Chapter Seven

Aeryn raised her brows. “Chase me?”

“Me with my scales and tail, you wearing the outfit that Ahheel described when I was just up there. Sohar having to wait until we are off his shoreline to see them.” He grinned. “After that, we will probably be occupied down here for a while.”

She swallowed. “Ah, right.”

She grabbed a dress and pulled it on over her skin. It was comfortable, but when she checked her image on a reflective surface, it was obvious that there wasn’t anything between her and the fabric. The dress was cut to offer a bit of support, so she tucked her breasts into place and did a test wiggle. The synchronized groans reminded her that she wasn’t alone in the room.

“Sorry, but they are uncomfortable if they aren’t in their proper place.”

Loken smiled. “Adjust them again. We have all night.”

She moved her shoulders. “No, they are good.”

Sohar got up and walked over to wrap his arms around her. “You look beautiful and smart and sassy.”

Aeryn stared at him. “Your speech patterns have changed.”

He grinned. “Did they now?”

“Yes...” She narrowed her eyes.

Loken laughed. “He’s hooked into our brains. He’s a very sweet thug, but his neural pathways need a boost. He has an amazing memory. He will remember anniversaries and birthdays before you do. He knows food preferences and can find anything you have lost no matter how long ago.”

The advertisement made her smile slightly. “So, we are the batteries, and he’s the tool.”

Sohar squeezed her. “Funny.”

He was smart enough not to threaten her with his tool, so she considered him highly evolved at that moment.

“The launch is on the horizon and returning. I think they are going to need a drink.” Sohar chuckled.

She looked up at him and chuckled. “And possibly a sedative that has an effect on memory.”

He smiled and rubbed her back.

Loken chuckled. “Come on. We need to get topside so they don’t assume we are enjoying our mate in graphic and enthusiastic ways.”

Sohar touched her shoulders and smiled. “We will save the graphic enthusiasm for later. After the full moon.”

She had a thought and grabbed her hair. “Sohar, can you cut my hair? I have broken a few dozen scissors, and I am guessing that it has something to do with you.”

He frowned. “I like it.”

“It hangs to my ankles. I have to carry it like a stole half the time.”

“But you do it so well.” Loken chuckled.

“Keep it for the photos. I will revisit it afterward.” He kissed her cheek. “But yes, I can cut it for you.”

She smiled. “Thank you. I don’t want to get the hair trapped under you and have to beat you two awake in the middle of the night.”

Loken chuckled. “Nice that you would include us both.”

“We are a pack, a group, a herd? I don’t know what we are.”

“We are together. That is what matters. We are an archipelago, I suppose.” Sohar smiled. “Let’s go upstairs and get what we need for the evening. I believe Ahheel has a vision for it.”

“Oh dear. Well, we had better rejoin the gathering.”

She walked out and felt one hand on her back and the other on her butt. When she glanced over her shoulder, she was surprised at which hand was where. Loken laughed.

They walked up the wide steps with her, and their trio emerged to applause and whistles.

Aeryn muttered, “Did we win a prize or something?”

Sohar chuckled. “Well, we did.”

The port that led to the Wonder Islands was visible, and after they had all discussed what would be needed for the evening, including Thera’s pod, clothing from Ahheel, and some snacks.

Aeryn looked at Mini. “I know where to find the best snacks. We can hit them while everybody else gets supplies and stuff.”

Sohar sighed. “If you think you are getting out of our sight, you are deluded.”

“You can carry stuff.” She smirked.

“My pleasure. Lead the way.”

Ahheel looked at them and sighed. “I will be quick at the shop. I promise.”

Exeter smiled. “I will watch her for us.”

Mini smiled shyly, but it was a definite smile. Exeter and Ahheel stroked her cheek and shoulder.

They made their way to the launch, and a fresh crew got them to the dock.

Aeryn sent a thin blade of wind out to find Serin, and when she found her talking with Hara and Kekoa, Aeryn set off toward the square.

Mini caught up with her and said, “Where are we going?”

“I am going to see my boss and then go and eat some snacks.” She linked arms with her. “Come along.”

Serin laughed when she saw her. “So, which mark is which?”

She pointed to the individual marks. “Big dinosaur, lost island.”

Kekoa’s eyes bugged out. “The lost island is here?”

Mini said, “Yeah, he is really pissed and heading here with their third.”

Aeryn paused and turned. “I forgot to say where I was going?”

Sohar growled. “Yes.”

