Endangered Ch. 01

Chris blushed a little but managed to think up a retort within a respectable timeframe. "I do okay. Besides, being with Annabel beats grubbing thistles all day or hanging around with a lecherous old tomcat."

"Hey, I'm not that old," Jethry retorted. As to Chris's other accusation, he couldn't deny it. They stayed companionably silent for a bit as Chris got another cow hooked up.

Trying to be thoughtful, Jethry waxed serious. "Chris, be careful with her. She's a sweet girl but once your dragon comes out, things will be different. She's only a human and our world is all or nothing."

"I know Jethry," Chris replied, looking up at the Werecat. "I've thought about it quite a bit. When I didn't go dragon last year, it kind of messed up our plans. Susan and I thought that by now we would have moved to Denver for my training and to get protection 'til I could fend for myself. Now it feels like I'm just waiting around for it to happen. I don't know what to do with myself and honestly I didn't think things would ever get this serious with Annabel." He paused for a moment to push up a loose milking cup. "Besides, at the end of the summer Annabel will be going away to Denver to get her chef's qualification." He found it a little ironic that he would be the one being left behind.

"I'm sorry about that, Chris. Probably for the best, though. Besides, you belong with your own kind," Jethry said quietly. It's pretty brutal for humans in our world, he thought to himself. He'd seen all sorts of mistreatment of humans in his younger days as a wandering tom. Things had gotten better in recent years as humans advanced and bloomed, to the point where they now actually presented a real threat to Beings. In direct proportion to their advanced development, care was increasingly required to keep them oblivious. Ironically, many long-lived Beings maintained the old stigmas; humans were still considered livestock, or property by some.

Jethry's last comment raised Chris' hackles a bit. "At the moment she is my own kind. Besides, what does that even matter?"

"It matters more than it should," Jethry said. "You aren't human Chris, even though you appear to be. Who knows what will happen when your dragon comes out? It could be very dangerous for her." Jethry didn't like what he was saying but it was important to pursue the subject; he was the closest thing the boy had had to a father over the years.

Chris simmered quietly for a moment, digesting the good sense in the Werecat's warnings but hating that it made sense at all. He liked Annabel a lot ... loved her, perhaps. "I know that Jethry," he said, his words followed by a frustrated sigh. "At least we have this summer before she goes away."

"Hunh!" Jethry grunted jovially before breaking into a tune, "Summer loving, had me a blast...."

"Gawd, make it stop!" Chris laughed, glad that Jethry had switched back to his humorous side.

"Just promise you won't knock her up with a baby dragon or something," Jethry joked.

"I ... we aren't ... haven't...!" Chris sputtered before realising Jethry was now laughing heartily at him, leaning against the gate for support. "Awww, screw you, ya dried-up old fart. You're just jealous," Chris joked self-consciously, his face on fire.

"Sounds like there's not that much to be jealous about. I thought you two had been at it for months the way you reek of each other," wheezed out Jethry as he recovered from his belly-aching laughter.

"Soon enough, my furry friend," Chris retorted, chuckling now.

"Bold words. I'll expect details," Jethry said, accompanied by a wiggle of his scraggly eyebrows.

"Yuk yuk yuk! Old man, you need to learn to use the Internet so your frustration doesn't overflow. Besides, I thought Susan said you and Ms. Ashford had a thing? And what about one of the Stevens girls?" Chris laughed as Jethry's face contorted into an expression of comical sorrow. The Stevens were a family of Werecats, the only other such Beings in the local area. They weren't aware of Chris's situation, thinking he was Susan's non-magical human son.

"Nah, that old tart's cats didn't like me, and none of the Stevens pride girls are interested in an old creeper like me." He paused. "So. The Internet, you say...?"

"I've said too much," Chris chuckled, standing up from checking a cow's teat. "I'm pretty much done here and all you're doing is standing around. You can finish up."

"See you tonight then," Jethry said. He watched Chris make his way to the chicken coop and then back to the house. He smiled. Chris was hard working, quick, and good-natured. If anything, the old tomcat thought, he could use a bit more backbone; but the dragon would take care of that.

