Page 3 of Homecoming

“This afternoon. I need to spend some time in the spring to recharge. You are welcome to wander around or check out our office.”

“Of course, Minister.” She grinned. “Are you good?”

“I am good. I know my way around.”

“Okay. Call if you need me. I am gonna strip.” Aeryn headed into her bedroom with her wide lenses in place.

Serin laughed as her assistant began to change into the uniform of the islands with enough concealment to avoid attracting attention. Aeryn had confirmed that she had never been assaulted, but she had run into an alpha at some point, andnow, she was using comic book disguises, and so far, they had been working.

Aeryn came out a few minutes later when Serin was finishing her change for the springs. Hair scraped back in a high bun, a voluminous maxi dress in a beautiful blue with a loose sash at the hips. The wide glasses that she favoured obscured her strikingly pretty face.

“So, do I look like a hotty on the prowl?”

Serin grinned. “Nope. You look like a sixty-year-old librarian on vacation.”

Aeryn pumped her fist. “Yes. I will shed my alter-ego when we start trolling for partnerships for the adventure tourism. Amby’s video is only going to whet the appetite, and some folks are terrified of diving. I am more of the jungle hikes, sea-doo, and zipline type myself.”

“Those require infrastructure, and that requires money that Kekoa is not willing to part with. We’ll get it done. Investment will be good for the island.”

Aeryn laughed. “And the population. So many males and so few females. It’s no wonder there are large groupings happening.”

“And you don’t intend to join on.”

“Nope. I like my romance limited to one person, maybe two.”

“How about three?” Serin boosted herself up on her crutches.

“Don’t push it. Do you need a hand getting around?”

“No. I am home now. People are willing to help me.”

Aeryn nodded. “Off I go. Do you want one of those cuffs?”

“Oh, no. Not yet. Not until I am back on my feet. A few days.” Serin breathed deeply. “I already feel better.”

“Are you sure you want me to start running around?”

“Yes. The sooner you get used to this place, the better. See if you can find some food or something.”

“Right. I will bring back some snacks.”

“See if you can find the little sweet crackers with sesame seeds.” She smiled. “Back before lunch?”

“I will try. I may get lost.” She laughed.

Serin smiled. “Just ask for someone to walk you back to the Dark Well. They will do it.”

Aeryn nodded and walked out with the no nonsense clip of hers. Serin followed, wearing a loose robe over her swimwear. She moved slowly down the halls, feeling the heavy silence of the waiting world. When Kekoa was voted in, the people were excited because his union gave energy to the population, but the island went dormant when she left. It was the same as when she took that step onto the ferry. It had waited for her. Now, she had to find the mate that was destined for her at this point in her life and see if he was willing to negotiate. The first mate that was chosen for her was a dud, so now, she was hoping that the island was a better judge than her parents.

Arranged marriages weren’t common, but since land was at stake, she had gone along with them. The turnout had been a disaster, but now, she was older, wiser, and far more powerful. Things were going to be set to rights.

* * * *

Aeryn looked at the very handsome alphas, the charming betas, and the welcoming faces that greeted her as she wandered around the village where they were about to make their home.

A small building down a quiet lane had their office. The Ministry of Tourism was going to make its home there, and that is how they were going to bring more citizens to the island.

She used her passcode on the door and gripped the handle, pulling it slowly. It smelled like new paint and coconut. The interior was arranged into a boardroom and small offices with Aeryn’s desk being out front.

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