After the encounter with Cinders, V had declared Taryn needed round the clock protection, and by default Payton and Kylee as well. Ladon and Jo had left the hotel and were headed back to the Nest, leaving the girls in Attor’s hands. He had debated it with Volos, claiming that he was the last person Taryn would want to see hanging around. V had smiled and replied that this was the perfect chance to make her see him in a different way. All while keeping his eyes open to any dangers nearby.

Reluctantly, Attor stood across the road from the hotel’s entrance. His brothers had said the girls were going out shopping, so it made sense to let them come to him. Besides, he needed some time to build up the strength to face Taryn. Last time she’d seen him she had threatened to kill him, and that wasn’t ideal for relationship building, but it was what it was.

“Attor?” Payton shouted as the three of them came outside.

Attor lifted his head to see two bright smiles and one look of disdain. He took a deep breath, and exhaled as he lifted his large body off the wall he’d been leaning on, and began to cross the road.

“Something wrong?” Payton asked him quietly.

Shaking his head. “Nope. V just said to not let any of you carry heavy bags.” He attempted to flourish his hands in an awkward bow. “I am at your beck and call ladies.”

“This day is just getting better and better,” Kylee quipped as she walked seductively past Attor, and she winked with a dramatic flair. “I’ll be the beck to your call, any day, handsome.”

“Pull your panties back up, Kylee.” Payton laughed. “Attor is spoken for.”

“Firstly, I’m not wearing panties…” She flashed another look at Attor, this time she chose to emphasize it with an eyebrow wiggle before looking back to Payton. “Spoken for? Like, bagged and tagged spoken for? Or just a friendly stalker type, spoken for?”

“Fate has bagged and tagged that big mountain there.” Payton laughed as she looped her arm through Taryn’s. “She doesn’t know it yet, but it’s a done deal.”

“What a lucky bitch.” Kylee mocked a grimace. “I want a mountain of my own. Do we know this chick?” Kylee stepped in on the other side of Taryn, the three of them walking down the street with Attor in tow a few steps behind.

“Yes, we do, but hush…” Payton winked at Kylee. “She needs to see it for herself.”

Taryn looked at Payton, her eyes begging for confirmation that her soul was wrong. She wanted someone to tell her that the ruffle of feathers she felt in her belly when Attor was around was just coincidental. She needed someone to tell her that he wasn’t responsible for making her instantly hungry for lemon tart whenever he was there. Payton met her eyes and smiled. The lift of Payton’s lips showed a comfort of acceptance, a warm blanket of fate being wrapped around her shoulders as she followed her destined path.

“First stop?” Kylee squealed as she pointed to a shop front. It was obviously high end, as it had a security officer standing at the front door.

Attor followed for the next three hours. He walked, stood still, sat, paced and watched his mate with the eyes of a dragon. He had become nothing more than background noise for the girls. They had tried on more clothes than he ever thought was possible. A myriad of mini fashion parades as they would come out and twirl, swirl and comment on each other’s outfits.

Yes, those jeans make your ass look hot.

No, that skirt didn’t flare up and show your panties.

Yes, that shirt totally brings out the blue in your eyes.

No, you can’t wear heels that high to work.

Yes, buy it. You can’t ever have enough.

All the time, Attor watched silently, picking up bags as he went. As much as Taryn wasn’t interacting with him, she was relaxed, laughing and having fun. Every time her laugh danced across his ears, he had to fight with lil’T to remain as silent as he was.

“Attor?”

He straightened his back as he lifted his head from the daydream currently occupying his brain. He looked up to see Taryn standing a couple feet in front of him. Quickly standing up, he gave his body a small shake. “Taryn,” he said. “What’s wrong? What do you need?”

A small laugh rolled off her lips as she looked at the ground, and back up through her eyelashes to him. “Nothing’s wrong. I just thought…” She looked back at Payton and Kylee, who were giggling and waving her on to continue.

