Feathers and Claws (MxMxMxMxM)

Chapter 36: Old partner. . .

(:

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I slowly glided through the forest in my first form, Ander at my side, His Harpy eagle wings slightly folded so he swerved every now and then to avoid trees..

He was more so built for flying above the trees than he was for flying between them.

Despite that, He was determined to stick close to me, Not letting me out of his sight.

It was sort of comforting in a way, It was familiar and made me feel like nothing had changed, Like everything was back to normal.

Glancing back over at Ander, I jolted slightly in surprised when I didn't see him there.

Pausing, I landed on one of the nearby branches, My feathers starting to stand on end as panic started to bloom inside my chest.

Is it a second attack? Was he taken?

I unsheathed my claws, Slipping into a crouch as I was about to take flight again, Planning on heading back and seeing if I could track the kidnappers down.

Before I could do anything, Ander's familiar grey form glided towards me, Weaving through the trees as he did so.

I let out a small relieved laugh as he landed beside me on the branch.

''Damn it Ander, I thought you had been kidnapped'' I grumbled out, My voice lacking any and all anger.

''Apologies. . .I had noticed some Jury berries, I remembered you used to like them a lot'' He said as he held out the dark navy blue berries for me.

Smiling slightly, I accepted the slightly sweet and minty berries from him.

''You didn't have to go back and grab them. . .'' I pointed out, Feeling kinda flattered that he'd waste his time just because he knew I liked them.

''It's alright, I didn't mind'' He said as I placed the berries in the bag I had brought with me.

Once they were safely put away, I turned back to Ander, A small smile on my birdy face.

His face was lit up by the early morning light, The weak beams just barely filtering through the tree's canopy, A greenish yellow tint to the light thanks to the leaves.

''Shall we continue to the town?'' He questioned, Raising his wings slightly, Letting them rest over top of me, A gesture many mates and those courting others would do as a way to show trust.

Sighing, I bumped my shoulder into his before jumping out, Taking flight, My wings spread out so I could easily glide through the forest.

I could hear Ander following at a respectful distance behind me, His wing beats a lot louder than even mine.

Eventually, We arrived at the makeshift town center, Landing easily on the woven floor made up of branches, Vines and reeds.

I rolled my eyes as Ander landed with ease and grace, His wings raised as he winked at me, Showing off.

Leaning back slightly, I bumped my wings into his chest before falling into step beside him.

''So. . .How long are you planning on hanging around here?'' I questioned as we walked, Passing a few shops and many houses.

Ander glanced up at the hidden sky above before sighing.

''I wish I could tell you for sure, However, I don't know, I could be called back to the tribe I help guard at any moment. . .'' He explained, Sounding saddened by this.

I nodded in understanding, Feeling a bit disappointed.

Honestly it made sense that I'd feel saddened by him potentially leaving so soon after all I've been through.

Aldo was apparently supposed to be my destined mate and all that, But Ander. . .He was the one I had come very close to choosing out of my own free will.

He had been courting me for ages now, Not to mention the fact that I enjoyed his company, Even if we were doing anything, I liked not doing anything when I was near him a lot more than when I was alone.

''Theo! Ander! Over here!'' Mikey called out, His voice drawing my attention over to where he was standing with Tom, Aldo and Aldo's small group of soldiers.

Even without being able to scent him, I could tell Aldo wasn't too happy with how close I was to Ander.

Despite his displeasure, He kept a tense but polite expression on his face, His arms clasped behind his back.

He was in his second form, Meaning his wings were out still, The large things were arched over the heads of those standing close to him.

As we approached the small group, I felt Ander lay his wing over mine as we both shifted to our second forms, The simple act of resting his wings over mine his the implications that had.

That was a sign of a protective mate.

Problem was, He wasn't my mate. . .At least not right now. . .And he had done such an act right in front of my other potential mate.

''I see you found Theo. . .Looks like you were right Mikey'' Tom said calmly, Glancing over at the shorter boy as he spoke.

I arched an eyebrow, Moving one of my wings to press closer to Ander.

''What was he right about? What were you two betting on?'' I questioned, Staring right at my best friend as I spoke.

He had enough sense to at least look a bit ashamed before he spoke.

''Oh. . .We were just talking about how you two would most likely strike back up your romance once you were back together'' Tom explained, Smiling fondly as he spoke, No doubt remembering the time he was courting his mates.

That caught Aldo's attention, His feathers bristling slightly at first before he seemingly forced himself to calm down.

''You two are mates?'' Aldo questioned, Thankfully remaining polite.

Ander, Ever the gentleman, Didn't jump onto the opportunity to claim me as his.

''Ah no, I have just been courting him for a few years now, We have not been mates at any point in our time together'' Ander assured Aldo, Still resting his wing over me in a protective way.

''. . .This courting thing? What exactly is it?'' Aldo questioned slowly, Eyeing the wing Ander had resting over me.

Should I move him off of me?. . .It would be pretty rude to do so. . .

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:) This can only end well. . .

Anyways! Like always, Have a good day/night and find a better book! - fallen