Page 40 of Homecoming

“You can carry stuff.” She smirked.

“My pleasure. Lead the way.”

Ahheel looked at them and sighed. “I will be quick at the shop. I promise.”

Exeter smiled. “I will watch her for us.”

Mini smiled shyly, but it was a definite smile. Exeter and Ahheel stroked her cheek and shoulder.

They made their way to the launch, and a fresh crew got them to the dock.

Aeryn sent a thin blade of wind out to find Serin, and when she found her talking with Hara and Kekoa, Aeryn set off toward the square.

Mini caught up with her and said, “Where are we going?”

“I am going to see my boss and then go and eat some snacks.” She linked arms with her. “Come along.”

Serin laughed when she saw her. “So, which mark is which?”

She pointed to the individual marks. “Big dinosaur, lost island.”

Kekoa’s eyes bugged out. “The lost island is here?”

Mini said, “Yeah, he is really pissed and heading here with their third.”

Aeryn paused and turned. “I forgot to say where I was going?”

Sohar growled. “Yes.”

Serin laughed. “She does that a lot. You either get used to it or go insane.”

Sohar wrapped his arms around her and looked at Kekoa. “Hello, Your Majesty.”

Kekoa inclined his head. “Great one, to what do we owe the pleasure?”

“Nature has given me a mate. I would be a fool to ignore the opportunity.”

“You had a companion.”

“And now we are complete. There is a restful feeling if you let yourself feel it. No guilt over the past, just acceptance of the now.” He hugged Aeryn. “And the now is just what I needed.”

She laughed. “The now is going to stomp on your foot. I promised Mini snacks, and we are going to get them.”

He chuckled. “I look forward to a time when satisfying your appetites will be available for personal execution.” He let her go.

Aeryn nodded to him, her boss, Hara, and Kekoa, who still looked dazed.

Sohar sat down at the table, and before she left, she patted him on the shoulder and said, “Close your knees, sweety.”

She and Mini headed off in search of snacks while the ladies laughed, and Kekoa looked appalled.

Aeryn showed Mini the good stuff, and when she had the idea, she wandered off. A few minutes later, Mini reappeared with a cupped leaf and chopsticks. A tangle of noodles was there, and they smelled amazing.

Mini smiled. “These are really good.”

Aeryn stared at them in shock. Her hand was shaking as she reached for the cup. “May I?”

Mini nodded. “Sure. It’s a few kiosks down. There’s a line, though.”

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