They cocked their heads, and the one with scales said, “How do you know that?”
“I have met all of your people at one time or another.”
“May we come inside?”
“Nope.There is a mating couple in there, and I don’t want you guys getting set off by anything.Or you, ma’am.”
They blinked, and the one with scales said, “Your boss?”
“And her mate, probably her alpha, and definitely her fiancé.He hasn’t proposed yet, but I have seen the ring, and it’s a doozy.”
Ekbert walked to the door and said, “Everything okay, Hemma?”
“Yeah.Is our guest here?”
“Yup.Comfortable and fed.”
“Excellent.”
“Why are they staring?”
“They are looking at your scars and realizing I might not be a liar.”
The sheepish expressions showed she was right.
Ekbert shrugged and peeled his shirt off, turning to show them the marks of cuts and stitches.“I can drop my pants if you need more proof.They hurt me before she went out, and they remained ready to act until she came home.Then we both had a few days of rest before they sent her out again and proved their point every time.”
Hemma could see them recording.Ekbert’s gills were scarred up, but they looked like they would work.
The Hyreno said, “Have you seen a specialist for your gills?”
Ekbert put his shirt on.“No.I am good to wait until I can pay for the treatment.That should be in a few weeks.”
“Why wait?”
“Because I am not in danger.They are just disfigured.That is cosmetic.Not like Hemma’s.Hers were sealed and mangled.”
Hemma snorted.“Yes, yes, yes, I need to attend to Kessie.So, agents, you have three minutes to get out of here before the bug zapper is on, and you will have to climb over the fence.”
Ekbert grinned.“She means it.”
Hemma walked inside and took Ekbert with her, locking the door and activating household security.
She could actually feel when they left the area around the house and exhaled slowly, activating the zapper.
She leaned over and braced her hands on her knees.
Ekbert rubbed her shoulders.“Fun visit to Daycross?”
She looked at him blankly.“I never got my cotton candy.”
