presence stalking through the shadows. The wind was carrying his scent away from them both, and his movements were silent. His speed allowed him to shift to the best approach in an instant, even as he felt the leaves and branches shift beneath his bare feet.