Chapter Four #2
“I didn’t fit. My parents are both professionals, my brothers are in research, and I could barely get my accountancy. I can do it, but I really don’t like it.”
“What do you like?”
She turned and whispered in his ear.
He looked at her clothing. “Right. Well, you look comfortable, if not island standard. Can you make something up for Ven? I think she would look good in something black and gold.”
“Are you able to get drones?”
“No, but you can put it on the ferry, and it will get to her.”
“Fine. I will make her something and send you the image in case you want any changes.”
Syar grinned. “And sing. Sing to please the king.”
“Stop rhyming.”
“Eat and then sing something. Anything. That’s an order.”
She nodded. “Ven is going to get firmer control over you. You are getting bossy.”
He grinned. “I know. Having everything I want has been both calming and stimulating. I can hardly wait until Missus shows up and gives Ven more birds.”
“So, the royal family is being controlled by a giant kitty?”
There was a low rumble behind her, and she turned and looked at the feline who had emerged from the edge of the trees and grasses. Moira mimicked the sound the panther made, a kittenish brrrrppp, and looked at her with a lashing tail.
Syar said calmly, “That is Missus. Do you want me to get Ven?”
“Nope. This is fine.” She crouched and spoke to the cat. “You are going to give Ven a year before you bring the birds again, right?”
Moira felt the want for kittens.
“I understand, but look at the city. Ven could fill the city over time. That would mean her children couldn’t breed.
They would all have to leave to find mates.
That would empty the island. Give her the year and then bring the birds.
” She mentally went through the seasons on the island, and finally, the cat huffed and started cleaning her paws.
Syar said, “You can understand her?”
“Yeah, but the important part is that she understands me.”
Ven came over and looked at Missus and Moira. “Have a nice chat?”
“As long as you were serious about not having a child for at least a year.”
“Wait, you are stopping her?”
“I have asked her not bring you the birds for a year, and then, I showed her the birds on the residence step again.” Moira stood slowly. “She understands, but she’s not impressed. She wanted to cuddle with your babies again.”
“She can still bring her little ones to mine.”
Moira passed along the image of Missus lying next to the babies with Penina pulling on her tail.
Missus got up and rubbed against Ven.
Ven paused and then smiled. “She’s going to bring her next babies to us and play with the littles. Thanks for negotiating. I couldn’t get through to her.”
“You are welcome. As long as I am in the islands, I am willing to translate.”
Rache came over. “Come on, the food is good, and they keep muttering that you have been asked to sing. You sing?”
“Uh, yeah. It’s the only time I sit still.” She went, got a plate, and joked with the band Emerald Shiver. They were all guarding their pregnant mate with cheerful fanaticism. “Why don’t you guys sing?”
Key grinned. “We have retired. You are up, Mimi.”
“I hate you so much, fire brain.”
“I accept that, now finish your plate and entertain us.”
She ate, walked to the shore, washed her hands, and then walked back to take the guitar. After she settled on a rock, she started to pluck and strum the strings as she played island lullabies, some pop music, and one of Emerald Shiver’s number one songs.
When she was done, she belched and walked over to Reynaldo, looking at his stunned face. She curtsied and handed the instrument over.
Rache and Eden grinned and started applauding. The villagers applauded, and Syar whistled.
Moira bowed and then went to get more food. Not collapsing in a heap when everyone was looking at her took a lot of energy.
The sleep in the guestrooms made her wish her hearing wasn’t as sharp as it was. The royal triad was enthusiastic in their appreciation of each other until about three in the morning.
Moira yawned over breakfast. Syar sat next to her. “So, your family is happy you are coming home.”
“Yes, but they are going to have to go over to Wonder to visit, or I will take a ferry back here for a day or two.”
“You don’t want to stay on Emerald?”
“Being this close to my family can be a bit much.”
Syar looked at her and nodded.
Ven came in with Reynaldo. “Why aren’t you a professional singer?”
Moira looked at her two new friends and said, “I have a fear of crowds. I was playing as a teen and—”
Syar gasped. “I forgot about that. An alpha grabbed her and simply tried to haul her off.”
“No one did anything; they thought it was part of the performance. I had to trash my guitar to get him to let me go.”
Syar winced. “Right. He was apologetic.”
“Sure. Once he got stitches and a cold compress,” Moira muttered. “At least I am far less portable now.”
Syar looked at her. “That is a fascinating observation.”
