Page 86 of The Explorer
“Banni. My name is Banni.”
“Yes, I know. Aubri says that it means outcast.”
“That’s right.” He stretched his legs on the recliner and grinned. “I like your drones a whole lot better than ours, and from what I’ve seen so far, your women are exceptionally gorgeous too.” He ended his sentence by winking at Sparrow, who blinked her eyes, not used to such direct compliments.
Indiana groaned. “Remember what I told you about staying out of fights in the Northlands? Don’t say a woman is gorgeous in front of her husband or family members. They might get protective.”
“But Sparrow’s husband isn’t here,” Banni said defending himself.
“I don’t have a husband.”
“Why not? You have to be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. How did you manage to stay unmarried?”
Sparrow stared at Banni, who had the same shade of caramel-colored skin as her. “I’m the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen?”
He nodded. “You must hear that all the time.”
She looked to me and then back to him as if she wasn’t sure if he was messing with her. “Not exactly.”
“Well, then now you know.” With a confident grin he turned to Indiana. “Is there anything to drink on board this fine machine?”
Jones showed where the cold drinks were stored as we flew through the sky toward the people that we loved the most.
I couldn’t wait to see my family’s reaction when I told them that I’d picked the Nman that I wanted to marry.
CHAPTER 22
Homecoming
Aubri
There was an entire welcoming committee when we landed in front of the Gray Mansion.
Mason, Belle, Dina, Thor, Freya, Khan, Pearl, Christina, Alexander, Lara, and my parents were all there along with Sparrow’s parents Kya and Archer.
I received hugs and kisses from the family, and Mason squeezed me hard when he lifted me from the ground.
“It’s good to see you, sis.”
I grinned. “I’d forgotten what a giant you are. How is married life?”
Beaming, Mason set me back down and pulled Belle against his body. “Couldn’t be happier.”
“Belle.”
“Banni?” I loved seeing the surprise and complete disbelief on her face when he came to hug her.
“How are you here?” Her eyes teared up. “Did you come for the wedding?”
“I came to see you and to experience the Northlands.”
Banni’s gaze went to Belle’s large stomach and back up to her soft smile. A long exchange of French passed between them and this time I was able to make out that he told her she looked radiant and healthy.
“Can you believe Banni is here?” Belle said to Mason and dried her eyes.
“Good to see you again.” Mason held out his hand to Banni and the two men shook hands.
“Aubri, we can never thank you enough for what you did for us,” Belle told me.
