The Lycan Collapse (The Flux Age Book 2) by Steven J Shelley Read Free Book Online Page A

and Julian wanted him to see how imposing the aquila were in full flight. He hadn’t been able to do that down in the cramped sewers. A throaty chuckle floated across his right shoulder. Florence was holding tight but enjoying every second on his back. She still hadn’t shifted back into human form, so her claws had dug somewhat painfully into Julian’s shoulders. Still, the impromptu flight was worth the pain, as it had the double effect of sweeping Florence off her feet and making Jack really pissed. He hadn’t intended to drive a wedge between the lycans but it made good sense to split them a little, make them uncertain. The less solidarity the Lycan Society had, the greater the chance of an alliance with the aquila.
    Once Julian had reached the top of the Brandis Engineering building he allowed himself to be pressed by a downdraft that saw them glide safely to a tree-lined boulevard on the west bank of the East River . As ever, no New Yorkers seemed to notice Julian’s landing. It was amazing how brazen he could be in a world where people kept their eyes on the ground.
    Florence slid from Julian’s back and looked at him with dark, unfathomable werewolf eyes.
    “I still need to shift,” she said. “I’ve stashed clothes at a few locations across the city, I can—”
    “No need,” Julian said smoothly. “I know where we can go. Just give me a second.”
    Julian crouched to the ground and winced in pain. Florence turned away, sensing a shift. The sun was very low to the west and had cast an orange glow to the Brooklyn skyline across the river. By the time she turned back Julian was standing again. His wings were no longer visible.
    “You were in human form when we first met,” Florence observed. “I’d forgotten about that.”
    “We ‘germ’ into our spirit creatures, just like lycans do,” Julian said, with special emphasis on the last bit. “We’re all naturebound.”
    “Well, not really,” Florence said. “Naturebound species are those who shift into actual animals, not mutations like werewolves or the aquila.”
    “Then most lycans are naturebound, yes?” Julian countered. “Not all are werewolves like you.”
    “You know quite a bit about us,” Florence commented as she fell in alongside Julian. She seemed self-conscious being out in the open - she would need to shift before someone got a good look at her. Luckily, there weren’t too many folks out here late on a clear, cold afternoon.
    “We can talk more about this later,” Julian promised, taking Florence by the hand. He looked her in the eye. “That wasn’t an evasion, by the way. I intend to tell you my story if you’ll hear it.”
    Julian hoped that she very much wanted to hear it. Seeing potential trouble, he suddenly pressed her into an alleyway and covered her with his tall frame. A gaggle of school kids wandered past, oblivious to the pair. Once they’d gone Julian took Florence out into the street. The light was fading fast, providing the werewolf with a little more cover. Not far to go now.
    Just half a block to the west Julian stopped outside a boutique clothing store and dashed inside. He instructed the floor staff to turn aside before returning to Florence. He led her across the shop floor and directly into a fitting room.
    “I know the owners,” Julian explained sheepishly. Florence seemed relieved to have a safe, private place to germ.
    “Now let me see,” Julian said, assessing Florence theatrically. “Street casual with a trace of rebel?”
    Florence giggled, swatting him away. “You choose,” she called after him. “Just get the sizes right.”
    Julian grinned as he selected a pair of designer jeans and a leather jacket. He hesitated at the underwear. Regular? G-string? Three quarter? One of the shop assistants shook her head as if to say ‘don’t go there’. Wise advice. Julian shrugged and delivered the clothes.
    “I’ll have to owe you,” Florence said from the fitting room.
    “Don’t be