She looked down at herself. “Do you think that is why I can’t shrink?”
“Could be. How did you feel when you grew?”
“Conspicuous but safe.” She paused. “Oh. Shit.”
Syar sighed. “Sometimes we have to face what we fear.”
“Like when you came back and accepted Reynaldo.”
“Exactly like that.”
She got a hug, and Syar reached up to ruffle her hair. She scrunched her shoulders, and he laughed again.
She looked around and found Eden and Rache talking to her mother over fruit salad.
Moira smiled at how comfortable they both looked.
Syar said, “Walk with me a bit. Kekoa has an idea for a show, and he asked me if you would do it.”
“Wait. Why am I suddenly a creature of myth and legend?”
“The first is the pointy ears, and the second is... you always were. So, it’s a free-running show across the island with stops at scenic points and a few swimming sections.”
“Right. And he wants me competing like this?” She waved a hand down her body.
“Do you have any sports gear?”
“Of course. It’s at the airfield with the enormous stash of fabric I brought with me.”
“So, you want to be a seamstress?”
“Want isn’t the right word. Out of everything that I have tried over the last decade, this feels the most like me, and I really enjoy the faces of people who put on the garments for the first time and just glow.”
Syar paused. “May I touch your shirt?”
“Sure.”
He stroked the edge of the blouse, and his eyes went wide. “Where did you get this fabric?”
“Um, I spent some of my savings having it designed for me. All kinds of colours. I have just the thing for Ven, by the way.”
“You brought supplies?”
“I boxed up a shop and had it settled in the plane. That’s why I very politely asked for the flight back. The cost of shipping would have killed me.”
He grinned. “So, you really mean to stay in the islands?”
“Sure. I can work from home if I find the right position. I know I can get satellite internet out here.” She smiled.
Syar chuckled and gave her a side hug. “Whatever you need, let me know. I am always eager to participate in success.”
“Your daughter is gorgeous, and your beta is stunning.”
“What about my alpha?”
“He’s an alpha.” She shrugged and grinned.
Syar laughed. “A little short for you?”
“Meh. I am not shopping.”
“Perhaps you already have someone in your cart.” He waggled his brows at her.
“Stow it, Your Majesty.”
He laughed. “I am telling your grandma.”
“Go ahead. She isn’t too pleased with my alteration.”
“She had a list of alphas she wanted to introduce you to.”
“Ah. She’s realized my brothers are doofuses, and I am her easiest chance for a great-grandchild.”
Syar grinned. “Probably. They have an admirable focus on their work, but the ladies seem to have escaped their notice.”
“Oh. Oh! Right. Yeah, I am glad I am over to Wonder tomorrow.”
He chuckled. “No interest in alphas?”
“Um... it has to be the right one. The way things are going, I might have to lick one to tell if he’s the right one.”
Syar laughed. “Oh, please record that if it is the way you decide to go.”
“No.”
He cackled. “I cannot get over how silky your skin feels.”
“I know. I feel like a lotion commercial. This is the most skin I have shown in four weeks.”
Syar frowned. “That’s not good.”
“Nope. Too many people on Emerald know me, but I think I might have a fighting chance on Wonder.”
Syar nodded. “Breakridge is a better bet for that, but it has too few people. Where are you staying?”
“Grandma Barnes had a small farm, and she left it to me. I have contacted my property manager, and based on photos, it is ready for habitation again.”
“You have a shop?”
“I have rented one of the new storefronts next to the tourist offices. I have enough stock right now to fill the store.” Moira smiled. “Then I just have to wait and see if anyone bites.”
Syar opened his mouth and then closed it. “Nope. Too easy. You know Illu is over there as an instructor at the new dance studio, right?”
“Oh. Shit.”
“Yeah, she never forgets an owed final.”
“Maybe I can just postpone it.”
“Good luck with that.” Syar chuckled. “When Ven took classes, Illu was brought in to do the finals. We had to do it alongside her.”
“Oh, no.”
“Oh, yes. We have plenty of video. Most of the village showed up.”
“That’s an actual nightmare for me, especially now.”
Syar nodded. “Got it. She probably will still try.”
“I know. Thanks for reminding me. I am not sleeping tonight.”
She got another hug and then walked over to talk to the ladies who were getting information from her mother. She looked at Eden, “Are you doing all right?”
“Yes, your mother has been giving us the social mores as betas in the islands. Even more information on Wonder with their dating bands.”
