Lachlan

After seven years of running, I had come full-circle and was back in my hometown. It felt better than I ever imagined to be here again, especially since my return felt like a failure. When I left, I told everyone not to expect to see me back again for anything but brief visits. I told them I was going to make my way in the world alone, that I would find a haven for myself. I had dreamed of finding a home where I didn't live in fear and where I could feel normal for once in my life... but what I found was more danger.

I moved five times in those seven years, and each time, someone found out what I was and sent me running all over again. Sometimes they wanted to snatch me and sell me to the highest bidder; sometimes they wanted to snatch me for themselves. Every so often, someone would put a noble spin on it and claim they would take me for the greater good. Each time, I had been lucky to get away. I couldn't live like that anymore. Luck shouldn't be the only thing standing between me and my freedom.

So I was back in Haefen, where my species was just as much a liability as ever but where I had family to back me up.

After years of distancing myself from them, both physically and emotionally, it was hard to swallow my pride and ask for their help. Most of them – the ones I loved the most – had welcomed me back with open arms (figuratively – they knew better than to touch me) and hadn't gloated at all. I had an aunt and cousin who weren't so gracious, but I didn't want to put my safety in their hands, anyway.

I had moved into a house across the street from two of my cousins, Glenna and Safiya. They had warded my house so that no one could come in without my express invitation, which was unfortunately necessary. I didn't think anyone could have followed me from my last town, but I had been wrong before. It was better to be careful.

Glenna was going around the house, reinforcing the ward they had cast. Safiya was casting levitation charms on my furniture to try arranging it in different configurations. She was almost done making her way through the whole house and refused to listen to my input about where things should go. Not that I was fighting against her too hard – after so many moves, I didn't much care how my house looked as long as it was functional. It was just nice not to have to push everything into place, myself.

I laid down on the couch and flung an arm over my eyes. I had driven the moving truck straight here without stopping except to fuel up, use the restroom, or get food. I was too paranoid about being followed and attacked on the road to stop when I was so close to safety. Then when I finally arrived, Glenna and Safiya had waltzed in and insisted on helping me get set up instead of letting me sleep. Well, Safiya insisted; Glenna had agreed to help because she knew it was quicker help Safiya than to try and change her mind.

I appreciated the help, but I was exhausted. I wanted to be alone and I wanted to sleep – I'd say "in that order" but the order really didn't matter to me. If I thought there was the smallest chance Safiya would let me stay asleep, I would conk out now.

Something cold and smooth poked at my nose. I uncovered one eye so I could peer at Safiya's wand as she nudged me with it. She smirked down at me and said, "You'll have time for rest later. We're almost done with this room!"

I shut my eyes and rolled away. In response, Safiya tipped the sofa so that I went sprawling on the floor. I glared up at her as she snickered.

"You don't need me for this," I complained. "Fiya, I'm tired."

"Baby." She left me on the floor and went back to rearranging my furniture. Glenna came into the room and her eyes widened when she saw my position. She shot an accusing glance at Safiya, who winked unrepentantly and slid a table into place.

"The house is all sealed up," Glenna said. She put her hand out in front of her and made a grasping motion. I felt magic embrace me, and as Glenna lifted her arm, I was hoisted into the air. She set me gently back down on the couch, then released me.

I smiled gratefully at her. "You're my favorite, Glenna."

"Hey!" Safiya complained.

"You lost ten points for not letting me sleep," I told her. "Minus fifty points for dumping me on the floor."

"And gained at least a hundred for arranging your furniture for you!"

Furniture I hadn't even wanted arranged tonight. I didn't bother pointing this out, though. That would be just a little too ungrateful. "Glenna gets five hundred for the wards," I combatted.

"Oh, I'll show you wards." True irritation made its way into Safiya's tone and her hands started glowing purple, but Glenna hooked an arm over her shoulders and started pulling her toward the front door.

"We'll see you tomorrow, okay, Lach?" Glenna said.

Safiya's hand touched the doorframe on the way out the door. Narrow tendrils of smoke streamed out from underneath her fingertips and when her hand was dragged away, a dark imprint of her hand was left behind. The door slammed shut behind them.

It took all of two seconds to decide that the singe mark was a problem for tomorrow. I curled up and fell asleep.

--

When I woke up, it was to an almost-completely moved-into house with empty cupboards. It was also past eleven in the morning, so I had missed my window for breakfast. Sleeping on the couch had left a crick in my neck and a twinge in the muscles of my back, but I still felt better than I had last night.

I took a quick shower, used the restroom, and brushed my teeth. I put on the first clothes I dug out of a box, which were a little warm for the weather. It wasn't worth the trouble of finding something else to wear.

Before I left the house, I peeked out the window at my cousins' driveway. There were several cars parked in it, but I didn't see anyone lingering there or on the street. I went outside, locking my front door and then locking myself into my car as quickly as I could. I hated that I was acting so paranoid, but I couldn't help it. Just two days ago, I had fled for my life. Reaching normal after that would take some time.

