Page 15 of Homecoming

Kayak surged out of the water and climbed up the deck. “You’re okay?”

Thera walked up and hugged him. “I am okay.”

He exhaled in relief.

Thera mentioned to Aeryn, “The first time he tried that, I was wearing scuba gear and came down on my tank. Broken bones and internal bleeding.”

Thera looked at Orc. “What’s up?”

“Yacht off the bow coming for us.”

“Is it on the radio?” Kayak asked.

Orc turned, and the radio crackled. He picked up the handset and spoke to the other side, ending it with, “Over.”

Orc cocked his head. “We have been invited for lunch. Now.”

“By whom?”Aeryn watched the yacht approaching.

A voice came from the ladder. “By me. Hello, little one.”

Aeryn looked at him, and then her gaze swung to the island that was now no longer taking up space in the ocean. “You.”

He had dark hair, rich brown skin, eyes that were a startling shade of crystal grey, and a slow smile. He was also seven and a half feet tall and naked.

Skaay handed him a sarong, and he put it on, barely covering the essentials.

Orc asked, “May we get your name?”

“Sohar Vendoric.” He bowed. “At your service.”

“Is this a weird hobby? Lying in the ocean and pretending to be an island?” Aeryn crossed her arms. He stared at her cleavage, so she grabbed a shirt and yanked it on.

Sohar smiled. “Usually, the yacht makes ladies remove clothing.”

Aeryn looked at the vessel that was nearly touching them. “Great. Find those ladies. Hang out with them. I am too old to play the pick-me game.”

Lines were thrown down, and the two vessels were tied together.

Sohar smiled. “My adorable queen, would you please board my vessel?”

She tilted her head. “If you can make the offer without a leer in your tone.”

“Please, dear one. We have much to discuss.”

Aeryn sighed.

“There is food... hot food. No offense to this team, but I see a picnic, and you have burned a lot of calories today.”

She looked at him. “You were watching. How?”

He laughed. “Something to explain over a hot meal. Everyone, shall we continue all discussions on my ship?”

Skaay smiled. “You have a lot of shoots this afternoon; you may want to recharge.”

They had settled at a right angle to the much larger ship, and uniformed crew were ready to help them hop over.

Orc grinned. “Thera, come with me.”

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