Sea Haven 01 - Water Bound

kept out of her way, and turned his attention from her, to their safety.
    She obviously knew what she was doing regarding her engine and air compressor, and she carefully went over both, leaving him to double-check that they had no stalker. He reached with his mind, expanding easily, sending his call to the birds up and down the river, in the harbor and on the sea stacks rising out of the water. In answer, they took to the air in a large migration. There were so many that Rikki actually broke her concentration to look as the air filled with various species. It was quite a sight, so many circling above the cliffs and harbor, over the highway and even along the sandy beach.
    The birds called to one another and filled Lev’s head with information on the location of any lone man in the surrounding vicinity. One appeared to be a fisherman and the other was sitting on the bluff overlooking the beach.
    Lev singled out the cormorant that had shoved the shadowy figure into his head, fought for control and took it, soaring high with the bird, directing it to circle above the bluff so he could see the man for himself. Old clothes, a white beard and an empty bottle of whiskey gave the distinct impression that the watcher had spent the night on the bluff. Beside him was a ragged blanket and curled up on it, a dog. He released the bird and waited, breathing deep to orient himself.
    He felt her eyes on him and looked up to stare straight into those dark depths. She had the lines in her hands and a strange expression on her face.
    “We’re heading out of the harbor, you might want to pay attention.”
    “Give me another minute.”
    She knew he had something to do with the birds. She probably felt the subtle buildup of power without realizing what it was. She stayed very still, her body swaying with the boat unconsciously, as if she were already out to sea and riding the waves. He loved that stillness in her, the lack of questions, the acceptance. She watched him without blinking. It took a little longer to 213

    send his mind soaring, finding and choosing the bird that had seen the fisherman.
    Once again, the man seemed genuine enough, sitting in a small boat just at the edge of the bluffs. But seemed wasn’t good enough. He set his watchers to spy on the man and to come tell him if the man should move from his spot and head out after them. He smiled at her. She hadn’t moved, apparently mesmerized by him. “Are you going to get us out of here?” He gestured toward the parking lot where another truck had pulled in.
    She turned abruptly without a word and stepped up to the helm. She looked as if she were part of the boat, one hand on the helm, her hair blowing in the breeze as they slowly made their way up the calm waters of the river to sweep under the Albion bridge into the ocean. He knew he should have been admiring all that wood and metal spanning the mouth of the river—and it was a beautiful sight in the early morning hours—but all he could see was Rikki.
    She was transformed. He’d thought her beautiful there on the bed, soft skin offered up to him like a sacrifice, but here she was part of the sea, wild and free and very confident. As much as he loved Rikki for her inexperience and willingness to please him, he was intrigued by this side of her—so certain, from her fluid quick movements to her body language, to the rapt look on her face as she stared out over the water.
    All he could think about was moving up behind her and taking her right there, while she took them out over the water. Next time, he’d have her wear a long skirt without any underwear so he could just lift up the hem and bury himself deep. They could move with the rise and fall of the boat, a gentle rhythm, or if they hit a little swell, hard and ...
    She turned her head and looked at him over her shoulder, speculation in her eyes. “I’m not certain you’re up to the task.” Laughter spilled over before she turned back to look at the sea.
    His heart clenched violently in his chest, his emotion for her so strong it was nearly painful. It was nice to know he wasn’t part of the scenery and that she’d chosen to stay connected to his mind. He needed the intimacy, even if she didn’t. She was bright and shiny, as if a light was inside of her, showing him the way out of shadows.
    “I think that’s a challenge,” he managed to reply, but more than the physical cravings for her, was the knowledge of certainty in his decision. He was risking