Page 24 of Homecoming

Four peacekeepers ran toward them. They took in the scene and grabbed Sara, disarming her immediately.

She looked at the blurry men and said, “If Amby is still around with Dorian, can you ask him for a bottle of water? She got some hits in, and there’s a bit of split skin.”

Loken was roaring and thrashing his head to free himself.

“Oh, and get her out of here and leave the bamboo pole. I think it is my blood that is setting him off.”

“Yes, miss. I will see if I can find Dorian.” One of the peacekeepers turned and took off back to the square.

She got up on all fours and turned off the water. She mumbled, “This is not an invitation.”

There was a whine and a huff, and then, he started to lick her head. She held onto his scaled arm, and he kept licking. Feet thundered toward them, and Dorian said, “I have some water with me. Will he let me apply it?”

Loken paused and nodded his head. Aeryn looked up, and the water poured over her head, soothing and removing the pain.

She sighed and opened her eyes as the water continued, and then, something warm hit her shoulder. Needle-sharp teeth were inches from her skin, and saliva dripped. “Dude, are you drooling?”

Dorian chuckled. “Your clothing isn’t water resistant.”

She looked down. She looked like she was nude. “Ah. Right. Loken and I agreed to cool it for this evening. While I appreciate the assist, I am not going to flop on my back for my gallant hero.”

There was a very loud snort next to her neck. He nipped her, and she gasped and punched his jaw. There was a feathery link that grew stronger.

The peacekeeper with Dorian cleared his throat. “Ma’am, can you get him to change to human?”

She looked at the man. “Why don’t you ask him?”

He looked at her as if she were simple. “He’s either in rut or very close. You two are mates, right? Just not official? He’ll listen to you.”

She sighed. “Loken, stop being an ass and get back to skin and hair.”

There was a huffing sound, and her companion from earlier soon was standing naked in front of her. “So, that blew the big reveal.”

She glanced down at him and shrugged. “It’s within species norms. Well, the one on the right is, the one on the left is in shadow. I hope you don’t use both at the same time.”

He blinked. “You aren’t distressed?”

“No. Usually, lizard types retract them when they are not on active duty.”

She slowly stood, and Dorian stated, “You should stay with someone tonight. You have had quite a blow.”

Aeryn looked at him. “You have to be fucking kidding me.”

He shrugged. “I am not kidding. Head injuries are tricky.”

Loken smiled. “I will stay, and no shenanigans.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Fine. Where did your sarong go?”

“Did you want me to put it back on?”

“Please. Let’s not scare the front desk. I have to ask for extra towels.”

The peacekeeper left, laughing, and Dorian wished them good night.

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