One really nice thing about moving back home was that I already had a mental map of the area in my mind. I drove to the grocery store my father and I frequented when I was growing up – the same one I'd had my first kiss right outside of when he sent me to pick up milk and bread and I ran into Nancy Dwyer. She kissed me on a dare and was giggling hard the whole time, but I had happily taken advantage of the situation. She couldn't look at me in school after that without her cheeks flaming.

As I drove, I let my memories dominate my mind. There was the street sign I had come an inch away from hitting with my car the first night I had my license. There was the book shop I had gotten my first summer job in. There was where my high school best friend's old house. I hadn't heard from him in years, but seeing the house where we'd spent hours hanging out made me want to call him up.

Something about the town blanketed me in feelings of safety and I rolled my windows down for the first time in years while I cruised down the highway, just enjoying being back. This whole town was full of nostalgia and I wanted the chance to really enjoy it... just as soon as I stocked up my kitchen. I was so hungry my head was starting to ache as much as my stomach.

I pulled off the highway and looped back to the main part of town, promising myself another ride later. Maybe I could talk Glenna or Safiya into hiking with me later. I wouldn't dare go alone, but spending a while outside sounded wonderful.

The grocery store was just a stoplight away, but then I caught sight of the local café/bakery and made an impulse decision to turn in. Dad always said never to grocery shop on an empty stomach or you'd buy out the store, I justified. Nothing wrong with having a latte and a panini for lunch. In fact, it sounded fantastic.

Inside the café, it was obvious just how long I'd been gone. It looked completely different. The walls were a fresh green instead of deep red, the glowing menu signs had been replaced with large black chalkboards with loopy white writing, and I didn't think any of the furniture was the same. The place looked really good, but I couldn't help feeling a pang of loss, knowing I'd never see its old configuration again.

My stomach gurgled painfully and I sighed, stepping up to examine the new menu. I had to admit, it was much easier to look at. I was so fixed on scouring the menu that I didn't realize I knew the cashier until she gasped, "Lachlan?"

I took in the twenty-something blonde and gasped. "Mercie!"

Mercie – short for Mercedes – had sat with me and Patrick for lunch senior year. We never hung out outside of school, but she was a complete sweetheart and it was amazing to see her again. She was a pixie, but she had no idea about my species. She also had no idea I knew hers.

Mercie reached across the counter for a hug, but I took a swift step back. I had a zero-tolerance rule for touching supernaturals. "Sorry," I said. "I might be coming down with something and I don't want to get you sick."

Her expression instantly shifted to one of concern as her eyes darted around my face, searching for signs of illness. "Are you okay? Should you be home resting?"

Great. I hated lying, and I especially hated that I had needlessly made her worry. "I'm okay. Just a headache, but my dad has a cold and I'd rather be cautious."

Her expression cleared and she smiled a little. "I appreciate that. How long are you in town?"

"Just moved back," I told her, ignoring the uncomfortable twinge in my gut. I'd told everyone, even my high school acquaintances, that I'd never be back here.

Mercie didn't point that out. Instead, she smiled wider and said, "I hope I'll see you more. It would be great to catch up sometime."

I darted a quick look at her hand and was unspeakably relieved when I saw an engagement ring there. This wasn't a come-on; she really did just want to catch up. "Yeah, that would be great."

We exchanged phone numbers, then the front door opened and a customer walked in. "Back to work," Mercie said ruefully. "What can I get you, Lachlan?"

I still hadn't had a chance to read the whole menu, so I stepped back and waved the man waiting behind me forward. "You go. I'm still deciding."

He smiled and thanked me, and I took my time scanning the sandwich list. You couldn't go wrong with tomato, mozzarella, and pesto, I decided. But what to drink?

When the register was clear, I stepped forward again. "What latte flavors can you do?" I asked Mercie.

She listed them out for me and another customer came in while I deliberated. Mercie giggled when I stepped back and let the woman order ahead of me, but I wasn't going to make a snap decision. Latte regret was real and I wanted no part of it.

By the time the register was available again, I was ready. I ordered my panini and a hazelnut latte. Mercie got the latte going while the kitchen staff took care of the sandwich. While she foamed the milk, Mercie asked, "What have you been up to all these years?"

"I started a web design company. I create and manage websites for small businesses."

She rolled her eyes. "I might have known. You always were brilliant." This was said teasingly, and there was a twinkle in her eye, so I didn't take offense.

"You look happy," I told her. I didn't want to ask about her career, since I was watching her at work.

"I am. Went to college in the home country and met the most amazing man there. We bought this café just last year, and we run it together. We're getting married in April."

"I'm really happy for you," I told her earnestly. I wondered if "the home country" had a high pixie population and if her fiancé was one, too. I thought I remembered from high school that Mercie's family hailed from Spain and that a lot of them still lived there.

