Page 18 of Homecoming

He grinned. “Only if you aren’t really looking.”

She looked at the pod. “You guys good? Ready to eat and run?”

Thera nodded. “Ready when you are.”

“Cool. We have a long list and need to find a beach so we can do the surfing videos and stills. Oh, and a waterfall for the paddleboarding.”

Orc nodded. “We have the list, but we need to get going.”

Aeryn agreed. “Let’s get going. Gentlemen, it was nice to meet you under less hostile conditions. I hope you have a lovely soak.”

He frowned. “You are just out here today?”

“Of course. I can see you need to shift out a little longer, but I am only in the need of one day of activities. Besides, the Darings are booked for the rest of the week. No boat to take out with me.”

Dark frustration covered his features. “Where are you staying?”

“The Wonder Islands. I am staying in the village for now.” She got to her feet.

“For now?” He clutched at her hand.

“Sure. I will eventually be staying in a private residence.” She headed for the door. “Enjoy your time in the area. I hope you can find women to decorate your deck at the next harbour.”

As she headed onto the main deck, she heard Loken mutter, “She saiddeck,right?”

“Yeah, but I think I have made a very bad first impression.”

The door closed on their voices, but she lifted off and flew to the charter boat. Thera and the guys joined her, and then, Orc said, “They have us tied up.”

Aeryn used wind to unravel the lines and said, “We are good now.”

Orc chuckled. “So we are. Is the anchor up?”

She gestured, and the anchor settled on the deck.

“Right. Off we go.”

Aeryn looked at Thera. “Sorry, but I don’t want to waste your time or mine.”

Skaay smiled. “It was a good lunch, but now, we are off to a good surfing beach.”

They were halfway around the northern end of the island when the floating island appeared in the distance. Aeryn smiled. “And he’s back.”

Thera took some photos. “Why do you think he does that?”

“Energy builds up. It has to get out, and since he has another form, it is either do it in a controlled manner or blow in an elevator somewhere.”

Thera grimaced. “That would be nasty. So, you really aren’t curious about him?”

“No. I am not. I know what he is now.”

“But, I mean, he looked very interested in you.”

Aeryn looked calmly at Thera. “And if the guys had introduced themselves by telling you they had spread tourist women all over the deck? How would that make you react?”

Thera winced. “Got it. In giant neon letters. That would have locked my legs faster than arctic water.”

“Right. So, he can have the other women; I will have my work. We don’t need to be together.”

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