Attor looked between Taryn and the girls, they were obviously up to something, but as this was the first time Taryn had spoken to him since he’d been following them on the shopping adventure. He didn’t care what they were up to, only that she was including him.

Taryn giggled, sending a shiver up his spine as she pulled a shirt out from behind her back. Holding it up so Attor could see it, it was bright pink with a rainbow unicorn on it. “I heard you like unicorns? Want to see if it fits?” She burst out into a full round of laughter as she ran back to her partners in an humiliating crime.

“Volos has a big mouth,” Attor growled with a smile as he walked over to them.

“Don’t steal my shirts then.” Payton winked. “Buy your own unicorns.”

“It was fucking Ladon, he…” Attor started to explain.

The girls all burst out laughing. Rolling his eyes he decided, at that moment, to accept the girl’s taunts. He walked over to the stack from where the shirt had come, looked through until he saw what he needed. Pulling out the largest size that was available, he grinned mischievously, as he put it on the buying pile the girls had collected. “V wants to talk about me, he can buy me something pretty, too.”

Taryn’s eyes went wide with the thrill of adventure. “You’re buying it?”

“Not me. V is buying.” Attor laughed. “Didn’t you know pink is the new black?”

“Dare you to wear it to the next meeting with the brothers,” Payton baited him. She could see the tension releasing from Taryn’s shoulders. A sparkling in her friend’s eyes was being lit, and Payton felt she needed to fan the fire of desire.

“I have to wait ‘til then?” Attor mocked with a faux disappointment. Taking off his vest, he handed it to Taryn to hold. Her mouth ajar with a mix of excitement and shock at what he was doing.

“If you start stripping, I’m going to need some more dollar bills, stud muffin.” Kylee laughed.

Laughing as he took the price tag off the shirt, he handed it to Payton who was giggling uncontrollably. She hadn’t even seen this side of Attor. With a cross of his huge arms, he slid off his basic black T-shirt to a collective sigh of appreciation from the women who filled the store.

Taryn’s eyes stumbled down his chiseled muscles like a toddler learning to walk.

“Fuck me…” Kylee sighed. “Seriously… fuck me!”

“Kylee,” Payton exclaimed with a laugh. “Bagged and tagged.”

“I didn’t say marry me, Payton… I said, fuck me. That’s completely different.” She laughed as she wiped the drool from the corner of her mouth. “Cover up, big boy or my hands are going on an erotic adventure they haven’t paid for.”

Attor laughed as he looked back to Taryn. He was immediately taken by the look of lust that danced in her eyes. He flexed his pec, causing them to dance a few beats for her. A flash of fresh red flowed into her cheeks as she blushed, lifting her eyes to see him looking at her. He winked and slid the pink unicorn shirt on. It barely stretched enough to cover his broad chest, but now it was on, and having seen how Taryn had welcomed his playful behavior, it was staying on.

“Is pink my color?” he asked Taryn.

“Um…” she rubbed her face, “… ahh… yeah.” She chuckled nervously as she silently wished he had continued to take things off. “Really brings out your eyes.”

“Exactly what I was hoping for.” Attor flicked a look at the ladies all staring at him in the store. “Sorry ladies, show’s over.” He walked over to Taryn, so close he had to slightly lean back as she looked up at his face. “I’m sure it would look better on you.” Attor winked as he took the vest still hanging from Taryn’s fingers. “Maybe another day, you can wear it instead.” He risked his heart by throwing out a raunchy thought her way. Walking back, he slid his specialized protection back over the pink shirt and picked up the ladies’ bags.

“Are you we ready to move to a new shop?” he asked.

“Can we get lunch? I’m suddenly hungry… for pie… lemon pie,” Taryn whispered breathlessly, her mind still caught on what adventure with Attor might end up with her wearing his shirt.

