Page 2 of Homecoming

Serin smirked. “I think Aeryn would welcome any assistance that can be offered.”

Aeryn muttered, “I’m fine, boss.”

Kekoa made a joke. “Does she have a mark on her?”

Aeryn snorted. “No, shit, Sherlock.”

Serin leaned back and laughed. “This is going to be more fun than you can imagine, Your Majesty. Come on, Aeryn, we need to unpack and get you into something with less than three layers. Sweatsuits aren’t made for the tropics.”

Serin put her crutches forward and swung her legs. They worked past the crowd that touched and greeted her as shepassed. Aeryn surrendered the bags to the half dozen alphas waiting to help, but she kept the packs with the computers.

Serin inhaled, and the familiar scents of heat, sun, and soil came to her nose. The Dark Well was off the direct path but had a spring attached to it.

She watched the alphas walk to the hotel and smirked as they obviously wanted to carry her to speed things up but were nervous about suggesting it.

Her legs had begun to fail two years earlier. She had loaned some power to a friend, and it had drained her. Without the island to replenish her, she had been stuck with a slow deterioration and trading her cane for crutches. When a wheelchair had been the next step, she decided to come home.

Aeryn had already been doing a lot of her leg work, and it was not a hard sell to get her to come along, even if she risked meeting her match. As far as Serin knew, Aeryn had no match, but there was the possibility that she might feel complete with a mate. Right now, she was a riot on two legs. Not much could stand in her way and certainly not for long. She was a handy woman to have around.

Aeryn checked them in, and the dazed clerk smiled and asked, “Are you both betas?”

“Yes, we are. How occupied is this facility?”

“We are at fifty-percent capacity, miss. Please, ask for anything you need, including room service.”

“Are the natural spring pools available?”

“Yes, miss. Were you interested in them?”

Serin smiled. “They are my primary reason for booking here. The rooms are adjoining?”

“Yes, ma’am. Would you like help with your bags?”

Aeryn smiled and nodded to the collection of alphas who were staring at Serin. “I’ve got it. Thank you for your assistance.”

They nodded and released her luggage.

Serin smiled and thanked the alphas. “Don’t tell anyone I am here.”

There was a curl of power that she sent out to confirm that no one wrecked the surprise. It really wasn’t hard to bind one thread of gossip when it was about her.

They got their keys, and Aeryn carried the bags to their rooms on the main floor in a distant corner closest to the spring.

Serin smiled. “There is nothing like coming home again. I was surprised by your passport.”

Aeryn chuckled. “I thought you had me thoroughly vetted.”

“I did, but you were born on Emerald?”

“In the middle of the chain on a small research base for weather systems. Natural births are given citizenship, and we get a kiss on our head from the ruling body if we leave with our parents. So, my parents have one country of origin, and I have another.”

Serin smiled. “So, your skills come from the islands.”

“They come from the wind and waves. I am wind and waves. Well, I am now.” Aeryn looked at her. “What can I get away with without causing notice?”

“The maxi dresses. Sandals.”

“Nice. When are we going to your family home?”

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