And if staying up the river by the old miner’s hut kept his family safe, then it wasn’t really a question.
Sitting on Tobin’s boat with his arm around Aurin, both in human form, Salem could admit to fear. He’d never had anything to lose before. Now... well, everything was different now.
On Aurin’s lap, held safe in his hands, was a glass cannister containing the most precious cargo.
Ciaran and Sawyer sat opposite, Fray with Tobin at the wheel. The motor coughed now and then, but Tobin handled it like he trusted it more than he did most people. Which, Salem thought, was probably true.
“They are just so adorable,” Ciaran said. Salem wasn’t used to seeing Ciaran being so openly affectionate and... cute himself.
“Amazing,” Sawyer said, looking at the four hatchlings within the cannister. “They are the sweetest little babies I’ve ever seen.” His eyes became glassy. “Aurin, Salem. I’m so happy for you. And we’ll do anything to keep you all safe.”
“Thank you,” Aurin said. “We are very lucky.”
“Kellan said they’ve already grown more than he expected,” Ciaran added. “A good sign.”
They had grown, that was true; even if it was mere hours after hatching, they had each easily doubled in size. “And growing in personality already,” Salem said.
The river narrowed as the boat pushed further inland, its wake folding softly into the dark water behind them. Trees crowded the banks on either side, tall and unmoving except where the wind dragged through their leaves with a welcoming whisper.
Salem had never been to the hut before. He’d heard them talk of it over the years, describing how they’d restored it and spent time there. He knew it to be humble but private, and he was grateful for the suggestion they come here, for the offer to bring them here safely. He had no idea if they’d use the hut at all, given their little ones would be in water for the immediate future. But there was a hut, should they need it.
A wooden house sat above the river’s edge. A dock stretched out into the water, uneven but sturdy enough, anchored by the banks of the river, which was made of large rocks. Behind the house, the forest climbed the hills in endless dark layers. The water was deep enough and moving but not too fast.
It wasn’t perfect like his cove, but it was utterly perfect for now. For his family.
Tobin brought the boat up to the dock with no more than a gentle bump, and Salem stepped onto the deck first, then held Aurin’s hand as he joined him. He cradled the cannister to hischest. Each of the hatchlings were looking out with a curiosity that made Salem smile.
Ciaran and Sawyer carried a crate of supplies into the hut, and Fray and Tobin waited on the boat for them to return. “We’ll be back every day,” Tobin said. “Whoever this unwanted visitor is they’re supposed to be coming tomorrow, so all things going well, you guys might be back sooner rather than later.”
“We’ll be fine,” Aurin said. “But thank you both, so much.”
“Otis and Pania said they’ll patrol the mouth of the river. You only have to say the word.”
“We will be safe here,” Salem said. He looked around, then focused on where the river disappeared behind a bend, seemingly swallowed by the dense forest. It was so secluded and far removed from, well, everything.
“It’s perfect, isn’t it?” Sawyer said as they walked back onto the dock. “I have very fond memories of this place.”
“Yeah,” Fray said. “The hut still reeks of sex, so we all know just how fond those memories are.”
Ciaran smirked and put a gentle hand on Salem’s arm. “Take care of them all,” he said. “And remember Sawyer put his police UHF walkie-talkie in the crate. If you need anything, just let us know. We’ll be back ASAP.”
Sawyer leaned down to get a closer look at the hatchlings in the cannister. “Oh my heart,” he said, hand to his chest. “You little ones be good for your dads. And eat your veggies so you grow up nice and strong.”
Ciaran ushered Sawyer onto the boat and gave Salem and Aurin a smile and a wave.
“Okay,” Sawyer said. “Now I want babiesanda submarine.”
Fray burst out laughing, and Ciaran sighed. “Jesus Christ.”
Tobin steered the boat away, and then it was just Salem, Aurin, and their four little ones. “Did you want to eat some human food?” Salem asked.
Aurin shook his head. “No, I’m fine. Let’s get them back into the water and find us a safe place in these rocks.”
Salem put his finger under Aurin’s chin and lifted his face for a soft kiss. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” he said. “And I love our babies more than I ever thought possible.”
“As do I,” Salem murmured. “Incredible, isn’t it?”
