Claire
It took me nearly a week for me to be comfortable in this new body. Everything felt disjointed. I tried to move an inch, but everything would move a foot. I could tell my mates were getting anxious. They weren't used to staying in the same place for so long, but they were being sweet by not rushing me. I wasn't really in a hurry to leave. I was enjoying the new physical side to our relationship, even Rowan's roughness. Bennett still tries to step in sometimes and pull Rowan back a little, but he doesn't need to. If I want to make love, I go to Bennett. If I want to be fucked I go to Rowan.
It's a perfect system.
But the day for our move to the capital arrived regardless of how much I didn't want it to. I wasn't allowed to bring much, since Rowan would be flying us and he doesn't like a lot of clutter. So I only packed a small backpack and Bennett promised to take me shopping when we arrived. I cringed at the thought but realized it would be a necessity.
Rowan was already shifted when I went outside and I let my hands inspect his dragon's body. The scales were hard as stone and cool to the touch which surprised me. His large snout tucked into my neck, breathing me in. His warm breath across my skin made me laugh and I could have sworn his dragon smiled a little. Bennett watched with a warm smile before he motioned me to him. He lifted me and climbed onto Rowan, holding me tight much like he had the last time. The difference now was that I'm not terrified of falling off this beast. I still clutch tightly to him as he takes off, but once he levels off I relax into Bennett, knowing he won't let me fall. I watch the scenery, already missing our private house.
I don't get cold this time, but Bennett still holds me close regardless. I enjoy being pressed against his body. He's warm and comfortable. It's incredible to me how safe I feel with them both, considering our difficult start. But now I'm hopeful we can make a positive change for all humans. Keep them safe, teach them about mates so they don't think it a fate worse than death because really, these creatures will cherish us if we let them.
My thoughts wander as the sight of a city comes into view. The tall buildings are all white and seem to sparkle in the afternoon son. The buildings are gigantic compared to what I've seen, but I'm sure they were made specifically for supernaturals, so they would need to be.
I see another dragon flying in the sky and my body instantly stiffens. Bennett feels it against him and leans down to murmur in my ear.
"It's ok, little one. They won't bother us. Rowan is their king. Just relax, we'll keep you safe." He assures me and I nod, willing my body to relax. Bennett holds me tighter and I feel my body loosen against him. He presses a kiss to my temple before we are suddenly descending. Rowan lands in a small grassy area, touching down carefully.
Bennett helps me off of Rowan's back and leads me to a small house. I watch Rowan shift and he begins to follow us, looking around as if expecting trouble.
The sight unnerves me.
"Everything OK, Row Row?" I ask teasingly using his hated nickname. He scowls at me but nods.
"Yes. I just hate how loud it is here." He says scooping me up in his arms and carrying me inside.
This house is much smaller than our other one, but still beautiful. The living room, kitchen, and dining room are all one large room with separate spaces. A huge fireplace is in one corner with a TV above it and I can't wait to snuggle with my mates around the fire. I walk up the stairs and find two rooms, but they are both huge. This house feels more open, large doorways with very few walls.
"It's so... spacious." I say and Bennett nods.
"We tend to be larger so houses with fewer walls is better for us." He says and I nod, eyeing the huge jacuzzi tub that could easily fit all three of us.
"I will definitely be swimming in that later." I murmur to myself but Rowan must have heard since he chuckles.
"I have a meeting this afternoon with the council. Would you like to come, my little demon?" He asks with an affectionate smile. I nod and look over to Bennett.
"Can we shop so I can find something appropriate to wear? Or can you just get me some things?" I ask not really wanting to go out among people yet.
Bennett grips my hand and pulls me into the large bedroom towards the closet.
"We had someone pick up some things for you since you seemed less than thrilled with shopping. Look and see what you think." Bennett says nervously, flicking on the light. I gasp as I take in the beautiful room full of clothes.
My section is by far the largest and I let my hands trail over the different fabrics. I pull down a navy blue dress and spot some flats in the corner that will go well with it.
"What do you think? Is this ok?" I ask Rowan and he nods.
"You'll be the best dressed one there." He says warmly. I roll my eyes but smile.
I shower and change, ready to go long before Rowan. Nerves twist in my gut, wanting to make a good impression but also wanting them to agree with me to make some changes. Rowan must sense my trepidation as he pulls me into his chest and holds me tight.
"Everything will be fine, little one." He whispers, kissing my forehead. I relish the affection. He holds back much more than Bennett, but it doesn't bother me anymore. I realize now that that is just how he is.
"Are you coming with us?" I ask Bennett but he shakes his head.
"No. My wolf needs to run. He gets anxious until he can sniff out the forest. Mark his territory." He says and I giggle.
"Enjoy peeing on trees I guess." I quip and both men laugh.
"Such a clever girl." Bennett says warmly giving me a kiss before doing the same with Rowan.
"Don't stray from Rowan, baby." Bennett says and I nod, gripping Rowan's hand as he leads me out the door and down the street.
We walk in a content quiet until a large, fierce looking building comes into view. It has large columns, many staires and fierce looking statues on the outside.
"That's the council headquarters." Rowan explains and I nod, my eyes still wide with awe. He chuckles and leans down to pull me into his arms, carrying me up the stairs and I'm grateful he isn't making me walk up them. He sets me down at the top and takes my hand again.
He pulls me until we enter a large room with a round table and a few chairs. There are a few other people milling around and Rowan pulls me towards a large, scary looking man with dark hair and a large beard.
"Atticus. This is Claire. My mate. Claire, this is Atticus. Alpha of Werwolves." Rowan introduces us.
"It's nice to meet you." I say politely, but don't shake his hand. Rowan warned me against it as it would transfer our scents and make our mates jealous. The large man gives me a wide smile.
"It's nice to meet you too, Claire. So Damon was right? The prick." The man says to Rowan who rolls his eyes.
"Yes. She wasn't marked I didn't want it common knowledge." He says and Atticus nods.
"Makes sense. Just a warning Damon will be with me in the meeting today." Atticus says and Rowan groans.
Note to self: we don't like Damon.
"I know, I know. But Colton is busy. He's my only other option." Atticus says and Rowan nods.
"I'll stay away from him." Rowan says and is met with Atticus' deep chuckles.
Rowan pulls me along the table, introducing me to people along the way and never letting go of my hand. Next is a beautiful woman with long brown hair and blood red eyes that make me uneasy. Rowan's hand tightens on mine as we approach the woman.
"Claire, this is Alaina. Queen of the Vampires." He says warily. He must feel my nerves through our bond. I nod and give my best smile to the woman, but she must sense my discomfort too.
"It's nice to meet you Claire." She says warmly and I get the feeling she means it. "Are you ok?" She asks and I nod.
"I'm sorry. Vampires just make me nervous." I admit and my voice sounds incredibly small. I expect her to laugh at me but she doesn't. Her face curves into displeasure, but more like sadness than anger.
"I can imagine why. But I hope over time you will come to learn we aren't all as bad as you think."