She untwisted her hair as she walked and tried to get the feeling that this would be her home.When she got to the room, a half-naked Etienne was behind her.He said, “Good room to choose.It hasn’t been renovated yet.”
They opened the door, and a neat arrangement of boxes was tucked against one wall.Etienne said, “That’s it?”
“Yes.She even labelled the boxes.”
“Who did it?”
“Arwell Breaker.She’s a friend.She also played decoy.”She touched her boxes and felt the light vibration.She grinned.“I even got a moving gift from my other friend.”
She grinned and patted the box.This house would be safe, and any child she brought to it would be protected.It was a good way to start.
Etienne put a hand on her shoulder.“It will be safe here.”
“Yes, I know.”She smiled and looked at the box with the orb of protection in the centre.
Tosh came in and blinked.“Whoa.I have felt that once before, and it was a ward set by the imperial wizard.”
“Well, she isn’t imperial, but she’s pretty damned skilled.”
Etienne frowned.“It’s like standing near a warm fire.Comforting.”
Tosh said, “It feels like standing near a nuclear weapon that is leaking slightly.That leak is intentional, allowing for a rapid release of whatever is inside it.What is inside it?”
Dex smiled.“Protection for this house and the lives within it.All who belong to this house are protected.If we move, the protection goes with us.”
Etienne frowned.“How?”
“It’s another orb but a smaller one.Did you want me to dig it out?”
Tosh said quietly, “Yes.”
She moved the boxes and found the one that made her smile.Dex peeled the tape and opened her box with her favourite robe and super-soft bath towels.
There was a tiny figure of a ballerina elf, and it was glowing softly.There was a note that said,Put me in the wall.
Dex turned it over.There is another one that isn’t magic under the blue towel.
Dex laughed and picked it up, showed it to her link, and then walked to a bearing wall and pushed the little elf ballerina inside.The house hummed and then was quiet.
It felt safe.With that tiny figure in the wall, the house felt like it would defend her against all comers.Dex smiled.“That feels good.It feels safe.”
Tosh held his hand out to her and pulled her against him.“I am very glad.”
Etienne nodded.“I agree.”
She was walked to the pack bedroom, and the rest of their clothing came off.From that moment on, it was all about learning each other and not flinching when a hand reached over her.
They were true to their word; they did all the work, but after she was sweaty, sticky, and pinned between them, she decided it was time for fun.She rolled Etienne to his back and took advantage of her mate.When she moved over to Tosh, they experimented with how flexible dance had made them.
Etienne was grinning and presented them with bottles of water.“That was like watching spider courtship.”
She was sitting on Tosh, and her legs were draped over his arms.There wasn’t even room for a thought between them.
Tosh asked her a question, whispering against her ear.
“Oh, um, three months ago.I have some time.”
Etienne smiled.“Good.I like the idea of settling first.We can also do the society thing that my parents demand.Mom is going to cover you in soft, shiny gowns at every opportunity.”
