Buck shifted, scowling. “For the last time, woman, my belly isnotfloofy.”
“What are you doing here, Ragvald?” With a final affection squeeze, Honey broke free from the wyrm shifter’s embrace. “I thought you were returning to your homeland.”
“Ah.” The big man’s beaming smile faltered a fraction. “Such was my intent, but it seems my wyrd does not yet lead me back to the rocky shores of Ormholm. I overwintered with the sea dragons in their underwater city, and Princess Moira has granted me the honor of accompanying her overland once more.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re back,” Honey said. “I know the kids will be thrilled, too.”
“I am also eager to see how they have grown.” Ragvald brightened, his usual good cheer returning. “Friend Buck! I see that you have not yet managed to—how did you put it, in your strange outlander words?—fuck things up.”
Honey raised an eyebrow at Buck. “You taught Ragvald swearwords?”
He looked slightly pained. “Apparently inadvertently. And for future reference, Ragvald, don’t say that around the kids.”
“Ah, I shall attempt to remember,” Ragvald said. He looked between them. “But all is well? Your mate bond burns bright?”
“Oh yes.” Honey grinned at her mate. “I’ve got no complaints.”
Buck put his arm around her waist. “Glad to hear it.”
“Then we must celebrate this reunion as a warband should!” Ragvald paused, brow furrowing. “Of course, the first thing I did when I returned to this steading was to check the sauna. Strangely, it was in great disrepair, as though some great wrath had smote it from above.”
“Really.” Buck was utterly poker-faced. “What a shame.”
“But do not fear!” Ragvald flung open his arms, beaming broadly. “I have already repaired it!”
“Oh,” Buck said flatly. “Yay.”
“That’s great, Ragvald.” Honey gave Buck a pointed look. “And what a good thing it’s no longer thunderstorm season. I’m sure the sauna will be perfectly operational all summer long.”
“Honey! Buck!”
Honey turned at the excited shout. Estelle, Finley, and Rufus charged across the square, dodging round startled counselors. Beth followed at a rather more dignified pace, issuing a stream of apologies on behalf of her friends.
“You’re here!” Estelle said, giving Honey a hug nearly as rib-cracking as Ragvald’s. “You’re finally here!”
“Don’t know why you’re so excited,” Buck said, dodging her attempt to hug him too. “Anyone would think you hadn’t seen us for months.”
“Yeah, but that’s different,” Estelle said. “It’s not like being at camp. We’re going to have so much fun! And I’mdefinitelygoing to shift this summer. I just know it.”
Finley tugged at Honey’s arm. “Guess who else is here early this year?”
Before Honey could guess, something brown and furry streaked toward her. With a diving tackle, Buck intercepted the bear before it could tackle her. He hit the ground, rolled, and came up with an armful of grinning, half-naked Archie.
“Yeah,” Estelle said gloomily. “Guess.”
“Archie!” Beth hurried up, out-of-breath, a ripped camp t-shirt in her hand. “I’ve told you before, you can’t just shift anytime you feel like it!”
“Yeah, but that’s dumb,” Archie said, squirming as she forced the t-shirt over his head. “This is shifter camp. Hi Buck! Hi Honey! Guess what, I’m back after all!”
“So I see,” Honey said, smiling. “That’s wonderful, Archie. So Zephyr worked something out with your mom?”
Archie screwed up his nose. “Not exactly. But at least I can come to camp. Even if—”
Rufus stamped a foot, cutting the bear shifter off. He pointed, golden eyes fixed on something across the square.
“What do you mean?” Finley said, turning. “Hey, Beth, who’s that with your uncle Conleth?”
“I don’t know,” Beth replied, frowning. “I’ve never seen her before.”
