Bear Shifter Dating Agency, page 18
"That's good," Navi murmured. "We're just going to do this, just like last time, okay? Push when it feels natural, we got this."
I nodded, gritting my teeth and tilting my head back. Occasionally I was coaxed to eat another ice chip, which I did, the cold crunch between my teeth only a little bit of a distraction. I moaned, I screamed, I cried and cursed both of my mates to high heaven. I pushed when I thought I should, and moved around in the tub, and sat on the seat, and watched the water run bloody for the second time.
Six hours later, my son was in my arms, sleeping peacefully like he hadn't just completely destroyed my body again on his way out. He was tiny and wrinkly and had a thick layer of black fuzz on the top of his head, which made me think he was Duncan's biologically. I liked that – having one of each.
I smiled weakly, exhausted just like I was the last time. Tyler drained the bath and Duncan rinsed me off while Navi wrapped our son up in fresh blankets. She wished us all the best and took her leave, closing the door behind her.
Duncan and Tyler helped me into bed and carefully wrapped me up in towels and blankets, piling pillows behind my back. Basically doting on me to the point of it being ridiculous, but I was in the mood to be pampered. I'd gotten used to a certain level of luxury and attentiveness from both of them and this was certainly not the time to be slacking.
"Alright," I said, when we were all settled. "We have to think of a name now."
Duncan hummed. "Navi told me you didn't pick Dahlia for a month," he said, arching a brow.
I rolled my eyes. "Snitch," I muttered.
"He looks like a Sam," Tyler said.
"Sam?"
"Veto," Duncan said, shaking his head. "Had a Sam who ran a few fishing boats here for a few years. Huge dick. No Sam."
"Fine, then, what do you want to call him?" Tyler asked.
"What about... James?"
"Veto," I said. "High school boyfriend. No thank you."
"This might take a while," Tyler said with a small laugh.
"Well, that's fine by me," I said, snuggling up in my blankets with my son in my arms. I smiled when Tyler and Duncan immediately plastered themselves either side of me, nuzzling close and each resting a hand on the edge of the baby's blankets, as though needing to physically confirm that he was okay. "We have plenty of time, and I need to nap."
"Sleep, beautiful," Duncan coaxed, kissing my cheek. "You've more than earned it."
I smiled, tilting my head to one side and tucking my nose under Duncan's jaw, relaxing by increments. I was just on the edge of sleep when I heard Dahlia start crying, and groaned.
"Oh no you don't," Tyler said, getting up and holding a hand out immediately. "I'll take care of the princess. You rest." He pointed a finger at me in a playfully menacing way, and then disappeared out the door.
I laughed, too exhausted to keep my eyes open. Duncan purred quietly, and I turned to snuggle up against him again, knowing that soon Tyler would come back and join me at my back. I loved falling asleep between them. Waking up between them. Basically everything that happened between them was a great thing for me, and had been for the last nine months.
I knew it was going to last forever. For the rest of our lives. We would live in a great house in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the freezing tundra, our children playing between fishing boats and harbors and wide open fields where they could shift and run and hunt with their fathers. They would never want for anything, least of all love and support.
I knew that, in my heart. It was a certainty I knew I could count on. Just like Duncan and Tyler, their presence, their love for me. I trusted in that, and would hold onto that, for the rest of my life.
Tyler came back a few minutes later, sighing and sliding into bed behind me. He returned to his previous position, holding my hip while Duncan helped me cradle the baby. He kissed the back of my neck. Duncan kissed my forehead.
I smiled, and settled down to sleep. "Night, boys," I murmured.
"Good night, baby."
"Good night, beautiful."
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I Had No Idea What Was About To Happen On Dragon Shifter Island
I never won anything in my life. So, when I realize that I won the shifter lottery, I can barely believe it. My prize is a weekend on Dragon Shifter Island! I go there, my heart racing, my mind blank.
I meet two gorgeous dragon shifters, both of whom are looking for a mate. They come on to me strong, and I know I can’t fight their advances for long. Maybe, I don’t even want to. But, when a third dragon shifter from a rival clan appears, all Hell breaks loose.
The clock is ticking, and danger is just around the corner. I feel we all want the same thing, but something is holding me back. I know they will give their lives to protect me, but can our worlds ever make peace?
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Chapter 1
“Excuse me, Miss?”
Candice Booker was shaken from her nap by a kind looking stewardess, who bent over her, still keeping a respectful distance. She was dressed in the usual navy-blue suit, with a little red scarf tied around her neck, which aligned perfectly with her thin, red rouged lips.
“We’ll be landing in ten minutes,” the stewardess, whose name tag revealed an old-fashioned and foreign name Magdalene, smiled at Candice.
“I... thank you,” Candice smiled back, propping herself up in her seat, from her previously slumped position.
Checking her watch, she realized that they’d been in the air for almost six hours. She wondered how she’d actually managed to fall asleep with all that tension and excitement. She still felt that nervous grip in her stomach, which tended to tighten at the worst moment.