Mid-thought, Jethry froze. Suddenly experiencing an epiphany: he envisioned Chris, mature, looking a man and mostly acting like one. If he was still a virgin ... Well, maybe when one 'comes of age'.... That was certainly one way Chris's father's spell could be interpreted, by Jethry at least. Susan needed to know about his theory.

***

Breakfast was delicious if uneventful. Chris followed it up with a shower, giving himself the aforementioned grooming, then changed into his usual school outfit of black jeans, t-shirt, and black boots. His short blond hair did whatever it felt like. A hoodie went into his pack but was unlikely to see use; it would be warm today. He looked forward to the possibility of Annabel wearing a dress, deciding to text her and ask.

He got a reply to his text, just as he and Susan had loaded themselves into her Subaru wagon at 7:40 am.

"Just for you babe. X...."

He grinned stupidly, then sobered quickly. Susan had seen his expression and asked what the text was about. He ducked the question with a shrug and a little mumble. She wasn't fooled, giving her son a smirk and a playful poke in the ribs before he started the car, the grin back on his face.

They drove in silence for a bit before Susan spoke up. "So, what are you going to do this summer, now that school's over?"

"I don't know Mom, I know we talked about me going to college ... but there's no point if I might have to drop out halfway through." He paused for a moment, then let the rest of his train of thought come rushing out. "And I thought about becoming a sheriff a few years ago, remember? But, like you said, the same thing applies. Everything is moot till the dragon comes out. I guess I'll just get on with my life, do some stuff I enjoy, and get a job till this all gets resolved. Besides, for Annabel and I, this summer is our last time together, unless we want to try long-distance. We're going to make it count."

Susan listened quietly. They'd talked about some of this over the years, yet still she felt a pang of sorrow knowing that he was stuck in such an awkward situation.

Chris watched the road and continued confessing his frustration and ultimate resignation. "I think I love Annabel; but it's not fair to stay with her without revealing what's going to happen to me." He glanced at Susan and then back at the road. "From what you told me, I can't protect her as my familiar unless I'm a dragon. But she isn't allowed to know about Beings unless she's a familiar. It's a Catch-22. She probably won't even want to be with me afterwards, anyway. I don't want her memory altered, so ...." He sighed and swallowed. "Perhaps it's best if we go our separate ways when she goes to Denver."

"I'm sorry Chris," Susan said. This was the first time she had heard Chris say he loved Annabel, though she'd known he'd cared for her. "I wish there was an easier way. But yes," she gestured as she spoke, as if sorting the different points, "when you turn into a dragon, your life will be thrown upside-down. We'll have to move, get new jobs, and you'll start getting your magical training. There are also probably going to be people trying to use or capture you, unless the revelation of a newly-emerged male dragon miraculously stays a secret. It's not going to be safe for you ... let alone Annabel."

"I know, Mom. There isn't really any way around it," Chris agreed dejectedly. He kept his eyes on the road ahead; currently it was straight and flat, no traffic in sight.

"I'm also sorry I couldn't do more. I mean, I taught you the basics about the different races and our laws but I can't teach you about magic when you can't use it." They'd gone over all of this before, but it didn't make it any easier. Unconsciously she rubbed a palm along the tops of her thighs. "I can't even teach you about dragons; your parents hired me to teach you about being human."

"Susan." He paused, waiting to continue until he could see peripherally that she had turned to look at him. "You've done just fine. Thank you for raising me all these years, for being my mother. I know it was probably dangerous and you weren't obliged to do it so thanks. I love you."

She turned away from him as he glanced over. Tears sparkled in her reflection in the window. He pulled off to the side of the road, undid his seatbelt and hugged her close across the divider, stroking her long hair hanging loose down her back.

She sniffled a bit before pulling away. "Christopher, don't you dare talk about us like you are a burden to me. I did it because I love you. Watching you grow up has made me so proud, even if I'm not your mother." She tried to sound steady but her voice wavered. Pulling herself together and wiping the tears away, she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek before hugging him tightly for a few more seconds. "Okay let's get going, I don't want to be late. I've got to set up two undergrad labs before lunch."

