“No.I am willing to start now.”He smiled.
The next few minutes involved him learning how to put on her shoes and fasten them so her new skin wasn’t pinched or injured.She wiggled her toes, and he folded his fingers over them.
Khytten grinned.“It is easier putting them on you rather than one of my kids.They try to get away or kick me in the face.”
Ival smiled at the cloudlike feel of the sandals.She wiggled her toes and pivoted to hang her legs off the side of the bed.“Give me the dress, please.”
Zera pushed the guys out of the room and helped settle the cloudlike fabric over her, and it was belted under her breasts with a light band that didn’t put much pressure on her.The sleeves were long, and a light band at the wrists kept them attached but let her skin breathe.
She checked her hair and found three inches hanging.
She took a step and moved slowly on her very tender feet.The shoes helped, but she was still worried about tearing her skin.
“Thanks, everybody.Zera, how do you want check-ins?”She looked at the com on her wrist, which seemed extra gold and sparkly.“Did you change my com when I was out?”
“Daily, please.I will send info to the necessary parties and ask for specifics.”Zera said, “And yes.It was hampering the shedding, so we took it out.Riimal offered this replacement.”
“Of course he did.”She sighed.“You know, sometimes you meet a guy, and he bites you and crushes you to death, and you think...I think he’s the one.”
The others stared.
“Dude.It was him or me in the fight, and his beast made its choice, and then it freaked out when it tasted me.We are a fairly good match.No resentments.”
Zera looked at her.“You made those jokes about sex knowing that?”
“Sure.And they weren’t jokes.My previous spouse had a beast, and they think in a very linear fashion.I knew what I was seeing in the sand dragon’s eyes as I passed out.Panic, regret, and lust, all mixed together.I just want the lust.I have been lonely.”
“Damn.That’s honest.”
“Well, I write romantic fiction.There is so much time lost in a lack of direct interest.Besides, I am old.The body is in surprisingly good shape, so may as well have fun with it.”
Zera paused, “Do you want me to ask him to neutralize his fertility?”
“Why?”
“Because you can still get pregnant.”
“What?”
“Yeah, you are in your forties, but your body is in excellent condition.Children are possible.”
“But I didn’t have kids with Zukker.”Her voice was weak.She knew why.Zukker had other, very specific interests.
“Not every woman is compatible with every man.Drin can’t carry at all.Her activation prevents it.”
Drin nodded.“And I have five guys.They try and try again, but nothing.We have had six more dresses and three sets of shoes made for you.They have been given to your grandparents.Are you ready to travel?”
“Yes.Can I get a tablet?”
Zera nodded.“Riimal has all of the equipment from your home.You will have what you need.”
“Okay.Then, I should get going.Thank you all for your help.”
The ladies all hugged her carefully, and then they opened the door, and she walked out.When Riimal saw her, she saw his beast pushing for control of the body.
Her grandparents got weepy.“Oh, Ival.You are stunning.”Her grandmother smiled through her tears.
“Thanks.Khytten offered the hair.She’s on my holiday list.Nandy, do you still make those little cookies with the dates in them?”
