9

Origins.

Henley

A few days later, I find myself on a private jet.

No, Parker's dad doesn't have a private jet, but when I asked whose jet it was, I was informed that I will ‘find out.' As it is, I have no idea where we are going. Last night I was told to pack a bag and that we are going somewhere warm. I don't dislike surprises, but the suspense is killing me.

Parker's dad sits toward the front of the plane using a laptop to read through some documents. Parker had to help him get the documents open—apparently supernaturals aren't into using technology, but they're slowly adapting.

Parker and I sit toward the back of the plane. He holds onto my hand but keeps his attention on the window. He leans closer to get a better view—not that there is anything out the window. Everything looks the same from up here.

I sigh, annoyed that I still have no clue what's going on.

Parker shifts his attention to me, an amused sparkle in his eyes. "You're adorable when you're impatient."

"You always think I'm adorable, so that's hardly a compliment." I cross my arms over my chest.

His smirk grows. "It is true that you're always adorable."

And because Parker is watching me with a heated look as he says it, my stomach flutters and my chest aches in the best way possible.

He is so unfair. How can I stay annoyed with him when he's so cute?

"I hope our children don't inherit your charisma and charm or else I'm in so much trouble," I comment offhandedly, thinking about adorable toddlers with his blue, blue eyes.

"Already thinking about having children with me, huh?" He teases, his grin growing wider.

Realizing what I've said, my cheeks grow warm.

Mentioning future children with my teenage boyfriend is a good way to scare him off. Except Parker doesn't look scared. And, technically, we're far more than simply boyfriend/ girlfriend. We're forever. It's what the mate bond is all about. Instead of feeling embarrassed, I decide to own it.

"I hope they get your blue eyes," I say, meeting his gaze once more.

His eyes widen in surprise, but he doesn't try to change the subject like I expected. Instead he says, "I hope they have your green eyes."

I shake my head at him.

"What?" he asks.

"You're eighteen, Parker. You're supposed to be scared of commitment and the future." I chew on my bottom lip and turn to look away from his intense blue eyes.

He gently cups my chin, bringing my gaze back to him. "Why would I be scared? You're my soulmate. Fate doesn't make mistakes—it brings our mates into our lives at the exact right moment. Though I wouldn't have complained if I had known you were mine that first day we met, the timing was perfect."

That causes me to laugh. "Well, I'm glad you didn't know that day. That would've been the worst first impression."

Me. Puking into a trash can. Him… looking perfect as always.

"It wasn't your fault that you were sick. You were overwhelmed," he objects. "And it didn't matter that you were puking into a trashcan. The moment your eyes met mine, I was a goner."

I swallow hard. "How soon did you say that soulmates wait to get married?"

He chuckles. "Truthfully, mates are usually married within a few weeks. The only reason we're not married already is because we're in high school." He pauses. "That and your father told me no when I asked him if I could ask you."

My eyes bulge. "What? You asked my dad?"

Parker nods. "Of course I did."

I take a moment to contemplate his words.

He asked my dad's permission to marry me. My heart feels effervescent at the thought. But then I remember that my dad said no. A rock settles into my stomach.

Does my dad not approve of Parker? Or is it just that we're still in high school that he doesn't like? I'm not sure I can wait until my dad thinks I'm old enough. I want to marry this boy, like, yesterday.

"Did he say why?" I put a hand to the case of my throat.

Parker frowns. "He thinks asking you now would overwhelm you. Because you just found out about supernaturals and soulmates."

I lift an eyebrow. "I highly doubt that's the real reason."

He snorts. "You're likely right. I think your dad just needs time to get used to the idea of you having a soulmate."

That sounds more like it.

Parker studies me carefully. "So, you're not freaked out by the fact that I asked your dad's permission to propose to you?"

I shake my head. "No. Why would I be?"

His grin grows wider. "I knew you wouldn't be scared."

"Seriously, Parker, why would I freak out?" I ask. "Like you said, we're soulmates. It's not like I'm going to change my mind in ten years. To be honest, I probably would've said yes, even without the bond. I've been in love with you pretty much since the first day when you brought me food."

"I didn't know what kind of supernatural you were." His cheeks turn pink. "I didn't want you to be hungry, especially if you were a shifter."

"It was sweet."

Parker slips his arm around me and I relax into his side, resting my head on his chest. He kisses the top of my head and I sigh, feeling completely content. But then something nags at my conscience.

I chew on my bottom lip, looking up at Parker. "Hey, I have something I should tell you."

"What is it?"

"The day after the full moon, I went for a walk on my own. When I did, I ran into the supernatural that's like me."

