Chapter Six
Moira looked at the sketchbook that Mickey had produced. “Wow. These are lovely. I think I can even manage a few.”
“Nice. Can I get some in black? Just let me know what you want for them. I have some spending money after the most recent alphas versus betas show.”
“Oh, yeah. I saw you on the Sityr team.”
“Yeah, their alpha went into rut and tried to grab Asel, so they ended up on the quiet island, and she came back when she was through it.”
“You put them on an island?” She paused. “Oh, wait. Right. Unattached alphas get put in the bad dog box.”
Mickey laughed. “Yeah. That.” She paused. “So, do you have anything in my size?”
“Nothing like one of these designs, but... yeah. I think I have a two-piece that would be nice on you. It’s dark green.”
“I love dark green.”
“Okay, it is in...” She looked around and found the box. “This one.” She tore the tape off and opened the box, pulling out a fabric bag and tossing it to Mickey.
Mickey opened the bag curiously and then unrolled a dress that was basically a thick collar covered with beadwork, and from there, selectively pinned fabric gave it shape and visual access to cleavage and the sides of her waist. “Oh, wow. This is... lovely. It doesn’t feel like I am wearing anything at all. ”
“Yeah, the hand of the fabric is super soft. Trust me, you are covered.”
Mickey grinned. “You are sure you want to live out here?”
“This is my home, Mix. I live for the touch of the ocean winds and the whisper of the trees. I want to surf again.”
“No, I mean here. On Wonder.”
Moira blinked. “Oh, right. The alpha issue.”
“Yeah. That. I mean, I am safe.”
“Why?”
“Because I am legally only nineteen, right?”
“Right.” She snorted. “But your soul has seen things it shouldn’t.”
“I know. So, do you want to set up the displays and the dresses you haven’t given away?”
Moira looked at her. “Are you volunteering?”
“Volunteering? Hell, I am willing to partner with you.”
“What?”
“Oh, yeah. I have been looking for a project, and I am far more front-of-house than you are.”
Moira looked at Mickey and hugged her. “You are really right. Okay, let’s get to work.”
They laughed and started the hours of unpacking, setting up the mannequins, and getting them dressed.
Moira arranged the fabric bolts, got her sewing machine out, and hid it with a screen.
She got her scan unit out and put it behind the shop counter while Mickey played dolly dress-up.
“How did you make so many of these?”
“I only sleep a few hours a day right now. There is a task to do, and I am doing it. I am sure that I will crash now that I am here.”
Mickey collapsed the empty boxes and put them in the back of the shop, near the stock and office area. “Okay. We are done. Come on, I want to buy you something to eat.”
“Were we meeting the others? I forget.”
“Grab your bag. We will go to your grandmother’s house, and you can get changed for your first night on the island.”
Moira looked around at the silent figures wearing omega-soft gowns. “Alohi is going to want something.”
Mickey linked arms with her and hauled her out the door, letting her lock up, and then they walked toward the coast, where Moira’s grandmother’s family home was. “Wow. You had it cleaned up.”
“I did. I knew I was coming, so I hired some cleaners to go over it.” She walked up the low steps and inhaled. It smelled like home. Part of her soul unclenched as she unlocked the front door and crossed the threshold.
“Your gran left it to you?”
“She did. She said I would need a place to call home when I came back.” She smiled as she walked into the empty space with the polished wood furniture.
She took her bag and was nearly to the room she had used when she visited, then sighed and went to her grandmother’s room.
The bedding was white cotton, not the flowered pattern that her grandmother favoured. It was a blank slate for her.
She put her bag down and pulled out a gown that had sleeves that had a gold bead at the shoulder and another at the wrist. Her arms were open to the breezes. It, also, wasn’t deeply cut. It was lovely but modest.
Her sandals were pretty and strappy, but the cross-lacing was visible with the high-low skirt.
She twisted her hair up into a loose, messy bun and put a hair spike from her first time at Ahheel’s shop through it.
Swallowing, she walked down to meet Mickey, and her friend stopped and grinned. “Oh, wow. Mimi, all grown up.”
“Thanks. I always feel better with some kind of sleeves.”
“Well, you look stunning.”
“Thanks. Are you ever going to look your age again?”
“Not until I am nice and settled out here. This much youth freaks out the dark Elite.” She waved at her face. “Come on. Do you want to do the food carts or the restaurant?”
“Duh, food carts.”
“Let’s go wake up your pay chip.” Mickey laughed and linked arms with her.