Serin laughed. “She does that a lot. You either get used to it or go insane.”

Sohar wrapped his arms around her and looked at Kekoa. “Hello, Your Majesty.”

Kekoa inclined his head. “Great one, to what do we owe the pleasure?”

“Nature has given me a mate. I would be a fool to ignore the opportunity.”

“You had a companion.”

“And now we are complete. There is a restful feeling if you let yourself feel it. No guilt over the past, just acceptance of the now.” He hugged Aeryn. “And the now is just what I needed.”

She laughed. “The now is going to stomp on your foot. I promised Mini snacks, and we are going to get them.”

He chuckled. “I look forward to a time when satisfying your appetites will be available for personal execution.” He let her go.

Aeryn nodded to him, her boss, Hara, and Kekoa, who still looked dazed.

Sohar sat down at the table, and before she left, she patted him on the shoulder and said, “Close your knees, sweety.”

She and Mini headed off in search of snacks while the ladies laughed, and Kekoa looked appalled.

Aeryn showed Mini the good stuff, and when she had the idea, she wandered off. A few minutes later, Mini reappeared with a cupped leaf and chopsticks. A tangle of noodles was there, and they smelled amazing.

Mini smiled. “These are really good.”

Aeryn stared at them in shock. Her hand was shaking as she reached for the cup. “May I?”

Mini nodded. “Sure. It’s a few kiosks down. There’s a line, though.”

Aeryn ate the noodles with the tiny fork and felt tears start. She stepped in the direction Mini had gestured, and when she found the line, she blew everyone away from the table and said, “I would like some noodles, please.”

The woman who was tossing the noodles in the air smiled. “Of course, Aeryn. Congratulations on finding your mates. Or rather, letting them catch you.”

The woman tossed the noodles into one of the leaf cups and dashed some spices over the top. “There you go, big sis.”

Aeryn pulled her up and over the table with wind and crushed her in a hug while she sobbed.

“Aw, come on, big bunny, you are okay. I had to keep out of the way. You know why.”

Aeryn nodded and blubbered. Hands tried to pull her away from the woman in her arms, and she shoved back at them. Aeryn held tight to her little sister with everything in her while the years of separation spun through her mind.

Her sister rocked back and forth. “Okay, Aeryn. Enough. You aren’t wearing a bra, and I am drowning in your boobs.”

Aeryn laughed and let her little sister go. “Orla. How did you get here?”

“Oh, bunny, I have been here for two years. I have learned all about the food and herbs here. I wanted to be able to make you a proper holiday dinner.” Orla grabbed her cheeks and pulled her down for a kiss on her forehead. “Now, go calm your mates down because they look confused and worried. Is the link new?”

“Two hours ago.”

“Ah. Well, you go and cuddle with them. I will make you some more noodles.”

“I want them all.”

“No, bunny. You would get sick. You will get four, and then, I will resume my orders if someone gets out of the way.”

“You live here?”

“I live here. You can always find me here now. I came home, and I will stay here.”

Aeryn turned to Loken and Sohar. “I am sorry, but I haven’t seen my sister in five years. I missed her more than you can imagine.”

Orla added. “I had to hide from her, or she would never have left my apartment. I left a note and a bank account and took off.”

Aeryn was embarrassed. “She was always good at standing between me and the world.”

Loken added, “So, to get you to us, she had to leave you.”

Aeryn nodded. “I can be stubborn, and I really get attached to a routine.”

Sohar hugged her. “You feel better. You were all excitement and fear.”

“She’s here. She’s safe, and I can come see her whenever I want.”

Loken chuckled. “Whenever we are close enough to the harbour.”

Aeryn muttered, “ Whenever I want.”

Orla laughed. “Stubborn. I am going to get on those noodles.”

Aeryn heard the hiss and sizzle of the spices in the wok and the heating of the pre-cooked noodles. Orla moved quickly, and the first batch was ready in under a minute. The next one was already warming while the spices heated.

Aeryn took the noodles with the tiny fork and ate them quickly.

Loken asked, “What is so special about this food?”

Orla said, “After she showed up at my place covered in blood and I got her into a shower, I made noodles. When she was in school, noodles. When we celebrated, noodles, and when we finished talking to our parents in a video call. Noodles.”

Aeryn nodded. “We also celebrated every extra inch in my height, every time she collected enough money to buy me more clothing, and when I decided what I wanted to do in my life now that my life as a maritime authenticator had gone down the tubes.”

