Chapter 188: Surf and Turf
**Avery**
Donn leaned against the doorframe, watching us. “So, who’s making lunch? All this fresh air is making me hungry.”
“I can do it,” Vincent offered, emerging from a smaller, adjacent pavilion. “The kitchen is fully equipped.”
“See, Donn?” Clint said, “Vincent is useful for more than just brooding dramatically.”
Vincent merely raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement in his dark eyes. “Someone has to ensure we don’t starve while you two attempt to drown Cassius.”
“He’s a dragon, he can’t drown,” Conner pointed out.
“He could if Clint held him underwater long enough,” Donn muttered.
“Hey!” Clint protested.
“Alright, enough,” James chuckled, his grip on my waist tightening slightly. “Avery needs to relax. Let’s get her into something comfortable, and then we can all enjoy the beach.”
I chose a simple, soft sarong and a lightweight top, eager to feel the sun on my skin. As I changed, I could hear the sounds of the others settling in, their voices drifting in through the open spaces of the pavilion. The rhythmic crash of the waves, the playful shouts of Cassius from the water, the low rumble of James’s voice, the dry wit of Donn, the teasing of Clint and Conner – it was a symphony of comfort, a stark contrast to the chilling silence of my nightmare. Stepping out onto the soft sand, the sun immediately embraced me, a warm, golden caress. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with the clean, salty air. It was invigorating, cleansing. I felt the last vestiges of the dream, the phantom chill, and the lingering fear begin to dissipate, carried away by the gentle breeze.
Cassius, already half-submerged in the turquoise water, waved enthusiastically. “Come on in, the water’s perfect!”
Clint and Conner were already running towards him, splashing and yelling. Donn had settled onto a large, comfortable beach chair under a palm tree, already looking content. Vincent was still in the kitchen area, the faint scent of something delicious wafting on the breeze. James took my hand. “Ready?”
I nodded, a genuine smile spreading across my face. “Ready.”
We walked towards the water, the soft sand yielding beneath our feet. The sun was high now, painting the ocean in a thousand shades of blue. The nightmare felt miles away, a distant echo from another life. Here, with my mates surrounding me, under the warm Talos sun, only peace remained.
The next few days blurred into a blissful haze of sun, sand, and the unwavering attention of my mates. We swam in the impossibly clear water, the ocean a warm embrace against my skin. Cassius, true to his jock nature, challenged everyone to swimming races, usually winning, but always with a playful grin. Clint and Conner, ever the pranksters, delighted in splashing me, burying me in the sand, and engaging in endless games of chase along the shoreline.
One afternoon, I found myself walking along the water’s edge with Vincent. The sun was beginning its slow descent, painting the sky in fiery hues of orange and purple. The other men were back at the pavilion, preparing for dinner. Vincent, usually so brooding and distant, walked beside me in comfortable silence, his presence a steady anchor. “Are you feeling… lighter?” he asked, his voice a low rumble, breaking the quiet.
I nodded, kicking at the gentle waves that lapped at my ankles. “So much lighter. The dream… It’s still there, but it doesn’t feel like it can touch me here. It’s like the sun is burning it away.”
He stopped, turning to face me, his dark eyes intense. “Good. That’s what we wanted.” He reached out, his hand gently cupping my cheek. His touch was surprisingly soft, a stark contrast to his usual intensity. “No one will ever hurt you, Avery. Not like that. Not even in a dream, if I can help it.”
His possessiveness, usually so overwhelming, felt like a comforting shield. I leaned into his touch, my heart swelling with gratitude. “I know.”
He lowered his hand, his gaze sweeping over the vast ocean. “This place… it has a certain peace.”
“It does,” I agreed. “Thank you, Vincent. For everything.”
“Don’t thank me,” he said, his voice gruff. “It’s my duty. My pleasure.”
He turned, resuming our walk, and I fell into step beside him, the silent understanding between us a powerful bond. Later that evening, after a delicious dinner prepared by Vincent – a surprisingly talented chef – we gathered in the main pavilion. The air was soft and warm, filled with the scent of night-blooming jasmine and the distant murmur of the waves. Torches flickered, casting a warm, golden glow.
Donn, surprisingly, had brought a guitar. He strummed a few chords, his long fingers surprisingly agile.
“Since we’re all so relaxed,” he said, a rare, genuine smile on his face, “I thought I’d serenade you, Avery.”
“Oh no,” Conner groaned dramatically. “Not the sad ballads again, Donn.”
“They’re not sad, they’re soulful!” Donn protested, though his eyes twinkled. He launched into a surprisingly beautiful, melancholic tune, his voice a rich baritone. It was a song about longing, about finding light in the darkness, and it resonated deeply within me.
Cassius, who had been sprawled on a large cushion, sat up, listening intently. Clint leaned against my shoulder, humming along softly. James watched Donn with an amused expression, and even Vincent seemed captivated, his gaze fixed on the flickering torchlight. When Donn finished, there was a moment of silence, broken only by the gentle lapping of the waves.
“That was… beautiful, Donn,” I said, genuinely moved.
Donn gave a small, self-deprecating bow. “Only for you, little one.”
Clint then took the guitar, strumming a more upbeat, playful tune. “Alright, my turn. This one’s for all the lovers out there.” He began to sing a lighthearted, charming song about summer nights and stolen kisses, his voice surprisingly sweet and melodic. Conner joined in, their voices blending in a harmonious duet that made me laugh.
Cassius, not to be outdone, flexed his arm. “Alright, alright, enough with the sappy stuff. Who’s up for a midnight swim?”
“I am!” I exclaimed, feeling a rush of exhilaration. The nightmare was truly fading, replaced by pure joy.
James chuckled. “Careful, my dear. The water might be warm, but the night air can be chilly.”
“Not when you’re wrapped in a dragon’s embrace,” Conner quipped, already shedding his shirt.
We all walked down to the beach, the sand cool beneath our feet now. The moon, a sliver of silver in the inky sky, cast a faint glow on the water. The stars, countless and impossibly bright, glittered overhead, a celestial blanket.
Cassius plunged in first, sending up a shower of glittering spray. Clint and Conner followed, their laughter echoing across the water. Donn, after a moment’s hesitation, joined them, muttering something about “masochism and cold water.” Vincent, ever the last, slipped into the water with a quiet grace, his dark form barely visible in the moonlight.
I waded in slowly, letting the warm waves lap at my skin. The water was indeed perfect, a comforting embrace. I floated on my back, looking up at the vast, star-studded sky, feeling utterly at peace. Their voices, their laughter, the gentle sounds of the ocean – it was all I needed.
James waded out to me, his strong arms wrapping around me, pulling me against his warm, powerful body. “Are you truly happy, Avery?” he asked, his voice a low rumble against my ear.
“More than I’ve ever been,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to his jaw. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
He held me tighter, a silent promise of endless days like these, of warmth and love and protection. The nightmare was gone, banished by the sun and the sea, and most importantly, by the unwavering love of my mates. This was my sanctuary, my paradise, and I was home.
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