Page 38 of Free for Adventure

The guys all said in unison, “Serin?”

She laughed. “Yeah. I am guessing she was different here, but at home, she’s ballsy.”

Orc asked, “What happened to her legs?”

“She has a degenerative condition, and she needs something she can’t get at home.” She looked at them. “She grew up around here. So, do you not know that? It’s genetic.”

“Her parents were dead, and she lived with her older sister. All we knew was that she was sweet and happy and energetic. Everyone smiled when she walked into the room.”

“Oh. Wow. When she walks into a room, everyone holds their breath now.” Thera laughed. “She’s hilarious at budget meetings.”

Skaay asked softly, “What kind of spots?”

“Oh, just regular, even spots.” She examined her nails on her free arm.

Skaay squeezed her. “You know what kind of spots.”

“Duh, of course, I do. If she wants to find a mate, she is going to have to head home. I don’t see that particular individual on dry land.”

Orc sighed. “Enough cat and mouse. What is he?”

“Whale shark.” She shrugged. The guys looked stunned. “Oh, not who you thought it would be, huh?”

Skaay murmured, “Not at all. We know who it is, but we had no idea that he would have a mate. He is more like one of those guys that just sits on rocks and the world turns around them.”

“Oh. Okay.” She shrugged. “I have no idea what that means.”

Orc shook his head. “Don’t worry about it.”

She wiggled her fingers. “Almost fixed.”

Skaay kissed her cheek. “You are an excellent patient.”

“Thanks. Hey, we are back.” She paused. “Can one of you carry my camera to my place? No funny business, it is just a heavy bastard.”

Kayak said, “I will do it. It’s my fault you can’t lift.” He slowed the boat, and they drifted to the dock. Once they connected, she realized that she was sitting in a two-piece.

“Clothes first before I take a walk through town.”

Skaay said, “Well, I had fun.” He helped her to her feet.

She moved carefully to her pack and pulled on her clothes. By the time she was dressed, Kayak had snugged them up against the dock, and Orc jumped down to tie the lines.

She grabbed her pack, and Kayak got her camera case. They opened the gate and extended a walkway for her. He was still wearing sandals and his shorts as he walked with her.

“Are you staying at the manor?”

“Me? No. I am at the Argentine.”

He muttered, “Those rooms are tiny.”

“I sleep alone, dope.”

He sighed. “Pity. Why are you staying all the way out here?”

“To keep away from Amby. I don’t want her seeing me because she might insist on buddying up. That would defeat the purpose of her vlog. It would also interfere with her adapting to her mates.”

“I see. I don’t see why you would fight it.”

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