“Yes, Taryn, let’s go eat.” Laughing with a nod of her head, stopping briefly in front of a, now smiling, Attor. “Well done, big boy. There might be hope for you, yet.” Payton smiled proudly as she went and paid for the clothes they had purchased.

 

 

Taryn pulled out the chair and sat opposite Attor, and beside Payton at the table. It was a busy food court, and they had all chosen something different. True to her need, Taryn scooped a spoonful of the most delicious looking lemon tart she had purchased with a hot mug of coffee.

Attor sat watching her as she seemed to savor the flavors she’d been craving. Taryn caught him watching her. Smiling she said, “Not hungry?”

All he had in front of him was a bottle of water. “Yes,” he said in a slightly husky tone to his voice. “But I’m working.”

“Oh,” she said, disappointment laced her tone. “I thought this might have been pleasure, not business.”

Attor took a big breath in and exhaled slowly. “The pleasure of being in your company is immeasurable, Taryn.” His eyes didn’t leave hers, the world around them melted as he held her focus. “However, your safety trumps everything.”

Taryn’s head tilted slightly as her lip lifted in a small smile. “You like being around me?”

“More than I have words to express,” his reply came with instant sincerity.

“What if I was…” she leaned in and whispered, “… more than I appear?”

Attor paused as he took in her question. Did it matter? he asked himself. Fuck no, came his instant answer. A big smile opened up on his face as he leaned in to meet her stare. “Then there would be more to enjoy.”

“Get a room,” Kylee snorted. “I’m trying to enjoy my burger over here without a side dish of love-crazed endorphins.” She moved her plate over slightly. “Don’t sprinkle that shit on my chips. Unless I’m getting my grass mowed, I don’t want it watered.” She eyeballed them both. “Capiche?”

Taryn sat back with a laugh. “Sorry, Kylee.”

“You are so… not sorry, Taryn. But I do appreciate your insincere apology.” She laughed and went back to her chips.

With the force of a brick wall falling on him, Attor sat bolt upright. His eyes drew up to the floor three above from where he was sitting. A man stood at the railing looking down, directly into his eyes. Instantly, Attor recognized a Phoenix, pure and powerful. He wanted him to see him, obviously a shared recognition between them causing the energy to explode in the air around them.

“Attor?” Payton said. “What is it?” Her nerves surfaced as she saw the look on his face.

“Shhh…” Attor replied, his eyes not leaving the large male that stared down at them. Pulling out his cell he pressed one button and instantly the call connected.

“Attor?” V’s voice came through.

“Fire. No, not a drill. I repeat… not a fucking drill.” Attor’s voice was low and menacing.

“Vern is tracking, on our way,” V said. “Attor?”

“Yes, I know, safety first.”

“Good.”

Attor heard the brothers running as he hung up his cell. The dark, haired male hadn’t moved, he was breathing calmly and watching the four of them with an intensity that threatened harm.

“Payton,” Attor said, his voice low and eyes still locked. “We have a bird loose. You need to seek cover with Kylee and Taryn.”

“What the fuck?” Kylee said. “It’s probably just a pigeon or something, those flying rats get everywhere.”

Ignoring her, Attor repeated. “Payton,” his voice firmer.

“V?” she asked.

“On his way. Minutes. Cover. Now,” he repeating again with a voice that demanded she pay attention.

“Kyls, Taryn, let’s go…” Payton said, trying to sound calmer than she felt. She knew what the code was for. Attor had seen a phoenix, she knew V would be there as fast as they could swim. Payton also knew that water dragons swam through the water like electricity traveled through the air on a stormy night.

“What the fuck? I haven’t finished my burger.” Kylee fought against the hand Payton had looped through hers.

“Kylee. Now. Please.”

Something in the look of Payton’s eyes made Kylee nod reluctantly. She pushed her plate back and stood up. “You owe me a burger,” she pouted.

“Ah-huh…” Payton said, completely distracted by looking around to find the most secluded and protected place they could go, without drawing attention from the winged one. She stopped suddenly. “Attor,” she said. “Ladies room.”

