Nessa’s eyes widened. “You didn’t wait?”
“Not with the ruckus they were making. Their house wasn’t that big.” She sighed. “But I am not heartless. I left them an orb with a second chance, but it would only work for them. The moment that the ritual worked, the orb disappeared.”
Nessa smiled. “Good. So, do you want to take instruction?”
“Do I have to register with a guild?”
“Not really. I think I have some of my starter books.”
“Well, I am going to be pulling some long shifts, aside from Saturday.”
“Right. I have someone to take over in case the guests need anything, and they have been warned about it. They are having a movie night in their room and spending it planning a baby room.”
Bethany smiled. “Good. They deserve some time together. I chose the room with the bed rated for two thousand pounds. They should be fine.”
Nessa paused. “I forgot about that. What else did you add to the room? They both seemed very happy with the accommodation.”
Bethany blinked. “Well, you said to guess as many of their needs as possible, so they have a full bondage kit so Sereda can get on top now and then, rated for Ikor’s strength. A basket of lubes and some liver on crackers with sparkling water.”
“How much did that cost?”
“About twenty bucks in total. I set up an account with the new bondage shop, and they are giving us equipment to test. She caters to a lot of creatures but is having trouble getting word of mouth around. I thought this couldn’t hurt.”
Nessa grinned. “Well, the Wells are very comfortable and are treating this as a second honeymoon. I have another couple set to arrive late next week. Their file is in the office if you want to study tonight.”
“Sure. I will take a look.”
Her boss paused. “You really sing?”
“It’s kind of performing. Closer to burlesque.”
Tolly looked up from her phone. “I have seen clips. It’s phenomenal. Stovos has bootleg downloads from live performances.”
Bethany said softly, “I look a little different now.”
Tolly smiled. “It will be fine. I am sure of it.”
“I am sure, too. I just don’t want to surprise you.” Bethany smiled. “You get punchy when folks surprise you.”
“Yeah, Stovos has found that out a few times.” She chuckled.
Bethany checked the time. “Well, I have to start prepping the meals, so I have to go.”
Tolly smiled. “I will be in touch, now that I know where to find you.”
Bethany smiled. “It was lovely to see you again. Feel free to answer any questions Nessa has if she needs to know. Also, please remind her I am being hunted. It’s important.”
Tolly said softly, “Yes, Bethany, it is.”
She went to the kitchen and began her task of preparing dinner for two hungry trolls. The sous vide was underway for nice rare meat, and she got the vegetables prepared. She was the host and on call for her guests. They were going to get the best of care while she was there.
Chapter Two
Nessa looked at Tolly. “Explain, Mom.”
“When I was fifteen, I was flying when I found a young woman huddling at the side of the road. She tried to run when she saw me, but she was exhausted. She was wearing the scraps of a dress. I landed in front of her and saw her completely numb exhaustion. She told me that the mages were after her. Her family was after her. She didn’t want a mate contract. That was when I called Leetha, and she and Stiila came to get us. We got her to a shelter, and I visited when I could, but she didn’t want to talk about the situation she had run from. She wanted to find a way to hide and make a future.”
Nessa frowned. “Wait. A mate contract at fourteen? Who was the mate?”