Mini walked toward them slowly and asked, “Are you really Aeryn’s sister?”

“Yes. Two years younger, born to the same parents in the same place. Weirdest passport questions in the world, but here we are.” Orla moved on automatic.

Mini asked something Aeryn hadn’t considered. “Do you have any marks on your back?”

Orla plated another shot of noodles. “Yup.”

Aeryn asked, “What?”

“None of your business, bunny.”

Aeryn tried to scowl it out of her. “I want to know.”

“I know you do. I don’t want to tell you.”

Aeryn paused. “Oh. You have met him, and you don’t like him.”

Orla laughed. “Nailed it. He’s an ass to serving staff.”

Sohar asked, “Is that it?”

Aeryn looked at him. “She is serving staff.”

“Yup, and he called me a bunch of things when I expressed my displeasure.”

Aeryn nodded. “You dumped something on him.”

“Yeah. When he left the island, I breathed a little easier. He hasn’t been back since.” She finished the last round of noodles, and Aeryn pounced.

Sohar said, “Can I buy you out for the night, and you can join us for the photoshoot?”

“No, but thank you. I have a shift at the café in the morning. You guys are going to be up past my bedtime.”

Aeryn ate the noodles and sighed happily. “I feel better.”

Orla smiled. “Good. I am here. I am safe. You are safe. Now, go with your mates before fever locks in.”

“How long does that take?”

“Twelve to twenty hours from the initial bite depending on stressors.”

Loken asked, “How did you know that?”

“I asked.” Orla smiled.

Aeryn agreed. “She asked all about what I needed. She found me a support group for people changed by alphas, and she kept me safe and sane.”

Sohar asked, “Did she go with you?”

“No. She didn’t need it. I did.”

Loken looked at Orla, and she looked blandly back at him.

Orla said softly, “You have what you need for tonight. Go back to the boat.”

Aeryn nodded and held onto Sohar as they slowly walked out of the food row and over to where the others were still sitting.

Serin asked, “Aeryn, what’s wrong?”

“Orla is here. I was so worried, and now, she’s here.” Aeryn let tears fall from her eyes.

Serin paused. “Orla, your sister?”

Kekoa blurted, “Orla is Aeryn’s sister?”

Haravin asked, “Who is Orla?”

“She does a lot of catering with local foods. She’s an expert with local ingredients.”

Serin smiled. “She’s intuition. I wondered when she would show up. Who are her mates?”

Sohar muttered, “She says it is none of our business.”

Aeryn frowned. “She said he is rude and alluded to dumping food on him.”

Kekoa cocked his head. “I can find out who that was if you like.”

“Yes! I hate secrets.”

He smiled and said, “Give me a moment.”

The king got up, walked to the bar, and spoke for a moment to the bartender. When he came back, his face was grim.

“He doesn’t live around here. He is from the Blackridge Islands.” Kekoa looked to Sohar. “Ligo. The bartender said he insulted her, and she went to strike him as well, but others stopped her.”

Sohar winced. “He is bad-tempered.”

Aeryn muttered, “I will kick his ass and leave two legs in the air.”

Sohar wrapped his arms around her. “You will do nothing of the sort. I will invite him to dinner tomorrow, and we will explain things.”

“Orla won’t like that.”

“Then, don’t tell her.”

She looked at Kekoa. “What did he say to her?”

“He called her a tiny cow.” He quirked his lips.

She frowned. “Oh, that would make Orla really mad. She’s as tall as Haravin.”

“She is? She looks so small.” Kekoa blinked.

“She said alphas were nicer to small things, so she makes everyone see her small.” Aeryn smiled. “To me, she is the same size as I am.”

With the part of her mind that was concerned with Orla settled, she let the preparations for the evening happen around her.

They returned to the yacht with the Daring Pod following in one of their boats so they weren’t bound by the return time. Exeter got the boat he had left unattended and anchored, and they continued to the site that Sohar had chosen for its alignment to the rising moon.

Ahheel got Aeryn ready for the camera, Thera took some test shots, and then, they got into position while Sohar jumped off the bow and swam out into the ocean. The water shuddered around him, and then, he changed into the island.

Thera and the guys got into their boat, the drones flew, and Aeryn flew herself and Loken down to the gem-studded surface of the great sea turtle’s back.

With a headpiece in, Aeryn carefully moved and lay on the gem-studded surface with the full moon rising behind her. And when the dinosaur showed up, it added a point of absurd fun to the event.

