Into the leopards den, p.9
I Hunted My Fatal Mate (Blind Date Corporation, #23), page 9
He smiled. “She made it, recovered, and sang at the celebration. You can probably see the streams. The Uraddan festival has now been declared an annual event.”
“Oh, good. I might get to see one someday.” She sighed. “All that work and I didn’t even see it. That sucks.”
She looked at her grandparents. “Did you have business in town?”
They looked at her in shock. Her grandmother said, “You. You are the business we are in town for.”
“Thank you. I have had more contact with living people today than I have since I was fighting for my life.”
Riimal froze. “Really?”
“Yeah. Zephyr got me out of there because no one looks for corpses. It was a few rounds after you.”
Her grandparents turned to him. Riimal looked embarrassed.
“Oh, you didn’t tell them. It’s not a big deal. After my husband died, my mother-in-law threw me out on the day of the memorial. She sold me back to Uradda. Just like Uncle did, but this time, I wasn’t a child. I was an adult with an activation, and they put me under intense stress to make the activation more aggressive. That is how I met the sand dragon. I was thrown into a pit to try to kill him. It was quite the fight.”
Riimal touched her arm and then reached up and rubbed the mark. It made her feel warm and relaxed. “That is where the beast marked her. He’s known she was out there all this time, but I thought we killed her.”
She looked at him and gave him a serious expression. She didn’t say that he had killed her, but he nodded slightly. “Anyway, I was used as a fighter for a few more months, and then I disappeared, healed as much as I could, and looked... well, I am sure that Riithan showed you my scarred-up face.”
They nodded, and her grandmother cried again. Her grandfather looked like he wanted to punch someone.
Her grandmother said, “We want you to come home with us.”
“What?”
“You will be recovering for at least seven days. We want to take care of you during that time, if we may.” Nandy smiled and stroked her arm.
She thought about it. She didn’t have anyone at home to help her, and it was going to take a bit to get this new skin to flex, not to mention building up a fat layer under it.
“I... how long do I have before someone kicks me out?”
Her grandfather was grim. “You are a Sethir citizen. No one will steal you or kick you out again.”
“I am also far less portable and a bit meaner than I used to be.”
Riimal touched her cheek, his scales sliding on her skin. “If you are at the stronghold, I am going to be a frequent visitor to your family’s quarters.”
Her grandparents looked really happy about that. Her grandfather said, “It is only appropriate, as you marked her.”
Riimal nodded. “I will be courting her appropriately.”
Her grandparents sighed in relief.
Ival laughed. “Are you worried about my maintenance? I just got my widow’s benefits twenty years later.”
Her grandmother said, “What was your husband’s name?”
“Zukker. A global defender out of Thorassen.”
Riimal paused. “Zukker? I knew him.”
“He was also serpentine in appearance,” she explained to her grandparents. “Wait. Is my activation going to be restricted at any point?”
Riimal shook his head. “No. If they try, drop them.”
She smiled. “I knew I probably liked you.”
He smiled, and his brilliant gold eyes sparkled.
“Wait. Did your eyes change colour?”
He grinned wider. “Yes, my deadly darling.”
There was a soft knock, and Zera came in along with Khytten. Khytten smiled. “How are you feeling?”
“Well, it was Wednesday before dawn, and now, it’s Saturday or Sunday. I missed the party and woke up bald, tasting chocolate. You do weird work.”
Khytten grinned. “Thanks. After that song you wrote for healers, you get special attention. I would love you to play it.”
“Oh. That one. It will have to wait until I can stand on my own feet. They seem really soft.”
“Your hands and feet will be super soft for a while until you build up the thicker skin. You can still make your components, but it is going to be far more voluntary and focused now. You are still set up to have an effect on the nervous system, but you have a lot more options now. The stress they put you under blocked half of your components. Now everything is wide open, and you can pick and choose,” Zera spoke softly.
“I knew the toxin was a panic response, but it was all I was feeling for years.”
“Right, but you said you used to use the secretions to calm people.”
“I would give Zukker a rubdown and massage his temples. He relaxed easily. No worry until he died.”
