Page 7 of Starfall

Chapter Two

Emery sat in the backyard on the lush grass. There shouldn’t be grass, but Nori’s place defied all normal expectations. It was a warm summer afternoon in the middle of winter.

She smiled and stroked the head of the three-tailed cat on her lap.

“You look comfortable,” Rowen spoke softly.

Emery looked up at him and nodded. “I am. It is very comfortable down here, and Archimedes here won’t let me up.”

“Does he have three tails?”

“He does. He’s one of Nori’s first experiments and is a sweetie.”

“He looks sweet. How does she keep him fed?”

“There are no rodents or stray sheep in the area, and her grocery bill is huge.” She chuckled and kept rubbing the head that was as large as her thigh from knee to hip.

He crouched next to her, and his shirt was dangling from his hand. “You are upset.”

“I was. I am getting better.” She sighed. “I am sorry I was so agitated. I wasn’t expecting the last forty-eight hours.”

“I wasn’t either, but I am glad it has happened. This was the shove between us that I think was needed.”

“Great, so if I behead another ogre, we can have a first date.”

He stroked hair from her cheek. “Or we could just go to the party tonight and try and dance.”

She stared at him. “I don’t have an invite. I know those things are fairly strict. There isn’t a plus-one vibe.”

“I will ask Hunter for one.” He pulled his phone out and sent a message.

“It isn’t necessary. I don’t think I am up for a party.”

“What aren’t you telling me?”

“I am banned from council events. The human nature and ogre blood make me unwanted.”

He paused and then scratched the kitty’s head. “Please allow me to deal with that.”

She snorted. “Why would you want to? It is a bit of an old boys’ club as far as I have been able to ascertain.”

“Yes, well, there are more ladies nowadays. More women with power are entering the space.”

“I am firmly in monster class.”

“Then, they will make room for you, or every grain harvest will fail.”

Emery looked at him. “Don’t be stupid. I have read all the books about ogres rampaging and spoiling the ground they walk on. Eating men and magic in equal measure.”

“I will have to brush up on my ogre history.” Rowen sighed.

“Don’t. It’s gross. I am very glad that I didn’t grow up in it.” She played with Archimedes’ ear.

Nori came out and said, “Rowen is clear. No contamination, no venom, and the bite has already closed.”

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