***

They drove the rest of the way to Laramie, chatting amiably. Susan described her discovery that morning of the Night Heart in bloom. Chris then asked her to tell him more about the mid-Western magical territory under Lady Narlakis. Susan quizzed him about the various races of Beings: Elves, Weres, Wizards, Elementals, Fairies, Vampires ... the list went on. Chris knew the basics such as inherent characteristics, abilities, and predilections. His experience with Beings was extremely limited; aside from Weres, so far he hadn't met any. He'd had to interrupt his recitations of memorized facts upon their arrival at the university. Chris drove up the wide, curved driveway and dropped Susan off with a quick hug goodbye.

There were still about 40 minutes before school started at 9 am, so he and Annabel would have time to just hang around together for a bit. He parked in the lot a few spaces down from her car. Getting out and locking it up, Chris noted the unaccustomed lightness of his backpack without his books. He debated leaving it in the car, but decided to bring it for his hoodie; it was actually still a little crisp this early. There were celebratory banners everywhere, wishing success to the Class of 2013. He walked around the edge of the nearest building and spied his target amongst the few students milling around out front.

Annabel was leaning against the low brick retaining wall along the front lawn, talking with Steph Lawlill, an attractive classmate who was apparently also going to Denver in the Fall. Chris only had eyes for Annabel, though ... and her dress: light blue with white floral patterns and a few small red blossoms. It left the snowy skin of her arms and shoulders bare, hugged her slim waist and then followed the flare of her hips, before finishing just above her knees. His gaze took in her form, detouring to follow the waterfall of silky, curly brown hair hanging down to the middle of her back, then back en route down her form to her shapely legs and feet, drinking her in. She wore a pair of strappy sandals that exposed more pale skin, covered throughout the cold Winter and Spring. Chris marvelled, spending a final few quiet moments gazing in appreciation at her amazing ass. How did I get this lucky?

He'd approached from behind with quiet steps bordering on stealth, but when he got close she spun around with a wide smile on her face. Steph had seen him coming and had given her a signal. "Gotcha," Annabel said. "You can't sneak up on me." She'd missed him at school yesterday and was delighted when he'd texted her that morning with the request about the dress; it was perfect, in fact, for what she had planned. She took a step closer, looking up at him admiringly. He always looked so damned handsome with his strong jaw, blue eyes, and messy blond hair. His body called to Annabel too: broad, solid, all of that exquisitely dense muscle under his skin ... so heavy when he lay on top of her. She loved that he wasn't entirely skinny either; he had some healthy padding over the firm muscle. Once, Annabel had overheard the coach talking to one of his teachers; apparently it was a 'crime' Chris wouldn't play football, but she'd felt she understood his disinclination. After all, he was a bit reclusive. And anyway, he was usually busy on the farm after school, or hanging out with her. Occasionally she received envious and even raunchy comments about him from other girls. He was hers though. Her big, sweet, caring boyfriend, and she planned to keep it that way.

"Wasn't really trying to sneak," Chris denied, frowning, initially embarrassed at being caught; but then couldn't help but return her beautiful, infectious smile. "Hi Steph."

"Hey Chris, see you guys in the auditorium," Steph replied. She walked off to leave Chris and Annabel in their own little world.

"Do you like the dress I wore for you?" Annabel asked coyly, giving her hips a side to side twist to raise the hem slightly, knowing full well that he did like it. The hungry look in his eyes when she teased him, made her feel powerful. Truth be told she was chilly in the dress; but it was worth it to see the transparent, stupid adoration spreading across his face right then.

"You're so beautiful, Dee," Chris said quietly, stepping forward to envelop her in a firm hug. He loved using his pet name for her, it fit perfectly. She'd once called him 'Snake Eyes', teasing his bad luck. He'd retaliated with 'Doe-EyEs' and thus Dee was born. In his arms, she was the perfect height to bury his nose in her hair, inhaling her scent mixed with notes of vanilla from her perfume. Speaking of which, he caught a waft of her excitement on the air. He'd recognise it anywhere. Chris squeezed her tighter, slowly rubbing a hand along her lower back. "You're a little bit wet aren't you?" he whispered conspiratorially into her ear.