“Ah. Are you going to take some of the Wonder citizens for a spin? It can get pricey.” Moira smiled.
Rache chuckled. “Well, my flight was paid for, so I have some funds to spend.”
“Yes, well, we are talking astronomic charges. There is one grouping I am aware of that was worth half a million together if no one had waived their fees.”
Rache paused. “They can override it?”
“Yup, and virgins frolic free.” Moira smiled.
Eden sighed, “That lets me out.”
Moira looked at her. “It is about what goes in, not what comes out. It’s pretty strict like that.”
“Oh. Well, then I qualify.”
Rache chuckled. “Right. Me, too.”
Moira smiled. “And so, the three musketeers came together and smote the wicked, rewarding the just.”
The ladies grinned. Eden held her hand out. “One for all.”
Rache answered, “And kill the fun.”
Moira murmured, “Heart to heart and cheek to cheek, the music is where the alphas meet, so twist the words and join the light, a soul rewarded and another bright. Step to the beach and learn the shadow, what’s new today is forever tomorrow.”
Eden and Rache looked at her. Eden asked, “What was that?”
“Uh, no idea. I have been doing that a lot. I go all rhyme and chant. It came with the ears.” She shrugged. “Have you had enough fun and frolicking on the beach?”
Rache nodded, and Eden smiled. “Your family and the locals were wonderful.”
“Yes, once they know you aren’t out to get clamshells made of coconuts, they warm up to you.” Moira smiled. “Anyone want to crash in a nice comfy bed before we head out on the open ocean tomorrow?”
Eden smiled. “That sounds great.”
Rache nodded. “I can save my dancing feet for Wonder.”
Moira hugged her family, even her brothers, and said goodnights. Ven led them into the royal residence and the guestrooms.
Moira said softly, “You are still enjoying life in the islands?”
Venetia grinned. “I am. Kids, an alpha, and all the omega I can cuddle. The circus school is coming along, and two of our graduates have made their way to cirque performances. We are so proud.”
“You should be proud.” Moira laughed. “I haven’t tried dancing with this body yet. I don’t think it will move the same.”
“Your singing is incredible.”
“Um, apparently, one of our ancestors was a bard or something. Some kind of entertainer. About one in five of us have a musical interest, or so I have determined by talking with some of the ladies from the book club.”
“You talked to other elf omegas?”
“Oh. No. Just the ladies who have friends who are elf omegas. They knew quite a bit.”
“Why did you hide?”
“Um, because elf alphas are kinda scary,” she said quietly. “Rache’s are a giant spider and a humongous scorpion. Eden only has one, and he’s just shadows.”
“Do you know what yours are?”
“Elves?”
“How do you know about the others but not yours?”
Moira shrugged. “Dunno. I can just see things differently when I look at them. Plus, Rache already knows hers. The webs she shoots are kinda obvious.”
“Oh, right.” Ven touched her cheek. “Stay in touch, be kind to yourself, and if you don’t like your mates, lure them here, and I will sic the big cats on them. The kittens can be particularly vicious.”
Moira smiled. “Thanks for the offer. I will keep it in mind.”
Ven hugged her and said, “I have never seen Syar so happy to see someone returning. Even his cousins just got a handshake.”
Moira breathed deep. “It is so nice to be back in the islands. I have missed home.”
“Can I ask, what did you look like before?”
Moira smiled and brought out her phone, showing her selfies with friends and a few where she was looking toward distant trees.
“Wow. You look a lot like Syar. Same skin but darker hair and darker eyes. Are you related?”
“Five generations or so.”
“But you don’t call him cousin.”
“Of course not, he’s my king.”
Ven paused. “I suppose he is. Good night, Moira.”
“Good night, Princess Venetia.”
Ven grinned, hugged her, and said, “You were pretty before, but now you are stunning. Shoulders back, tits out. Head high. You don’t need to hide.”
“I know, but it’s what I know. Being seen is terrifying like this. There is nowhere to hide.”
“And yet you ran to the islands.”
“They are where I feel at home. I will stand out more but feel more at peace. Unlike the city, the islands have my back.”
Ven nodded. “That, I understand.”
“Good night, Ven. Enjoy your year with your babies before the island demands more.”
“Thank you for translating. I may ask you to do the same the next time she pushes the timeline. I gestate fast, but I am not repopulating the island on my own.”
Moira grinned as Ven left the guestroom. She got undressed for bed and lay down listening to the serenade of frogs that told her she was home.