Page 29 of Entranced By the Nakken
Yes, later. He gnawed on his lip. Casey had many plans when that time came around as well. Many of those plans were very dirty, but at least one involved fixing that damned portal and offering Tsunis two homes, so they always knew they had a place to belong.
Chapter Thirteen
Tsunis
Tsunis gnawed on the crunchy treat Casimir’s mother offered. They didn’t have to fake the sound of bliss that escaped them when the sweet flavors burst on their tongue, which delighted Martha endlessly.
For so long, Tsunis had waited in the rapids while humans lived their lives nearby. Before that, they fought bloody battles, used their dragon form for destruction, and sang songs of battle and funeral dirges. They never complained. Never imagined a better life, although plenty of times, they wondered about the humans living carefree above.
“I’m so glad you like them!” Martha’s smile was so infectious that Tsunis giggled in a very non-warrior-like way. Ading rang out from somewhere in the house. “Oh! It’s lovely to meet you, Tsunis. I hope you kids have fun at the show.”
“The pleasure is mine.” Tsunis stood from the bed and bowed low. “You have my gratitude.”
“Oh, gosh!” the kind woman rushed Tsunis. Tsunis hesitated, worried she might notice the damp hem of the floor-length dress they’d borrowed from Casimir’s sibling’s closet when they snuck through the window. The damn hem grew wet at the slightest touch of their ankles and would not stay dry no matter how much magic they flung its way.
Tsunis relented to Martha’s embrace, meeting Casimir’s mocking gaze over her shoulder.
The alarm blared again, startling Martha into action. When the door shut, it was Casimir who giggled. Tsunis scowled, which only made him giggle harder.
Casimir’s device trilled. He answered, assuring Sophie they’d be on their way soon. Tsunis had met her briefly at the water’s edge. She had a warm voice, complimentary to Casimir’s. Tsunis believed it would be a thrilling experience to watch them perform the song.
Not long later, Tsunis was admiring their mate’s firm ass as he lead them outside.
“Doing okay?” Casimir held open the door to his land vehicle. Tsunis nodded then growled as Casimir’s palm smacked their ass before it landed on the seat. Casimir shut the door with a wink.
They arrived at Sophie’s building, and Casimir laced their fingers together as they climbed the stairs to a dilapidated housing complex. Tsunis was grateful for the anchor, but they found themself so curious about their surroundings, they forgot to be nervous.
Then a large, hairy human opened the door with a grunt. Tsunis tensed, driving Casimir behind them, ready to take up arms.
Casimir placed his free hand on the back of Tsunis’ neck in a possessive manner Tsunis quite liked and kissed their temple. “Hey, Noah. This is Tsunis.”
“Tsunis!” Noah’s gruff demeanor shifted. He pushed a wad of unkempt yellow hair from his face and did a double take, gaze landing above Tsunis’ head before swiveling toward someone inside the home. “Oh, fuck, you guys were for real?”
Casimir’s chuckle rumbled against Tsunis’ back. He circled them in the doorway and nudged Noah aside.
“Nice to meet you, Tsunis,” Noah said as they passed, his tone more alert and welcoming, though he was devoid of color and radiating apprehension. “I’m Noah, Sophie’s boyfriend.”
“Ew,” Sophie muttered from the lounge area. “Just say husband. Or partner. Boyfriend sounds weird.”
Casimir laughed and shut the door. “How long do we have?”
“Long enough!” Sophie popped up from the couch and grabbed Tsunis’ free hand. “You’re with me.”
Casimir squeezed their hand before letting go. Tsunis nodded once, following the peppy woman clad in all black to a bedroom. On the riverbank, they’d agreed to let her help style them for the night, seeing as they were about the same size.
The door clicked shut. Sophie shuffled Tsunis forward until they stood awkwardly at the edge of a disheveled mattress. Sophie flung open the doors to a wardrobe full of black clothing and flicked through the garments, occasionally pausing to ponder one while tossing glances at Tsunis. Every few pauses, she ripped an item from the rod and tossed it onto the bed.
“So, I know this is out of your comfort zone,” Sophie broached during one of her glances. “Casey said you don’t normally wear clothes.”
Tsunis dipped their head.
“Did you pick out that dress yourself?” she asked, motioning toward the long floral dress with loose sleeves that flowed when they walked. When Tsunis nodded, Sophie beamed. “Okay, that’s a great starting point. What did you like about it?”
Tsunis frowned. They looked down at the fabric, which was fitted to their waist but draped loosely on the lower half. The straight neckline swooped under their clavicle and hugged muscular shoulders.
Overwhelmed, they scowled at the dress in silence. Sophie softened, placing a gentle hand on their shoulder and guiding them to the long mirror hanging on the inside of the wardrobe door.
“I know this is a lot.” Sophie stood next to them in the mirror with a sympathetic smile. “Want to point towards the bits you like?”