How does he always know? she wondered, his deep-voiced whisper sending a frisson of excitement through her. She would have been happy to stay in his embrace all day, bound up in his big arms while his gentle stroking sent tingles up her spine and heat to her core that was starting to feel definitively ... steamy. Annabel had reached a decision last night ... one that she'd realised was long overdue. Therefore, she could hardly be blamed for feeling a little anticipation, could she? In response to his whisper she gave a little wiggle, pushing her small breasts into his chest and nuzzling his neck slightly. In that moment, Annabel wished she was more well-endowed up front, with something more to mash into her man so to speak; but such is life. He didn't seem to mind.

She pulled away from him slightly, and moved up on tiptoe to whisper what she had decided yesterday. "Today," she breathed, giggling when she felt him tense once he understood her meaning.

"Really?" Chris asked, heart pounding at the idea. He guided her away slightly, holding her shoulders so he could see her face. Her expression mirrored his excitement, without a hint of hesitation.

"Yep," she said with a smile. "It's high time. I'll drive us back to your place after school."

"Fuck," Chris cursed quietly as he fantasised for a few seconds, staring at her. "Fuck," he repeated when he realised his dick was rapidly expanding against his jeans.

"Yes Chris, we're going to fuck," Annabel whispered teasingly before bursting into laughter at the shocked look on his face. She stepped back up close to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her lips to his firmly. Her tongue slipped just along the edge of his bottom lip, enough to get a little taste of him. Chris responded instantly, returning her kiss for a few seconds before separating, giving her soft lips a parting peck and looking deep into her brown eyes, seeing love reflected back.

"I think I love you, Annabel," Chris suddenly admitted. It was out before he realised he'd said it aloud; her eyes had been his undoing and now he felt vulnerable yet elated.

Annabel saw the searching look in his blue eyes as she squealed in delight and jumped up to cling to him, legs around his waist. He stumbled back from the impact of her weight, then steadied them both and held her tightly as she peppered the side of his face with kisses. Joy flooded her entire body at his words. I love you. I love you. I love you, was repeating over and over frantically in her mind, the heartfelt words expressed through her kisses. Freezing for a second when she realised what she was doing, she calmed herself and pulled back to look at him again, still supported by his strong arms around her waist. "I love you too Chris," she said more seriously.

Chris's heart soared. It felt amazing to declare himself and have it returned so enthusiastically. His ear felt a bit wonky from her close-range squeal but he dismissed the irksome ring, smiling so widely he thought his face might break. He gently kissed her again before setting her back on the ground, mindful of them making a scene. Thankfully there weren't many around to notice. He ran his hands up and down her arm and noticed the chill and goose flesh on her bare skin. Vulnerable. Of course, she's cold, she's human. He flashed to the conversation he had had with Jethry this morning. 'You aren't human Chris, even though you appear to be. Who knows what will happen when your dragon comes out? It could be very dangerous for her.'

"You're cold," Chris stated, a little sombre now, his former elation shattered.

"Sure," Annabel replied with a giggle. "But I couldn't care less." He had finally admitted it to her. "You love me," she whispered conspiratorially before laughing giddily.

"Yes. I do," he replied, as if stating a fact, his response lacking an accompanying grin. He pulled his backpack off of his shoulder and retrieved the hoodie for her.

She accepted it gratefully and put it on. It hung baggily around her tallish, slim frame, reaching down to just below her butt, yet she hardly noticed, distracted by the sense that something had cut short his post-admission high.

"Okay babe, let's get going," Chris put an arm around her waist and guiding them toward the auditorium. He needed to find a secluded spot and have a serious talk with his girlfriend.

Something might have dulled Chris's good mood, but Annabel was the happiest she had been in her life. She leant against him as they walked, absolutely content, floating in the clouds. Her heart was happily thumping, recirculating good feelings all through her body. Skin tingled wherever he touched her so she pushed in closer to his side.

As they walked together, Chris pondered how to explain. He had to do something; he couldn't selfishly lead her on without giving her some sort of warning. Sighing, he leaned over as they walked, pressing his lips to the top of her head. He really did love her. Thrills coursed his body as he felt her awkwardly pulling herself tighter to him. She loves me! part of his mind continued to shout gleefully, while another part dreaded what would happen next, all the while rehearsing what he was going to have to say.

***

The auditorium was empty. Chris pulled Annabel up the steps to the second-to-last row, then along it to the seats in the furthest corner. He sat for a minute, collecting his thoughts frantically as she snuggled into him.