Page 20 of Homecoming

“Maybe it is time to let go of some of the control?”

“Not until they bring me clean records. No way someone is going to brag about fucking their way through the seven seas, and I just accept that they are perfectly fine.”

“Can’t you smell the difference? I hear that diseased mates smell different.”

“Oh, sure. They are both perfectly fine, but they opened their mouth and hurt my feelings, and I want them inconvenienced. I hate feeling awkward or disposable.”

Thera blinked. “Right. Did you want to come over for dinner?”

“No. I will get changed and get something in the square. I might even put my black cuff on.”

Thera stared. “Wow.”

“Just for an ego boost. A match is unlikely, but I am in the mood to flirt. It doesn’t have to be any deeper than that.”

“I will have to try that one day.”

Aeryn chuckled and looked to the nearby Kayak. “All the toys back in storage?”

“You bet. Let us know if you want to go out and play again.”

“I will. We will see how the footage comes out later this week if you all don’t mind.”

“I have the case with all the current chips. You can take a look and let us know what you think.”

“I will probably bring them all back and let Orc take a look. I hate looking at myself.”

Thera stared at her. “Why? You are gorgeous.”

“I had nothing to do with that. The only thing I have ever controlled is what I eat and what I have studied.”

Orc snagged the drive packet and grinned. “Send me the music. I will put something together.”

“Right. It will be on the way. We have a few, so pick your favourites.” She sent the music to the charter company, and Orc nodded when his phone buzzed. “Got it.”

Aeryn waved at them, thanked them, walked onto the dock, and headed for the crowd. The village was alive with energy. Amby was singing and using her siren effect.

It was going to be a fun evening, so Aeryn hurried to the hotel and got changed. She snapped on her black cuff and smiled. Time to get her flirt on.

Chapter Four

Aeryn could feel the looks and moved to the food carts with a sway in her hips. She collected a few items and paid the vendors. She collected compliments and gave some in return.

When she sat at one of the tables, she wasn’t alone for long. She spent the evening nibbling snacks and catching angry looks from a table full of tourists, aside from the woman sitting and scribbling on a notebook. Ah, the bachelorette party.

“A woman as stunning as you should never be alone.” A hand wearing a white cuff braced itself on the table.

She looked up with a polite comment on her lips, and it froze in place when she saw Loken. “Oh, hi. What are you doing here?”

He smiled. “May I sit?”

“Um, sure.”

“So, he and I have both been tested and paid the extra to get expedited results. You are wearing a black band. I didn’t peg you for a local.”

She muttered, “Pegging costs extra.”

Loken grinned and leaned in to whisper, “One thing at a time, but I am game if you are.”

---