Riimal tensed and reached out to touch the mark again, as if he was seeking comfort.
She lifted her hand and gripped his forearm. “He’s very dead. Don’t worry. He was sweet to me, and he was kind, but we were friends long before we were lovers. I don’t need that twice in a lifetime.”
Riimal asked softly, “What do you need?”
“This time, I would settle for sex.”
Her grandparents’ eyes went wide, and Khytten burst out laughing. Zera just rubbed her forehead. Riimal had a slow smile, and his eyes were a blend of colours. “I think I can manage that.”
“Oh, good. Getting it from the dragon would just be weird.”
The eyes glowed gold.
Her grandparents looked at them and smiled nervously. Her grandparents said, “We will be outside, but you are coming with us?”
“I am. I can get out if I need to.”
Riimal said, “If you need to leave, I will take you myself.”
She nodded. “Right. I think Zera needs to brief me on something.”
Zera nodded. “Yes. Please wait outside.”
He caressed the mark softly and left the room.
Zera sighed. “Wow. He’s a lot.”
“Yup. He also can shift into a dragon, and he’s kinda big.”
Khytten smiled. “Salat is drawing images of you and the sand dragon already. He’s guessing at your hair.”
“I don’t remember meeting him.”
“You didn’t. He’s going off the videos and the projections from the party on Friday.”
“Oh. Good. I managed to get the footage together.” She smiled.
Khytten grinned. “It was amazing. When the Hyreno were going at it, and you covered the moon with your hand so it couldn’t see, that was hilarious. And all the footage of the island and Xeva riding her horse down the beach.”
“That was a fun one to make. Creating the footage was easy. The guys were harder, but I managed a few good shots mixed into each video.”
Zera was running scans and said, “I don’t believe it, but aside from your skin being completely new, you are fine.”
“I was fine but scarred and missing an eye. That was a shock.”
Zera smiled. “I didn’t realize your eyes were green and that you and Hemma look like siblings. We ran your genetics, and it is just a coincidence.”
“Thanks. Stuff around here is weird enough.” Ival grinned.
Khytten said, “Salat still wants to know if you are willing to write some comics for him.”
“Right. Forgot about that. Busy week.”
Zera smiled and nodded. “Torun was shocked when he saw you, but he was the one who figured that the ones attacking Hemma were after you instead. You have way more enemies. Hemma just had a stream of blowjob encounters, and I can’t see that causing hostility.”
“How many applicants is she up to?”
“Twenty-eight. I may ask her to teach a blowjob master class.” Zera shook her head.
“Yes, but she’s looking for a singular relationship. She wants stability.”
Zera nodded. “I know. I am taking finding her the best match seriously. Now that her body is all connected and properly aligned, her heats are going to start. She will need an outlet, so seeking her match is going to be an urgent matter. At this point, I am leaning toward Hyreno. Her gills are looking good, and all signs are that they should open no problem. A water breather would be best, I think. Fortunately, that is over sixty percent of the applicants.” Zera chuckled. “The patron numbers are getting quite a large bump from this.
“Sorry, I couldn’t add to the roster.” Ival smiled.
“Are you good with Riimal? He has quite the vicious reputation.” Zera said it softly.
“Zera. So do I.”
“Oh. Right.”
Khytten reached to her thigh, and her black leather suit creaked a little. A vial was in her hand. “Here you go. You have a great head for being bald, but this is going to help.”
“What flavour?”
“Chocolate. We were able to get that into you even while unconscious.” Khytten smiled. “Salat played me the song about the pumpkin spice. I took the hint.”
Ival accepted the vial and tipped it back. It was definitely chocolate. “Thanks for that. So, is the hair going to be restricted to my head?”
Khytten chuckled. “Yes.”
“I thought I had to have more body fat before I got hair.”
Khytten blinked. “Oh, shoot. That’s this vial. Here you go.”
“Why do I have to drink so many?”
“Your chemistry fights me, so I have to do one purpose at a time.”
“Right. Got it.” She took the next vial and shuddered. “Damn.”
Her body felt strange, and she glanced at her chest. Her boobs were back. “I am going to be hungry as hell.”