Parker's entire body stiffens. "Henley…"

"He wants to help me learn how to control my powers. I told him that he should talk to you, but he's extremely skittish of wolf shifters. I think that he must've been hurt by shifters or something," I admit.

"It doesn't matter what kind of history he has with shifters. If he wants to talk to you, it will be with me around. I don't want you talking to him without me, not until we know if he's a danger or not." Parker's eyes flash gold with the threat.

"I know. I'm sorry." I wish there was something I could do to convince the guy that Parker's pack isn't to be feared. "It's frustrating that he won't tell me what I am. He knows."

"We don't need him to tell you," Parker says. "We're going to figure it out without his help. And when we do, I will help you control your powers."

I nod, letting him know I heard, but I'm not fully convinced. It's been months and we're no closer to figuring it out now than when I arrived in September.

I sigh, leaning back in my seat. "Are you mad at me for talking to him?"

He frowns but shakes his head. "Yes. No." He sighs. "I understand that you're curious about him, but I hope you understand how dangerous this guy is. Please stop talking to him—stop running off without a bodyguard. It's my job to protect you and you're making it difficult."

I chew on my bottom lip and nod.

He's right. I should stop running off on my own. The guy might be like me, but we don't know anything about him. For all we know, he could be a deranged serial killer. If he refuses to speak to me with my mate present then I simply won't talk to him. Parker is only doing this to look out for me.

"I promise I won't do it anymore," I say.

His entire body relaxes at my promise. I didn't realize how much this was bothering him. It makes me realize that we've got to work on our communication. Just because we're soulmates doesn't mean that everything is going to be easy or perfect. We've still got to put in an effort to make our relationship work.

"Since you won't tell me where we're going, will you at least tell me what this trip is about?" I relax back into my seat.

The fact that my dad is allowing me to skip school and leave the country with Parker and his dad means this must be something important.

Parker hesitates, then sighs. "We're going to talk to somebody who might know what you are."

I perk up at that. "Really?"

He nods. "I know how much it bothers you that you don't know. It doesn't make any difference to me what you are, I will love you regardless. But if learning keeps you from talking to dangerous supernaturals, I'll do it."

"I do want to know," I admit. "Maybe it could help me figure out why my parents left me. Maybe they didn't want to do it—maybe they had to."

His face softens. "I didn't think about that. I'm sorry, Henley. I should've made more of an attempt with that other supernatural. Maybe if we had caught him, you could've spoken to him and got some answers."

I shake my head. "No. You're right about him. It's not safe for me to talk to him. He's made it clear that he doesn't care for shifters, but especially wolf shifters. I get the feeling he is deranged enough to want to kidnap me for my protection."

The guy won't listen to reason, I already know that. And while it would be nice to know somebody like me, I know I'm not alone anymore. I've got Parker and the pack—even if I'm not a wolf shifter, I am one of them.

Seven hours later, our plane lands on a private airstrip in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. We travel over water for an hour or so and then suddenly there is a mountain shooting up from the ocean. I can feel magic surrounding the island, likely cloaking it from humans. As the plane goes in to land, I see something black out of the corner of my eye. Startled, I turn and look, spotting a huge winged creature soaring in the sky.

A dragon, I realize. An actual dragon.

Wow.

A dragon's wings are vastly different than my own. Their wings are just as large, maybe larger, but they're black and scaled. The creature pays us no mind as it soars above the island. As soon as I take my eyes away from the dragon, I notice three more dragons.

"Wow," I say, unable to form any other words.

"Dragon shifters." Parker slips his hand into mine as he leans forward to look out the window. "They're pretty impressive. I've never seen them in the air like this."

I nod, not sure how to respond.

"The island is gorgeous. No wonder the dragon shifters chose to live here," he muses.

The dragon shifters live here.

A small part of me is jealous. The teal blue water surrounding the island is beautiful. But not even this could tempt me away from my home. We have our own beauty in the mountains back home.

I sigh, leaning back in my seat. "Do you think I could possibly fly while we're here?"

Parker's forehead wrinkles. "I don't know. I suppose we could ask. Maybe one of the dragons could go with you and act as your guard."

A guard? "I don't have a guard back home."

He frowns. "I know. And with the other supernatural hanging around, I question how safe it is for you to be flying."

"But I have to fly," I counter, my heart racing at the thought of being locked up for my protection. What if it's truly not safe for me to fly? Would Parker try to keep me from letting my wings out for my safety?

"I know. And I'm not trying to keep you grounded," Parker promises. "I just have to keep you safe. I'm not sure I know how to do that anymore."

