Page 77 of Hummingbird and Kraken

A lean, young man and a muscular woman showed their agreement and then headed for the woods. They paused for the moment at the edge, and the man’s clothing collapsed around him as his body shrank. A chipmunk darted out and the woman gathered what he’d been wearing into a tight bundle. Then they were off again.

The Chief looked after them for a long time.

No one spoke for a moment, and Declan crept over to Geir’s side. He pulled him in tight.

A moment later, a crane, so graceful in the sky, darted awkwardly through the close trees to land beside the Chief. Geir looked away politely, catching only the hint of bones lengthening and flesh filling in over feathers.

Declan also turned his head down, but he could tell that the boy was peeking anyway.

Soon, a trim and lethal human form stood naked in front of them all. Her hair was steely gray and her muscles and small breasts just starting to sag, but only a fool would doubt her.

“Kayla!” Declan exclaimed.

She gave him a small smile, then turned to the Chief. “What’s the status?”

“We know where the children are. I’ve sent Nootau and Pules after Rohahen.” He gave one more longing glance toward the woods, and Declan’s gaze followed. He must be worried about his friend, and Geir didn’t want him to be worried. He wrapped him tighter.

The stork woman placed a hand on the Chief’s shoulder. “You should stay.”

He shook his head, his face hard. “No, we know where he is. I need to find the children.”

They talked quietly for a moment, and then the stern woman snapped out a series of commands. The shifters headed toward their vehicles.

Tier looked the other direction, east, squinting his eyes in concern.

Declan looked that way, too, his face worried. May was out there. Probably cold and scared and alone.

“Do you know exactly where they are?” Geir asked. “I know the direction, but I couldn’t tell you how far away they are. The landmarks mean nothing to me.”

Tier blew out a puff of air. “I have a sense of the distance, but finding it exactly? Knowing which roads to turn down? My plan was to get as close as possible, then shift and find them by smell.”

“I’ll go with you, then. We can repeat that as many times as we need to until we’re there.”

Tier bowed his head again. “I would not ask it of you, but if you are willing, we would appreciate your aid.” He gestured toward the van, taking the front seat himself.

Geir gently let go of Declan and started toward the van, but a flash of blue darted past him. Declan swung himself up into the seat. “I’m coming, too.” He crossed his arms, like he was expecting an argument.

Shit. Geir hadn’t even considered that. “You’ll be safer here.”

“I’ll be safer with you. I was looking for you for two days! You’re not leaving me again.”

Two days? Dammit. Geir wanted Declan safe at home. But he wanted him where he could see him, too.

“I promise I won’t leave the van. I’ll be silent and stay out of the way. You won’t even know that I’m there.” Declan’s eyes burned with conviction. He wasn’t pouting or bargaining, just stating his plans.

Geir considered it. He would definitely know that Declan was there. Every minute of it, especially if there was danger. There were also a dozen shifters with teeth and claws and modern weapons. Whoever had taken the children should be subdued easily, and he probably wouldn’t be involved. Once they got there, he could stay next to Declan and watch him the whole time, until May was back with them.

Geir slid into the van. “Promise me you’ll stay put. No adventures.”

Declan nodded. “I promise.”

Chapter 27

Declan

Declan fastened his seatbelt and then twisted half out of it to cuddle into Geir’s side. He soaked in his warmth, arms and cheek pressed against Geir’s naked and still damp chest.

The van started to move, but he tuned it out. The Chief was in the passenger seat, giving instructions over his phone, while a petite but hard-edged woman expertly handled the driving. He wondered if she was Kayla’s daughter, but it was more her cool efficiency than her facial features that gave that impression.