Zera said, “We have been giving you high-protein drips. You’ve received close to five litres of supplementation.”
“Oh, good. I mean, I lost the largest organ on my body. Now, when can I get out of this bed?” She ran a hand over her head, and there was a soft fuzz starting.
“Are you really good with Riimal?”
“Yeah.”
“But he killed you.”
“I know. I was there. I am pretty sure that the Uraddans were into snuff films.”
“That is all kinds of horrible. Do you know who revived you?”
“Nope. She just has kind, brown eyes. They kept her head shaved.”
Zera nodded. “What colour was her skin?”
“She had Sethir’s golden bronze skin.”
“Why would you say Sethir?”
“Oh, because that is what she spoke.”
Zera blinked. “Right. Makes sense.”
“So, do I still need tests?”
“No, you are good. You just need to treat your skin regularly with oils and lotions for the first three months.”
“That won’t cause problems?”
“No. Part of the forced oils was that they were trying to keep your skin whole. That is why it spread so fast. Every crack had to be treated. Your skin was a mess.”
“Well, good thing it all came off then.”
“Yeah, we had to work on you in the bio lab. Kritz couldn’t stand the unsettling factor of a skinned being.”
“So, how do I get out of here, and are there clothes for me?”
Khytten smiled. “They are coming. You need special fabrics, so Litha worked out some for you.”
“Special fabrics?”
“Super soft and keeps humidity in.”
Ival frowned. “Oh. So, I am going to be wearing air.”
Khytten grinned, showing teeth. “Opaque air.”
Zera chuckled. “Keska paid for the medical treatment and your clothing. And your special shoes.”
“I have special shoes?”
Zera nodded. “You need them until you get your feet up to taking your weight.”
Khytten nodded. “Riimal has gotten your care instructions, as have your grandparents.”
Ival looked at them. “Why did Riimal get the care instructions?”
Zera looked at her. “You know why. It might have something to do with the sex comment.”
“Oh. That. Well, Sethir-Nin are fairly blunt when they are interested, and he drove his teeth deep enough that even slipping my skin couldn’t shake it.”
Zera nodded. “His venom is still in there. It has been boosting your immune system.”
“Delightful.”
An elf with a cheerful grin came in with clothing draped over her arms. “Hello, Ival. I am Drin, and Litha made this fabric for you. Evali sewed it because she hates a half-done job. Did you want to wear the gold or the gold and black?”
“Uh, the gold and black.”
Ekron walked in with two boxes in his hands. “Kritz made these up. They should be right for you.”
She looked at the box and said, “That is bulky for underwear.”
He snorted. “Funny. Your skin can’t handle it. These are shoes.”
“Damn. Okay. This is going to take some doing.” She flexed her legs and got one foot in her lap. “Shoes, please.”
Zera cleared her throat. “We are going to be running a tutorial.”
“Oh, no.”
Zera leaned out, and Riimal came in.
Khytten smiled. “Have you ever put a shoe on another person?”
“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?”
Her grandmother grinned. “I certainly do and can again as soon as we get you home.”
“Well, then, what are we waiting for?”
Riimal held out his hand to her, and she took it, walking ahead of her grandparents with him to the elevator.
Riimal said, “We have all of the instructions to maintain you and emergency numbers, as well as the clothing they provided. You will be fine.”
“You sound like you are convincing yourself.”
He smiled. “I am.”
She squeezed his hand.
They were let out of the locks, and then the elevator took them directly to the roof. There was a shuttle waiting for them with the pilot and the others in fully Sethir royal livery.
She glanced at their black and gold and down at her black and gold. “I should have picked the other colours.”
He grinned. “I like this statement. It’s keeping him calm.”
She smiled. “Is he going to fly home?”
“No, I want to sit next to you, my thigh pressed against yours until you are capable of something more.”
“You have that kind of patience?”
“I have waited eight years, and I have you now. We know your scent and taste and what your smile looks like. We will not lose you again, but we can wait.”
He walked her into the shuttle and, instead of putting her in a seat, settled and eased her onto his lap. There was a soft curl of air under her, and she was held against him but not touching.
