Chapter 15: Bastian

Her excitement kept us awake most of the night while she pestered me with questions. I would almost be asleep and she'd think of another one. But I didn't regret telling her. I knew she got lonely, I just didn't like thinking about it. The following morning, she fluttered around preparing herself and asking more questions as I watched. We would be gone for two earth days, but the time between realms was strange and impossible to pinpoint how much time would pass here. During these trips, I rarely stayed more than a few days. It could be hours or days later once I returned. No rhyme or reason, but that was the gods' doing.

"Have you known your friends in this realm for a long time?"

"Yes," I snapped, my impatience to leave making me cranky.

She ignored the tone of my voice. "What will be the strangest thing I see?"

I sighed; it would do me no good to put her off. "Technology. The dragon realm exists on magic. Earth has very little magic, so they are able to build and control toys that act like magic."

"That makes no sense. There is no magic in my realm, and we don't have this technology you talk about."

I wasn't happy that she didn't think of the dragon realm as her home yet, but I answered, "Your old realm was filled with magic long ago, which keeps complex machinery from working. Earth has networks of technology that will baffle your mind, but I'm not telling you anymore. In a few short hours, I will show you. If you hurry." I had to hold the smoke back from my nostrils.

"You're no fun."

"Your questions are delaying our departure."

She crossed her arms and looked down at the small bag she'd packed. "I'm ready and only waiting on you."

"Humph. Females," I muttered under my breath.

I flew to the realm border and shifted to human form. After dressing in common earth clothing, I carried our two small bags over my shoulder. "Come here and stand in front of me. You will need to walk, but I will hold you as we cross. I will not let go, so don't panic. I will keep you safe."

Her ass was covered in soft jeans, and she wiggled against the front of me on purpose. I'd never had an erection when crossing, but with her so close it was impossible not to and her squirming didn't help. With her wrapped in my embrace, I could feel each breath she took. I waited until she breathed in then I walked forward, giving her no option but to move with me. It hurt, but I knew the pain was stronger for her because my magic protected me somewhat. The discomfort took care of my erection so the pain wasn't a bad thing. I felt her body stiffen, but she didn't utter a sound. The crossing was swift because she didn't panic.

Acasia let out the breath she'd been holding. "Not pleasant, but not unbearable."

This surprised me; all of my females cried and swore they didn't wish to do it again. This bride never acted as I expected, which made me smile with pride.

"Sir."

I released Acasia and turned to see our driver. Not someone I knew, and never before had a female waited. She stood calmly by the vehicle, obviously expecting us. Acasia stared with huge eyes. Her world ran on horses and oxen for transportation, she'd never seen a mechanical vehicle for transport.

The driver opened the rear door. "I am Brunya. Your plane awaits." She smiled at us.

Brunya was large for a woman. She had stern facial features, but when she smiled, it softened her face and made her pretty. "Thank you, Brunya. How are things in your clan at the moment?"

She shook her head, a smile still playing on her lips. "Changed, and for some of us that's a good thing."

I pulled my bride beside me. "Brunya, this is Acasia."

Brunya put out her hand. "Welcome, Acasia."

"Thank you," Acasia said shaking the offered hand. She gave Brunya an inquisitive look, and I knew she was ready to start her questions again.

I ushered her inside the car quickly or we would have stood out there all day.

"What is this called, Bastian?" She looked around the interior, speaking low as if it would go away if she raised her voice.

"It's a motor vehicle, though the simple word is car. Keep watch out the window. Sedona is the name of this township. It has a vortex that condenses magic. It's one of the few places in this realm that we can cross. The scenery is spectacular."

The red rock formations drew Acasia's attention. She also watched each car approach from the opposite direction and travel past us. When we hit the main part of the town, slowing down with the heavier traffic and control lights, she began asking questions again.

"What do they hold up to their ear as they walk?"

It was exciting for me to see things through her eyes. "It's a cell phone. They communicate with the device. This realm has many cities and lands far away. The phone keeps them linked."

"And the lights, what is their function?" she asked when we came to a complete stop at a red light.

"Traffic lights keep the cars from ramming each other. It controls who goes when."

We approached the airport and she had me laughing aloud.

"They have ugly dead dragons." She pointed. "No, there is one in the air, but they are frozen."

"Those are called airplanes, and we will be riding inside one in a few moments."

Her eyes grew bigger. "They eat us?"

I bit my lip. "No, it is another type of machine. It will take us to my friend's place."

She looked at me with innocent, trusting eyes. "I do not understand how they stay in the air, but if you have faith in them, I will manage."

A private jet waited. I walked with Acasia up the stairs and we sat down in the luxurious seats. Brunya joined us.

Acasia focused on the other woman. "This is a strange realm, Brunya, but very fascinating. How did you know where to meet us?"

Brunya smiled softly and replied, "I was given your crossing location. It is the first time I've come to welcome visitors from elsewhere. It's an honor to be given this trust and doubly so for a female of my clan."

"If things are better for males than females in this realm, then we have a lot in common. I'm glad to hear that it may be changing for you."

I grunted at her words, but stayed out of their conversation. Female weakness was not my problem. Acasia expressed her glee once we were airborne, and I relaxed. I knew she would enjoy part of this visit, though I also knew she wouldn't be happy when she discovered the true reason we came.

Another car and driver waited for us when the plane landed and drove us through the city known as Denver. Brunya had some place else to be and didn't accompany us. We pulled up to the nightclub. Our driver opened the car door and ushered us inside the large double doors that were guarded by two enormous men who nodded at our approach.

We stepped inside. I'd known the vampire walking toward us for centuries, but he looked different; more relaxed, happier perhaps.

"Welcome, Bastian, and please waste no time introducing me to your lovely bride."

I pulled Acasia into my side, keeping a possessive arm around her. "Dmitri this is Acasia."

The vampire took her hand, ignoring mine and kissed the backs of her fingers. I was ready to shove him away when a low growl sounded over his shoulder. He laughed, released Acasia, and pulled the softly growling woman in close to him.

"Bastian, Acasia, I would like to introduce my mate, Nikka. She is unable to verbally communicate with you, but she has plenty to say to me at the moment." Dmitri laughed and kissed the woman. "I know kotika, but if I can't razz my friends, life would be boring." He listened for another moment and turned back to us.

"Nikka welcomes you both. She would love to show your bride around while you and I discuss business. One of our female pack mates will accompany them and communicate for Nikka."

I looked at the excitement on Acasia's face and wondered what she was thinking. Every so often, I received tidbits from her but only when her emotions were strong. Even then, I only gleaned a word or two. "Would you like to go with Nikka?"

She had ahold of Nikka's hand and the two were walking away like old friends almost before I finished the sentence. I looked at Dmitri and said, "You've never had female drivers or females other than waitresses in the club before. I believe I have a lot of catching up to do. Will your female corrupt mine?"

"Without a doubt. Come, we have much to discuss."