"Thanks, Lach. He's out right now, but I'll have to introduce you next time you're both around. I bet you'll get along great."

"I'd like that."

Mercie placed a steaming mug of latte in front of me and I inhaled the steam appreciatively. Yeah, hazelnut had definitely been the right call. She went back to the kitchen and came out with my sandwich. Before she passed the tray to me, she went to the pastry case and slid a gooey, indulgent cinnamon roll onto my plate. "A welcome back present," she said.

"Thank you. That looks incredible."

"It is," she promised. "Don't be a stranger, okay?"

"I won't."

I took my lunch to a table near the front, where I could watch out the window as I ate. It felt good to be in a place where I felt safe, especially after the last few years. I still had a target on my back – and always would – but just knowing I wasn't alone was enough to settle my nerves. I didn't usually spend much time out in public, but maybe here it could be different.

I missed having a community connection. I missed having in-person friends I could visit, or having conversations like I'd just had with Mercie. Casual catching up with someone familiar.

Maybe my move back here was the right thing.

I was halfway through my panini and had a stream of tomato juice running down my wrist while I chewed on a huge bite of food I could barely close my mouth around when the door to the café opened again. In fact, there had been a steady stream of traffic in and out of the café, but this time was different.

This time, the person walked in and his eyes swept the room until they landed on me. I froze while my heart raced. He looked good. No, he looked hot. And the intensity of his eyes on mine made me want to squirm in my seat. I couldn't say how long we watched each other, but finally I remembered the food in my mouth and hastily chewed it. I swallowed too soon and could feel the gob of sandwich moving achingly down my body, but the discomfort was easy to ignore.

The man walked toward me and I stared helplessly as he neared. That intensity was still in his eyes, which were the darkest I had ever seen. His pupils were almost indistinguishable from his irises. It probably should have been creepy, but it wasn't. There was too much life in those eyes for that.

When he stood before me, he gave an awkward little wave that shattered the stern impression I had been forming of him. He quirked a truly adorable smile that was equal parts friendly and bashful. "Hi. I know this is sudden, but can I buy you a drink?"

I gaped at him. Was he serious? It felt like it had to be some kind of joke, but the man looked nervous as he waited for my answer. There was no hint of deception.

Well, I wanted to get out more, didn't I? And here was the most attractive man I had ever seen, offering to spend some time with me. He was looking truly anxious by the time I made a decision. "I've already got a drink," I said with a smile. "Why don't you get yourself something to eat and join me?"

He smiled then, a real smile that flashed his dimples and showed rows of white, even teeth. His dark eyes seemed to sparkle and I almost forgot how to breathe. No one should have a smile like that. It seemed unfair to the rest of the world. "I'd like that. I'll be right back."

I looked down at my half-finished lunch and decided to wait for him to join me before eating any more. I didn't want him to feel uncomfortable if he was left eating without me. Instead, I watched as he placed an order with Mercie, leaning one hip against the counter. He looked just as good from behind as he did from the front. He glanced over his shoulder at me and smiled when he saw that I was watching him. My cheeks flamed and I looked back down at my food.

I couldn't believe I had really asked him to join me. My paranoia was so unyielding it had pushed away my own family... but this man had somehow gotten my guard down with no effort on his part. It was a dangerous thing – a red flag – but I couldn't seem to bring myself to care. He was gorgeous and it was a harmless lunch. And when was the last time anyone had smiled at me like that? Maybe never.

The man returned before I could work myself up too much. He moved with unexpected grace for someone so well-muscled, and once he was sitting across from me, those spectacular eyes met mine again. I felt my cheeks warm at the attention.

What was he doing to me?

"I'm Magnus, by the way," he said.

It was good to put a name to the face. "Nice to meet you. I'm Lachlan." I smiled a little awkwardly and took a bite of my sandwich to escape the need to say anything else.

"Thanks for letting me join you," he said before taking a big bite of his own sandwich. His eyes fluttered in pleasure, but I could tell his focus was more on me than his meal.

I wanted to ask why, but that was just a little too forward for my comfort zone. Instead, I asked, "Do you live in the area?"

Magnus nodded. "Yeah, I'm about fifteen minutes south of here. I moved to this area a couple of years ago for work, and now I can't imagine ever leaving."

"What work?"

"Oh, I inherited a company. It's a lot of managerial work. I'd be hopeless at it if I didn't have great people helping me." His smile was genuine and I liked that he wasn't taking the opportunity to brag. He just took another bite of his sandwich.

"I have my own company, too," I told him. His brows lifted and he made a "go on" gesture with his sandwich since his mouth was too full to speak, so I laughed and told him about my one-man operation.

From there, things flowed almost easier than I could have imagined. Magnus was easy to talk to and did as much listening as he did speaking – a rare quality I really enjoyed. So when Magnus asked for my phone number after our plates were long since empty and our second drinks had been drained, I gave it to him.