Page 23 of The Bonds of Indigo

Life’s boring, and that’s a problem. It’s starting to make me wonder if suicide might be in my near future.

New Hara is beautiful, though. I’ve spent the last several months exploring every inch of it on foot. This path, along the southern base of the Adeline Mountains, is quiet—no tourists in the middle of the night. It’s the best time to run, free from Mundanes taking selfies on the trail.

I’m nearing an overlook when something white catches my eye. Pushing through a few bushes, I stop at a short patch of grass and freeze. A white lioness sits there, still and regal. The scent tells me immediately she isn’t a Shifter. She’s real. Flesh and blood.

Even as quiet as I am, she notices me. Her golden eyes flick in my direction, but she doesn’t move. A butterfly rests on her snout, and somehow she’s careful not to disturb it.

She’s magnificent. I don’t want to scare her off, but curiosity wins and I whisper, “What are you doing here, beautiful girl?”

“Whatever she wants.” The male voice catches me off guard, and I whip my head toward the sound. “The question is, what are you doing out here?”

The figure can’t hide in the shadows. Not from me. He’s shorter, leaner, but solid. Broad shoulders, defined chest, compact strength. And I definitely like what I see.

“Mmm. Taking a jog, but now maybe I’ll be hunting.”

He laughs. “That would be a mistake, Vampire.”

“Oh, I don’t think so.” I tuck my hands into my pockets and drag my tongue across my upper teeth. “There’d be no mistakes in what I’d do to you.”

That throws him off. His eyes widen, a flush creeping across his cheeks. The color looks good, especially under those stunning violet eyes.

“What’s your name, cutie?”

He stammers, eyebrows pinching. “I-I… What?”

“Do you have a name?” I take a step closer causing him to square his shoulders. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

“He’s not worried you’re going to hurt him.” I wasn’t expecting to hear a woman’s voice. That’s unfortunate… but maybe they like to share. I wouldn’t complain.

I glance around for a third figure, but there’s no one.

“My name is Zuhara,” the voice says again. This time I look down—at the lioness. One paw forward, the other back, as she pauses her approach.

“Well… that’s different.” I glance back at the man, whose face somehow darkens to an even deeper red. It’s endearing, really. “Zuhara. Why can I hear you? I’m no animal whisperer.”

She laughs, padding closer. “I’m unique. And it seems, so are you.”

“Thanks. My dads always said I was special,” I say with a cheeky grin.

“Full of yourself, it seems,” the man mutters. His voice has an accent—thick, old, and Gods help me, beautiful.

“You can be full of me if you’d only ask.”

Zuhara’s laugh rumbles out in a deep purr. She brushes against my leg, her fur soft as silk. “I like this one.”

“Of course you do,” the man sighs. “Please don’t get attached, Zuhara.”

I reach down, running a hand through her fur. She’s huge—up to my hips at least—but gentle. Sweet, even.

“What’s your name, pretty boy?” she asks, purring louder.

“You can call me Kayn. Normally I insist new acquaintances call me Butcher, but I’ve got a feeling we’re going to be great friends.”

The man scoffs. “Doubtful, I⁠—”

I’m in front of him before he can finish. He startles, stepping back, but I grip the back of his neck to hold him still.

He’s a few inches shorter, forced to tilt his head up. “W-What are you doing?!”