Shane seemed pleased with that. “That’s good. Very traditional. They still train on the beach in Okinawa, where karate was invented. You should go there some day.”
“It’s on my list,” said Journey.
When the women arrived at the nearest bar, which was at the next town and a two-hour drive away, they found a quiet room at the back where they could talk without being overheard.
Catalina asked Journey, “Where did you say you’d come from?”
“The Sea of Stars,” Journey repeated. “It’s a beach on Vadhoo Island.”
“Where’s Vadhoo Island?” asked Destiny.
“In the Maldives.”
“Where are the Maldives?” asked Ellie.
“Off the coast of south India. The water is full of glowing plankton, like blue fireflies. It’s like swimming through a starry night.”
“What were you doing there?” Catalina asked.
Journey shrugged. “I saw a picture. It looked pretty, so I decided to visit. Once Shane’s better, I’m going back and taking Lucas with me. Dragons love sparkly things. And the night sky.”
That hadn’t exactly answered Catalina’s question. “I meant—”
Destiny laughed. “Lucas used to be a prince, Catalina. He’s independently wealthy. Journey can go anywhere she likes, any time she likes. First class.”
“Or on dragonback,” Fiona added.
“You should all travel with me some time. Lucas would treat you.” Hastily, Journey added, “But not the Sea of Stars. That one is just for the two of us. But later... Maybe a chateau in France?”
“What about a trek in Nepal?” Destiny suggested. “We could rent some yaks to carry our luggage.”
“Just what I want to do on my vacation, chivvy around a bunch of hairy, slobbering cow-things.” Fiona gave a delicate shudder. “I vote for the chateau.”
“You’re a snow leopard,” said Destiny. “You should love Nepal.”
“If I’m going on vacation, I want it to be relaxing,” Fiona said firmly. “If you don’t want a chateau, what about a villa in Tuscany?”
While Destiny, Fiona, and Journey discussed vacation destinations, Ellie and Catalina clinked their glasses together. Catalina had a shot of tequila with salt and lime. Ellie had a glass of hard cider.
“To us,” Catalina said. “Partners forever.”
“To us,” Ellie echoed. “Together again.”
They drank. The tequila burned its way down Catalina’s throat. “My first drink as a shifter. I wonder if it’ll affect me differently now.”
“Got me,” Ellie said. “Ask Fiona or Destiny— No, Destiny was born a shifter. She wouldn’t know the difference. I’m not sure about Fiona. She doesn’t talk much about her past.”
“She still might not know. I’m not just a shifter, I’m a superhero. Shane’s the only one who knows what that’s like.”
“Somehow I doubt that Shane thinks he’s a superhero,” Ellie remarked.
Catalina grinned. “He is, though. And so am I.”
“What are you going to do with your powers?” Ellie asked. “I mean, there are definitely times when being super-strong would come in handy. No more calling for six orderlies to restrain the three hundred pound meth addict...”
“I’d still have to call for the orderlies,” Catalina pointed out. “This has to stay secret. Apex may be gone, but I bet it’s not the only place like it.”
“That’s true. The team’s awfully careful about hiding what they are.”