“Understood,” Attor stated. His head still tilted up, he could see the way this beast was watching the four of them. His blood was boiling with a rage that begged to be unleashed. The problem was it was lunchtime in a Tokyo shopping mall, and there were people everywhere.

“Taryn, what the fuck is wrong with your face?” Kylee suddenly said, confusion coating her words.

A gut reaction had Attor break his gaze from the danger above and drop it to Taryn. Her face had slightly elongated, a small but distinct beak-like growth had begun to protrude from the center of her face. Attor watched as she lifted her hands to feel what had happened. The look of bone-chilling horror that flashed in her eyes would haunt Attor for many moons to come.

She’s a phoenix, he said to himself. Fate gave me a phoenix. Taryn IS a phoenix. The words repeated on loop as he stared at her, his mouth open as silent sentences of shock flowed like an unending waterfall.

Taryn’s eyes flicked from Payton and Kylee, her two best friends in the world, to Attor a man who made her feel like she was something special. Now all three of them stared at her with frightened bewilderment. She needed to run—run as fast as she could.

“Taryn,” Attor found his voice, as fractured as it was, it was still a sound. “It’s okay. It’s o… kay…” He gained more confidence with his decision as the sounds continued to flow. “Just come with us.”

Taryn’s body shook with ice-cold fear, as the white shards of ice pierced her soul. The agony of being seen by those she loved was ripping her soul apart one stitch at a time. She should have never let her guard down. He was incredibly sexy and made her ache painfully with hunger but that didn’t change what they were. “It’s not okay,” she said as full, heart-wrenching tears tumbled over her lashes and began to roll down her cheeks. “It will never be okay.” Taryn looked straight into Attor’s deep blue eyes, wishing with every fiber of her being that things were different. “I’m sorry.”

Attor was frozen to the spot as he watched Taryn turn and vanish into the thickening crowd around them. They had caused a few people around them to join them in nervously looking up to see what was causing the panic they displayed. The cliff of his sanity started to disintegrate under his footing. Torn between the need to protect his brother’s mate, and his primal urge to follow his own fated mate. His beast roared with uncontrolled rage as he stood still, loyalty is everything to the clan. Unfortunately, today, that very loyalty caused a fracture in Attor’s brain that might never repair itself.

Payton went to run after her when she was stopped by a large hand on her arm. She looked around and then up to gaze directly into her huge and dangerously on-edge, dragon mate. “V,” she said. “Taryn is running.”

V spoke to Attor who was still staring where he’d seen Taryn vanish. “Brother?” Volos said. “Go… find her. We got this.”

Attor looked back up, and the phoenix was gone, vanished like a ghost in the night. “Okay. The bird is wearing blue jeans, a dark blue long-sleeved shirt, top button’s undone and a small white bird embroidered on the breast pocket. Dark brown hiking boots, and a single thick gold chain around his neck. Cropped dark brown possibly black hair. Black eyes. Third floor. V...” he paused. “Taryn is feathered, and Kylee saw it all.”

“I got it. Go. Find her,” V said firmly.

Jo, Ladon, and Wyvern all stood behind him. Having heard the description of the phoenix they immediately split up and vanished into the crowd.

V wrapped Payton tightly in his arms, and he placed a kiss on the top of her head. “Okay ladies, let’s go back to the hotel. Are these your bags?” He started picking up bags with Payton. She knew to just follow him in these times of danger.

“Care to explain… what the actual fuck?” Confusion wrote itself deep into the creased lines on Kylee’s forehead.

“Let’s get to safety, and then you can ask me anything you want,” V said as he picked up the last bag. “Payton, let’s go. Quick and quiet.”

Payton nodded, grabbed Kylee’s hand, and gave her a squeeze begging her to just follow and ask later. She sighed with relief when her best friend understood and squeezed back. “This way.” Payton took off with Kylee and V following.