When Thera called a halt, the pod took off for home, and the island floated toward the yacht. Tired but happy, Aeryn got Loken and herself home, and once they were there, she pulled Sohar out of the water.

He picked her up and hauled her downstairs. She barely remembered to remove the earpiece and toss it to Mini.

The urge to mate was taking over by the time they were all naked, and then, there were mouths and hands, hard, hot bodies. Foreplay lasted twenty minutes, and she was clawing at them by the time they covered her. Sohar was the first inside her, and she groaned as she felt filled to capacity. Slow, deliberate thrusts rocked into her for seconds, minutes, hours, and then, she heard his groan and felt heat pulse into her. Her body shivered and tried to hold him, but they still slipped where they were in contact. It was hard to hold on.

He pressed his head to hers and chuckled. “Loken would like to come in and then me and then him again.”

She groaned. “Fine. Stupid hemipenes.”

He laughed. “We promise that you won’t be too sore.”

“How is that quantified?”

He rolled to his side with her held against him. He slid out, and Loken slid in.

Loken whispered against her neck, and she shuddered at the compliments and flattery while he moved slowly behind her and inside her.

It was a long and satisfying night.

* * * *

Orla got the zodiac away from the thugs, but she had no idea where she was, and it was hard to see out of one eye. She tried to find Aeryn’s mind, but it was filled with sex, and she drew back. Maybe in the morning. For now, she just had to put as much space between her and her kidnappers as she could. Sohar might have more money than god, but she didn’t want him spending one fucking cent on her because having a bazillionaire as a bond brother didn’t mean she had access to anything. Everything he had was Aeryn’s.

She thought she saw the shadow of an island in the dimness, so she headed for that. It was probably a hundred miles away, but getting away from the guys who grabbed her was her first priority.

* * * *

Aeryn walked through the village with Loken and headed for the spot where she had seen Orla. It looked like the entire peacekeeper force of the island was there. Something must have happened.

Serin spotted her and came over. “Aeryn, something happened to Orla.”

Loken froze. “Serin, don’t say another word until Sohar gets here.”

Aeryn started shaking, and Sohar came at a run. He held her and asked, “What happened?”

“There was a kidnapping last night. Orla was taken, and the men that took here were just located. The harbour master is bringing them in. I am sure your sister is fine.”

“Why are the peacekeepers here?”

“There was a lot of blood and broken furnishings.”

Aeryn blinked. “Okay. Were there drag marks?”

“Yes.”

Aeryn laughed and hiccupped. “That meant she hurt them badly enough that they couldn’t carry her.”

She laughed a few times, and then, she started bawling, and her mates held her.

The boat with the kidnappers was towed in, and everyone waited when the thugs were marched off the boat, bloody, battered, and two with broken limbs.

Aeryn watched, holding her breath, but Kayak came up from below and shook his head. There was no sign of Orla except blood on the deck.

Aeryn wailed in panic, and Sohar held her close. “Send the wind to look for her. Reach out with the link you had yesterday.”

“I can’t use the link. It’s Orla’s. She can touch my mind, but I can’t touch hers.”

She looked at her boss. “Serin? Can you find her?”

“She isn’t on the island. I can’t sense her.” Serin sighed. “I am sorry.”

Aeryn sent the wind out and looked for her sister. An hour later, she was exhausted and terrified. There was no sign of her.

Aeryn had a thought, and she fought her way to Orc, who was organizing a search party. “Where did you find them?”

He got a map and pointed.

She tried to remember the moon, where it would highlight, and what shape her sister would have been in.

“She would have headed here.”

Orc frowned. “Why?”

“I am assuming that they roughed her face up a bit. Her vision sucks when she gets eye infections and stuff, so this is related. Last night was a full moon, so everything would look bright, aside from the stuff that was backlit. That would have been these islands here.”

Orc looked up, squinted his eyes, and muttered, “Shit. That is deep water, and she wouldn’t have had much fuel.”

Skaay got into his boat and called a research station and then someone named Kimo.

Exeter, Ahheel, and Mini hopped onto his boat and headed out.

Orc said, “Do you want to come with us?”

Sohar shook his head. “We will follow and become a checkpoint.”

Thera nodded. “We are going, too. I will see what the animals are saying, but depending on distance, it becomes like a crowded room.”

The village coordinated with supplies and communication, and they were off to find her. The thugs said they had taken her just after two in the morning, so she had been lost for six hours.