Bearliest Catch by Bianca D'Arc Page A

energy in
keeping his shield up after the physical—and probably
magical—exertion of throwing that chain.
    “I’m fine,” he answered, though she could see
the tight set to his lips that meant he was either in pain,
concentrating hard, or both. Probably both, she decided. “You could
call ahead. Maybe get the doc to be ready for us.”
    “On the radio?” She gestured toward the
marine radio that was standard equipment in every boat.
    “Nah. Don’t want every mariner that might be
in range listening in. Use my phone.” He unclipped a somewhat bulky
phone from his belt and flipped it open, hitting a speed dial
number before handing it to her. “That’s the town doctor. Just tell
him who you are and what happened. I can’t talk to him and keep all
this going.”
    All this , meaning the shield and the
escape, she figured. He had to be under quite the magical strain,
and she didn’t want to add to his burden. Plus, she was happy to be
part of the rescue in even just this small way.
    When a male voice answered the ringing on the
other end of the line, she did as Andrew had asked, explaining the
situation. Andrew confirmed when asked that he’d aim for the bait
shop dock, which was closer to town—and the doctor’s office—than
his private dock.
    The doctor said he’d be waiting, with help.
Jetty thanked him and hung up, returning what she now realized was
a satellite phone to Andrew. He took it without comment and
replaced it on his hip, his concentration on the path in front of
them.
    “How far to the ward?” she asked quietly.
    “Not too far now.”
    “I don’t see any sign of pursuit. The
creature seemed good and stuck in that chain. I watched it as long
as I could, and I didn’t see it moving except to struggle against
the binding,” she told him.
    “That’s good,” was his only comment.
    “Good?” She couldn’t help the incredulous
tone in her voice. “That’s freaking awesome!” She’d tried to
contain her enthusiasm until they were completely out of danger,
but had to say something. What he’d done… It was straight up
amazing. “You saved us.”
    “Not yet,” he argued, keeping his eyes on the
path ahead, his concentration near total. “But I’m about to. We’re
almost to the wards. If we’re going to face opposition, it’ll be
right about here.”
    She held her breath, but they sailed through
with no problem. She knew they were safe the moment the tension in
his shoulders eased just the tiniest bit. The strain on him to keep
up the shield was easier now. The wards would protect them, even if
his shield slipped somehow.
    She saw the entrance to the cove and felt a
tear trickle down her face. She’d never been so happy to see
land.
    “Go tell your friends they’re safe,” he told
her gently. “It won’t be long now to the dock, and we can get help
for their injuries.”
    She nodded, unable to speak through the
emotion clogging her throat. She turned to the deck where her
hunting party was laid out like the catch of the day, some
bleeding, some still in mer form, some shifted to human, wearing
whatever cloth came to hand as they tended the others injuries. She
dug right in and helped, finding every last stitch of clothing
Andrew had on board and distributing it to those who could use it.
She also found items that could be used for first aid and did her
best to help where needed.
    Before she knew it, they were docking, and
there were a host of bear shifters waiting to aid them. Thank the
Goddess.
     
    The scene on the dock was a little chaotic,
but they managed to get the injured mer woman off the boat without
causing her further difficulties. Her three friends went with her,
insisting on watching over the one they called Sirena while the
town doctor had a look at her injuries. Drew was just as glad to
see the others go. As long as Jetty stayed with him, he was
content.
    When the injured woman had been removed to
the doc’s capable hands, John came out onto the dock to have