I squeeze his hand. "I trust you and I know you'll figure it out."

He relaxes slightly, but he's still frowning.

I do trust Parker and I know he'll do whatever he can to make sure that I'm safe and happy. Even before we found out we were mates, I knew all he wanted was for me to be safe and happy. The bond only intensified those feelings.

Once the plane lands, there is an SUV waiting for us. A guy in a black suit opens the doors for us, motioning for us to get inside. I am hesitant to get into a vehicle with a stranger, but when I see how relaxed Parker and his dad are, I follow them. They would never put us in a potentially dangerous situation.

I look out the window as we drive toward our destination, taking in the sights. Palm trees line the road every few feet, giving the island an even more tropical vibe. We head up a large mountain, giving us an excellent view of the ocean the entire way.

I've been to the beach only once in my life and it wasn't an enjoyable experience. My father tried to book the vacation for us to relax, but he booked it during peak tourism season. I spent two weeks in the hospital. We never went back after that. But this seems nice, much better than the crowded Floridian beach I visited.

"How long are we going to be here?" I turn my attention away from the water to look at Parker.

His dad is the one to answer. "Likely three or four days."

Too bad we couldn't stay all week.

Parker leans closer to whisper to me, "After graduation, we can go anywhere you like. Maybe we can spend a week at the beach or something."

I grin, liking the sound of that.

Parker's dad clears his throat. "After your wedding, you can go wherever you like. But until then, you will be staying where I can keep an eye on both of you."

Parker rolls his eyes, likely used to arguing with his dad about this.

"Maybe you can talk my father into allowing me to marry before I'm thirty," I grumble under my breath.

Since shifter hearing is a thing, Mr. Thorne hears the complaint and laughs. "Your father always thought wolf shifters married too young. Then he met his mate and changed his mind pretty quickly. I'm afraid your father will never want you to marry, but he won't stop you. He knows what the mate bond feels like. And he knows that Parker is your lifelong partner. Just give him time to adjust to his baby girl having a soulmate at eighteen."

I frown, sighing.

"And how would you react if Gemma meets her soulmate at eighteen when she's still in high school?" Parker inquires.

Mr. Thorne furrows his brows. "The same way I'm reacting now, only there would be far more chaperones."

Parker snorts out a laugh.

More chaperones than what Parker and I have? We hardly ever get to spend time together as it is. I can't imagine having more chaperones. I feel bad for Parker's sisters now.

The SUV comes to a stop in front of a huge mansion at the top of the mountain. The dragon shifters certainly chose a beautiful location to be based out of, but now I'm wondering who we're visiting. Who can afford a place like this? It's massive.

The door opens up and Parker climbs out first, offering a hand to help me. His dad gets out on the other side.

Parker and I hold hands as we head toward the front door of the estate. Parker's dad walks in front of us. The front door opens just as we get there and a middle aged guy bows slightly at us. "Follow me, if you will."

The dragon king's home is open and airy, with large floor to ceiling windows at the front and back of the house. I assume that the guy leading us is a dragon shifter. Whatever he is, I do know he's a supernatural and not a wolf shifter. He gives off a different aura than humans or wolf shifters.

We are led through a maze of hallways, making me realize this home is even bigger on the inside than it appeared to be on the outside. I was expecting a castle and was surprised when there wasn't one, but this… I imagine it's bigger than a castle.

Eventually, we walk into a large library. There are bookcases lining the walls and spread down aisles. There is even a staircase that leads to a second story balcony where there are more books. From the balcony, I can feel magic radiating off some of the books.

This place is magical. I shouldn't have expected anything less from dragons.

In one corner of the library, I spot a beautiful girl sitting at a table next to a gorgeous man. The two of them are looking at each other instead of whatever books are open in front of them. They're laughing about something and from here, I can see the woman's swollen belly. I'm so busy watching them that I don't notice when an older guy steps out in front of us.

My stomach drops as I look up at the man. I've never felt power like this before. It presses down on me with a heavy pressure in my head.

I look from him to Parker, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"Hello, I am King Basilicus." The guy watches me with glowing eyes. "Wow. You are different. I've never met a supernatural like you before."

Parker laces our fingers together. "King Basilicus is the king of the dragons."

I swallow hard and I look from Parker to the dragon king. "So… that pressure that I feel isn't normal, is it?"

King Basilicus chuckles. "It is my power that you feel. All dragon shifters are powerful, but as king, my power is greater." He leans closer. "But you are very powerful too, aren't you?"

"King Basilicus, allow me to introduce you to my son's mate and the newest member of our pack, Henley Stone." Mr. Thorne steps forward.