She glanced around. Sitting in the back of the small plane, she was allowed some semblance of privacy, as a few other people she’d only met that morning, were seated in the front. Candice doubted whether she could remember their names. The guide was Robert or Roger. She wasn’t sure. Not that it mattered, really. He had already informed her that he was a guide only by name. The island had just a few simple rules, which he would tell her about once they got there, and all she needed to do was follow them. Robert or Roger would be there in case she needed some help, but other than that, Candice had all the freedom to explore the island on her own, for a full Dragon Shifter Island experience, as promised by the lottery organizers. This was great, because Candice preferred to roam on her own and not have to follow a certain route set by a guide.
She looked out the window. The island was now clearly visible. Shaped like the crescent Moon, it even mirrored its yellowish color, with a few patches of lush greenery scattered about. Candice wondered about those hidden waterfalls that she’d read online about. Those lucky few who had gotten the chance to visit the island before her, had spoken of magnificent waterfalls, of clear blue lagoons, of trees that seemed to rise up to the Heavens themselves. It all sounded like Utopia. But Candice had read enough books about Utopias to know that there was no such thing as a perfect place. Still, Dragon Shifter Island came pretty close to one.
She felt a little thirsty, all this being the result of her anxiety and elation. She was told to pack a light suitcase with clothes for warm weather, so she made sure to pack her bikini as well. She couldn’t wait to dip her toes in one of those crystal-clear lagoons and just swim all day long.
This trip, and especially the fact that it was free and she won it by pure chance, was more than welcome, after she got laid off work a few weeks ago. In all honesty, that place was toxic. She had needed a change of scenery, only she had wanted to have a sure place to move on to, and not be thrown to the sharks of unemployment. The fact that no one else was hiring right now didn’t help her self-esteem either. Then, her best friend Amanda, came up with the idea to play this lottery, just for laughs. One thing led to another, and Candice was now headed straight to Dragon Shifter Island.
A part of her still couldn’t accept this to be reality. She had that horrible feeling that she would just wake up one day and realize this was all a crazy dream, and she was back in her apartment, which she probably wouldn’t be able to afford in two months, unless she found another job pronto. However, the crazy dream still seemed to last and she welcomed every second of it.
“Dear passengers,” Candice suddenly heard the pilot address them through the loud speakers, “this is your captain speaking, and we’re about to descend to the beautiful Dragon Shifter Island, also known as Fordosa Key. Please remain seated until the green light turns on. We hope you’ll have a pleasant stay here, and we look forward to seeing you for your trip back.”
Candice suddenly felt giddy. She was smiling for no apparent reason. Finally, she was here. She wouldn’t have to fantasize about it anymore. It would be reality. She would feel the soft breeze against her cheek. She would feel the scorching coldness of the water, the mild roughness of the beach sand on her bare feet. She closed her eyes, and smiled at the thought.
About fifteen minutes later, Candice was on solid ground again. Her miniature suitcase was in her hands, her purse casually hanging from her shoulder. Her dark glasses helped her eyes adjust to the sun, which seemed to shine more brightly here than anywhere she’d ever been. She wished she’d packed a large-brimmed hat, but that might have been too much of a diva move, and totally unlike her.
“This way, Miss Booker,” Robert or Roger waved at her, after he had a brief chat with one of the people who were on the plane with them.
She rushed over, glad that she had decided to wear her All Stars, and just a simple sweatshirt with casual short shorts, instead of a dress, as the breeze was threatening to make a Marilyn move on her and expose her undies. Her hair was up in a ponytail, and loose strands of hair were falling around her ears.
Candice was considered beautiful, but not according to the general beauty standards. Her nose was barely noticeably crooked, and her lips were full, a little too full for her oval face, which was framed by a mane of honey colored curls. However, no one could pass by her without noticing her sunny smile, her infectious laugh, and the way she handled herself with grace, like a ballerina who just wasn’t meant to be.
Despite this, Candice felt like she never fell for the right kind of guy, who would appreciate her unique personality and character. Instead, she fell for the superficial jerks who were too focused on their own looks, and spent more time checking themselves in the mirror than checking her out. So, she figured it was time to take a break and just be single for a while. She actually relished the thought, deciding to date herself and first, learn how to love herself again, before she could love someone else.
“I’ll take you to your lodge,” the guide murmured, and she was brought back to reality once more, even though she could still hardly believe that she was really here.
“Lodge?” she blurted out, surprised.
She had to admit, she expected a hotel, or at least something that resembled it. But, after a second thought, of course it was logical that such an island wouldn’t have hotels or even guest houses. Why would it? Not like they wanted to invite more visitors to the island. The point of coming here was to take a break from all those luxuries of modern life, and get back to one’s roots - whatever that meant nowadays.
“Yes,” he nodded, not even looking at her.
He was quickening his pace, and she tried to keep up. The last thing she wanted was for him to think that he was faster than her. She was like that, a little too competitive sometimes.
