Streamfield Shifters: Hide & Seek

Chapter Eight

Is this what it feels like to have been hit by a Mac truck? I wondered as we limped back to the changing stations with the elf in tow. It was a miracle no one spied us, because I was certain no one in my family could explain why we were so beat up and leading an elven woman. Bright pink rope burns encircled both wrists and thin, red welts peppered my calves and lower back from where the elf's magic grass ensnared me. Getting changed was a complete and total bitch, but I managed to struggle into my shirt and pants.

Garnet and I said our good-byes in the parking lot, after I promised to keep her informed. Pinky-swore, no less.

"What do you think you're doing?" Mom called out as I reached for the handle to the driver's side door.

I pivoted, eyebrows raised. "Getting into my car?"

She crossed the parking lot to stand next to me. "Give me the keys," she said, holding out a hand. "I don't want you driving like this."

Immediately, stubbornness snapped into place. "I'm fine, Mom."

Mom folded her arms and looked at me sternly. "No, you're not. I could see those welts a mile away. Give me the keys. I want you to ride with your father and keep an eye on Leihalani."

I blinked, momentary kicked out of our argument. "Leiha—what?"

"The girl," Mom said, tipping her head in the direction of Dad's truck. "That's her name."

Well, that was better than calling her "the elf". "When did she tell you that?"

"When we were walking back. You and Rachael were too busy comparing bruises."

Oh.

"Now, give me your keys," Mom repeated, gesturing towards my hand.

I sighed. "Fine." Slapping the keys into her palm, I gingerly turned around and limped towards Dad's black pick-up.

"What're you doing here?"

Rachael looked up from the back seat as I yanked the passenger side door open. "Keeping Leihalani company. Uncle Terry said I could," she added, lifting her chin defensively. Next to her, the elven woman's lips quirked in a small smile.

Shrugging, I hauled my ass into the truck and slammed the door shut. What did I care if Rachael rode with us? Pain makes you pissy, Michaels, I thought, grimacing as I struggled to pull on the seat belt.

The driver's side door opened and Dad climbed in. "All buckled up, girls?" he asked, looking around the cab.

"Yup," Rachael announced cheerfully.

"Yes," Leihalani replied, patting the seat belt that somehow managed to look out of place against her elven clothes.

Dad shot me a look, then shrugged. Rachael must have helped the elf put it on. "Off we go, then."

No sooner did we pull out of the parking lot then Rachael began peppering Leihalani with questions.

"So, are you a princess or something?" Rachael asked eagerly.

I laughed softly to myself, pillowing my aching jaw on the cool window glass. Yeah, we definitely captured a princess.

Leihalani snorted, a soft, surprised sound. It was so unexpected that I looked over my shoulder at the elf, eyebrows raised curiously. "Ah ... no," she said, coughing slightly. "I'm a tsaebach's daughter."

"What's that?"

"I suppose the best translation would be grand landowner."

"Oh," Rachael said. "Like a duke or something, right?"