Page 10 of Homecoming

Amby asked, “You can just talk about it?”

“Of course, pet. It was a natural function. My alpha betrayed me, so I lost our future. Therefore, no future for him. Pity.”

Kekoa asked, “Does he know?”

“No. I never felt it necessary to inform him that he had destroyed what he had forced on me. They thought I left because of a broken heart. I just didn’t want any more death that day.”

She looked at the king of the island chain. “So, Kekoa, what do you want from me, your humble minister of tourism?”

“Find them and bring them in. Be available when we need you, and stay on the island. We have missed you.” He sighed. “Deeply.”

“I have missed being here. I do feel stronger after spending time in the spring.”

Dorian piped up. “You are welcome to get energy from the falls. I will charge them for you.”

“Can you do it for tomorrow? And possibly get me a lift to the falls?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

“Good. Aeryn has a shoot tomorrow with the Darings, so she will be inaccessible.”

Kekoa asked, “What is she doing?”

Serin smiled. “We are creating a series of online ads focusing onwhat you can do in five days.Amby’s footage is going to be fused to an excellent soundtrack as soon as Aeryn gets back. Her footage is going to focus on what you can do if you like to get rough and tumble. Aeryn likes to roughhouse.”

Her assistant laughed. “She’s not wrong.”

Thera smirked. “I hadn’t thought of you as a violent person.”

“Oh, we only met on weekdays.”

Orc offered, “I have editing skills if you wouldn’t mind a hand.”

Aeryn nodded. “That would be welcome.”

Serin looked at her assistant. “Ready?”

“Yes. Ready.”

Serin smiled. “Your Majesty, expect a building permit in the next two days. The materials are on the way, and the builders will begin work a week from Monday.”

Kekoa smiled. “If that is what you want. The land is yours.”

“As are the memories. Is there still a lava field near the tiny island?”

“There is.”

Aeryn nodded. “Got it. Materials destroyed.”

Serin smiled. “Kekoa and pack, thank you for dinner for myself and my assistant.”

She reached under the table and pulled out her crutches. “Aeryn, a little help?”

Aeryn nodded, and Serin felt herself rising as a column of wind twisted around her and lifted her until she was standing. The crutches were braced, and Aeryn gracefully got to her feet.

“It was nice to meet those of you that I have not yet met. I plan on remaining in the islands, as this is where I was born.” She smiled.

There was surprise, but Serin led the way, and they entered the warm evening and turned toward Serin’s family home.

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