“But, it’s quite pleasant, you’ll see,” he assured her, as they walked out of the little construction which obviously served as an airport, but bore no resemblance to what Candice knew an airport to be.
“Is there electricity?” she suddenly remembered to ask.
Her phone was fully charged now, but she wondered about later. She had to call her mom and dad, her friends. She had to give them a report on what life was like here. They were all curious, seeing that the island was usually off limits to humans, and only by pulling some major connections did the President manage to arrange this lottery for the lucky few.
“One part of the island has it,” he started explaining, “the part we occasionally visit, when we are granted permission, that is. There’s a solar powered generator, with a backup in case something goes wrong. The other part isn’t using it, even though it is readily available to them.”
“Them?” she repeated. “You mean the dragon shifters?”
“Exactly,” he nodded again, in a business-like manner. “We offered, but they refused to use it. I guess if they prefer to live like animals, let them.”
The following dismissive shrugging of his shoulders revealed that he didn’t have a very high opinion of his hosts. Candice always wondered why some people felt this way. She herself followed the other current, the belief that dragon shifters had a different kind of life, a life that was truly worth living. They had no constraints that chained the modern humans, who were unable to perceive the beauty of the world around them, as well as their own inner beauty. It was always about the rat race, about who had the bigger house, the better car, more money. Candice was so tired of all that.
“Here we are,” he finally stopped before a little lodge, located on the beach.
“This?” she asked, barely able to believe her eyes.
The sound of waves crashing against the sandy shore was delightful. She could already imagine herself sleeping with the window open, and just being lulled to sleep by nature’s music.
“Sorry it’s not something better,” he sounded apologetic, unlocking the door and offering her the key.
“Are you kidding me?” she chuckled, turning around. “This is paradise. What else could I possibly want?”
“Maybe Wi-Fi?” he grinned.
She glanced at him, all hopeful. He walked inside after her, and stood by a little shoe storage box in the corner. On it, a little black box rested. He reached out for it, and switched it on. The light flashed red instantly.
“The connection is super slow,” he explained, “and you probably won’t have it all the time. Maybe just a few hours a day. But, it should be enough to see family and friends, and let them know you’re OK.”
“That’ll be more than enough,” she chirped gratefully.
Candice wasn’t really planning on spending much time inside the lodge. There were a few special places she wanted to see, take pictures if they allowed it. All she needed this lodge for was sleeping.
“So, what’s the program?” she asked again, just to make sure that she understood it well when they said she was free to roam the island on her own.
“Here’s the map of the island,” he offered her a few leaflets and brochures.
She took them, and immediately skimmed through, all the while listening to what he was telling her.
“The green areas are free to explore. With orange ones you should be careful, though.”
“Why?”
“Those are only partly explored,” he explained, glancing at the door.
She got the feeling that he was in a rush to be somewhere else.
“Are they dangerous?” she asked.
“Well, we aren’t familiar with either plant life or wild life there fully. So, you might stumble onto some unpleasant bushes, or you might even be attacked by an animal who is just defending her territory. So, for your own safety, it’s best just to steer clear of orange and red areas.”
“Red meaning it’s super dangerous?”
“No, it just means we aren’t allowed to go there,” he shrugged his shoulders.
“By the shifters?”
“Yes,” he nodded. “Despite what it may look, this island is huge. There are several shifter species here, most of them living together in harmony. Some, however, are rivals, and occasional wars take place. All this happens in the red zone. When the treaty was signed, the President promised they would be able to keep their privacy, otherwise we wouldn’t even be allowed on this island.”
“So, just steer clear from shifters in general?” she asked, wanting to be clear.
“No, no,” he shook his head. “You’ll see, some of them are really friendly and love meeting humans. They’re curious about us as much as we’re curious about them. But, some are aggressive and best left alone.”
“How will I know which is which?” I chuckled at the impossibility of this situation.
“Trust me, you’ll know.”
The moment he said that, he lifted the side of his shirt, and revealed a huge scar that ran all the way from his nipple and armpits down to his waist. It looked like an old wound, the scar was well healed. But, it also looked like a scar you’d never forget.
“Is that...” she started, and he just nodded.
“Like I said, you’ll know,” he turned to go, “just follow the map and listen to what it says. In this place, that map is your best friend.”
“Thanks,” she smiled. “I really appreciate it.”
“Sure thing. If you need me for anything, I’m at the airport. There are a few cottages behind it, and guides are usually stationed there.”
“You won’t be exploring?”
“I just want the weekend to end so I can go back home,” he sounded brutally honest, and she could appreciate that.
He didn’t pretend he liked this place or this job, or the shifters for that matter. And, that was OK. Many people hated their jobs, and still did it. A job’s a job, like any other. It brings money.
“Well, if that’s all...” he started, and she just nodded. “Dinner’s served at 7 pm, on the beach left of the airport. You can’t miss it.”
With those words, he left Candice alone and closed the door behind him. She remained still for a few moments, letting it all sink in. She was really here. It wasn’t all just a crazy dream.
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