I let out a breath of relief as King Basilicus turns his attention from me to Parker's dad.

That pressure is power? Wow. The dragons must be extremely powerful—possibly the most powerful supernaturals in existence.

"Alpha Thorne, Parker." King Basilicus nods to both of them. "Thank you both for coming here. I'm glad you're allowing me to meet Miss Stone. She's very unique."

I start to correct him and tell him to call me Henley, but his calling me ‘unique' has me shutting my mouth.

What does he mean by ‘unique?' And why is he being so vague? Does King Basilicus know what I am? That's why we're here, after all.

"You said on the phone that you believe you have a book that could help us figure out the truth of Henley's origins," Mr. Thorne says.

King Basilicus nods, his eyes glancing between the three of us before he looks fully at Mr. Thorne. "Maybe it would be best if your son and his mate explored the island while we take a look at what I found."

I want to protest, but then I feel another wave of the dragon king's power, and my words are cut short.

He's trying to get rid of us, which makes my stomach tighten. I shift my weight, looking from the dragon king to Mr. Thorne. He has his eyebrows furrowed like he's confused about why the dragon king wants to send us away. I finally look at Parker. He's clenching his jaw and looks about ready to fight the dragon king so I can stay. Not wanting my mate to get into a fight with a dragon, I squeeze his hand gently.

"Parker, I'd love to go to the beach," I tell him quietly. "I've never been to the beach before. The last time my dad tried, I had a seizure at the airport and I spent two weeks in the hospital."

Parker unclenches his jaw and his face softens. "Of course. We can go to the beach."

"Is this her?" A deep voice asks from behind King Basilicus.

The male I saw flirting with the blonde woman walks up behind King Basilicus. The woman stands at his side, a huge smile on her face. Her belly is largely swollen. She must be close to her due date.

"This is Henley Stone. Yes, she is the unknown supernatural I was telling you about." King Basilicus turns to the couple, his face softening. "This is my son, Prince Stellan, and his wife, Princess Wisteria." He grins. "As you can see, Wisteria is a hybrid elf, so it's not completely unheard of for extinct supernaturals to come back to life."

I do know a little about this. I heard some others in the pack talking about it. For a long time, many centuries, elves were believed to be extinct. When Wisteria was outed, the entire supernatural community was shocked. They were even more shocked when an entire community of elves revealed themselves.

The elf, Wisteria, rubs a hand over her stomach. "It's twins. That's why my stomach is so big."

"It's not big," her husband, Prince Stellan, objects. He kisses her on the cheek.

It's sweet, even if he's lying. Her stomach is huge, not that I'd be rude enough to say it out loud.

Wisteria shakes her head at him and looks at me. "You're young to have a soulmate, aren't you? I thought supernaturals typically meet their mates when they're in their twenties."

"It's an unusual situation, though not unheard of among wolves," King Basilicus said. "Remember Alpha Devin? He was only eighteen when he and Princess Tori met."

I do know who Alpha Devin is—Parker told me. He's the alpha of all the alphas. Kind of like a king. He keeps all the packs in check. A couple of years ago, while still in high school, he married his soulmate. I think Parker told me the story because he and I have so much in common with them, not with just our age, but because Alpha Devin's mate wasn't a wolf shifter. I think she was a dark fae, though I'm not certain. There are so many kinds of supernaturals that it's hard to keep up with them.

"Fae don't marry until they're twenty two," Prince Stellan advises us.

Fae? But I thought she was an elf.

"She's a hybrid fae and elf," Parker explains in my ear.

Right.

Hybrids are rare, I think. But they're a mix of more than one kind of supernatural. Kind of like Will—he's a hybrid wolf and elemental.

Parker tugs me closer to his side. "We're going to head to the beach."

"Be safe," Mr. Thorne advises in a tone that makes me wonder if we're unsafe here. The dragons seem nice enough, but they're also very powerful. It's easy to feel so small next to them and not in size alone. Just their auras give me a headache.

Parker leads me back out of the maze of a house and to the back courtyard. There is a staircase that leads to the ocean. From here, I can see just how massive the cliffs are.

"This is beautiful." My voice comes out softer than I intended.

Parker brings my hand up to his lips and he softly kisses my knuckles. "You are beautiful."

My heart swells as I turn from the views and look into Parker's blue eyes.

I lick my lips. "The first day I met you, the first thing I noticed about you was your eyes. They're such a beautiful shade. It's the same shade as the ocean is."

Parker's lips turn up in the corners. "You were adorable. I've never wanted somebody to be my mate so badly. Knowing that you're mine is the best feeling in the world."