Moira laughed, and they left her family home and walked out to where the sunlight was just starting to turn pink.
As they walked into the central area, Moira remembered, “Aren’t we supposed to go to the palace for dinner?”
“They will send someone for you. We can snack. I know you have favourites.”
“This is true. I only had half of them yesterday.”
“Well, then, you need to catch up.”
They laughed and walked into the commercial area of the island using shortcuts through thick jungle and coming out into the riot of tourists and locals getting ready for the evening events.
Moira got her favourite deep-fried dumplings with herbed vinegar drizzled over them. She sat on a nearby bench and waited for the wilding to grab her own food.
A deep voice spoke from her left. “You are still getting used to your new form?”
“I am stuck in it. Yes.” She used a small bamboo stick to eat a dumpling.
“You aren’t even going to look at me?”
“I have a general idea of what you are. Why are you here?”
“Your second and I came here in pursuit of you, and since we are here, we have entered the free-running competition.”
She whipped her head around and stared at the handsome man in loose cotton clothing. His hair was black, his skin was island dark, and his smile was bright. “Made you look.”
Her boss had never looked as delightfully touchable. She paused and then snorted. “Yes, you did. You obviously have control of yourself.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Do you have a reason for being here?”
He grinned, showing fangs. “Yes, I do.”
She sighed and focused on her dumplings. She bit into the next one, catching the juice with her free hand. Moira glanced around for Mickey, and she was talking seriously with another alpha, who looked over at Moira and grinned.
“So, how did you guys get here so fast?”
“Transporting.”
“Oh. Right.” She continued eating. “I heard about that.”
“So, you quit work.”
“Yeah. I didn’t fit in my office chair anymore. Elevators felt weird. I just wanted to be home. It’s all stairs on the chain islands.”
He nodded. “You did startle me that day. I had gotten used to you just puttering around the offices. Suddenly, I could feel your energy, your scent filled the room, and the look of panic in your eyes made me want to wrap you in my arms and get you somewhere safe.”
“But I was faster.”
He smiled. “You were faster... and you didn’t come back.”
“Nope. My clothes didn’t fit, driving was weird, and I didn’t know which friends I could trust with it.
So, I got myself under control and made plans.
I had my grandma’s house, my savings, and suddenly, a lot of fabric turned into dresses, and then I knew what was going on, or at least part of it, so here I am. ”
“How are you feeling about the body?”
“I am getting used to it, but I need to do some beach or forest runs to get myself back to myself.”
He grinned. “May I come with you when you run?”
“Uh, why?”
“Because if I can be beside you, I might not chase you. Oh, are you entering the free-running competition?”
“What?”
“The island is hosting a free-running competition. It begins the day after tomorrow. I have entered it, as has our third. It would be an excellent way to get used to your new form.”
She smirked. “You just want to watch me run and climb trees.”
He grinned. “That is a possibility.”
“So, Mr—”
“Nelwyn. Nelwyn Arthur. Your second is Borwyn Brekal.”
“Nelwyn and Borwyn?”
He chuckled. “We thought it would be easier if we found a mate. We have different occupations and are rarely together. So, it doesn’t get silly.”
“But... you are in finance. I don’t think you get silly often.”
“I do save it for special occasions.” He smiled and then sobered. “I am sorry you are having such difficulty with the new form.”
“It’s fine. I figured out why I can’t shift back.”
He cocked his head. “Why?”
“I don’t feel safe. This form can take on a standard alpha and catch some of the enhanced ones by surprise.” She smiled. “I have been testing it. I am pretty strong.”
He turned his hand up next to her. “Why do you feel the need?”
“Oh, I have been hauled around by alphas a few times, and I did not care for the experience.” She looked at his hand and slowly settled her palm against his. “Don’t get excited. I am just trying this out.”
He smiled when she glanced at him. “You are willing to try trust, and that is something I am willing to respect. I will let Borwyn know that he is not to initiate contact. He can invite but not force contact.”
“You are doing that right now, aren’t you?”
He nodded. “When you decide to trust us, the link will be between the three of us, communication will be easy, and we can be at your side in a heartbeat.”
Moira glanced at him. “Do you think that will help?”
“When you can use both of your forms, I will know that it has.”
“I am just guessing at why I am stuck. That might not be it.”
He shrugged. “Then, we go after all possible factors until you are relaxed and able to be the woman you once were.”
She sighed. “You are good at this.”
He got to his feet and pulled her up. “We took classes. We had the time.”
She blinked. “Oh. Right.”