The Wayward Fae

Settling In

Present-day:

Riley stood in the cabin in the woods, home for the past two months, two blissful, free months. When the alpha, when Sam gave them the cabin, she and Avery jumped at the chance to have their own space. They never intended to stay as long as they have, but one day, turned to two, then one week to three, and now they were settled and not even talking about going back anymore. Riley knew she had to reach out to her mother, that she owed her an explanation. She also knew her mother would be furious, with her, with Avery, and with Sam and Amber. If for no other reason, but to protect Amber and Sam, she had to reach out to her mother. 

Avery was out again, she seemed to enjoy visiting the coffee house, or more to visit Lucy. Since Mandy was busy helping them build onto the cabin, Avery took her chance to get to know Lucy without Mandy hovering over them. Riley had told Avery to stay out of their relationship, but Avery kept assuring her that Mandy and Lucy were just friends. So did Mandy and Lucy, but everyone, even Riley, who'd not known them long, could see that they were much more than that. She also knew Avery's only interest was the fact that she was causing friction. Being a Sylph, an air fae, she enjoyed their freedom the most. Also, they tended to be a little mischievous, and Riley knew that was why they got along so well. Riley was a fire fae, a Salamander, the first of her kind in ages. 

Her mother had been proud of her and had taught her everything she knew. How to control her fire, and make it her own. She wondered at the trouble they'd left behind. Her mother would be very angry at her. When she'd agreed to the marriage she'd been sure she would do it. And when she'd told Avery they'd only be gone a day or so, she'd meant it. But the further she'd gotten away, the lighter she'd felt. She just hoped her mother and the prince would understand. 

"Riley?" She heard a voice calling her name and looked up. "Riley, you okay?" Amy was standing at the bottom of their deck, newly built by Mandy. She gestured for Amy to join her. 

"I'm sorry, my mind drifted toward home," Riley said with a smile

"You missing it?" Amy asked, walking up the steps to join Riley. 

"No, not that, I just left a bit of a mess behind, and I'm thinking I need to talk to my mom about it. Soon." 

"That's a good idea, she must be worried," Amy said and leaned back against the deck railing. "I wanted to know if you maybe want to go on a date with me?" Amy said the last bit of the sentence fast. Blurting it out and making Riley smile. Amy grinned at the woman she'd known for two months. They'd gotten to know each other over the past few months at the bonfire gatherings the wolves had started holding, it attracted young teenage wolves, but also the older twenties crowd, and offered them a safe place to let loose and have fun. Riley and Avery had joined in the fun from the second week they'd been here. 

"I'd love to," Riley said and stalked toward Amy. "But, I have to warn you." 

"Yes?" Amy said in the quiet voice Riley had gotten used to, but also waited to hear at the bonfires. 

"I want more than a date, Amy." She said softly. "I want what comes after the date. All of it." She watched Amy's eyes fire up, watched the yellow grow deep and stormy. She ran her finger down the dent in Amy's chin. "I'll burn you, probably," Riley said and drew back. But Amy grabbed her hand and pulled her in close. 

"We'll burn together," Amy said and took her mouth. It wasn't slow, or steady. The way a first kiss should be. No, it was passion, fire, a taking of each other that left them both breathless and gasping. Amy drew back and smiled at Riley. "I'll see you later." She said and swaggered down the steps. Riley looked up and saw Mandy grinning at her. She smiled back, waved, then made her way to the kitchen. She'd have to make something for Avery to eat since she had no idea how to cook for herself. 

Avery sat at the booth in the corner, waiting for Lucy to go on lunch. When she and Riley had left Termonn she'd been sure they'd be back in a day or two. She had to admit she'd been mad at Riley when it became clear she had no plans to go back. But after three weeks in Silver Moon, Avery had found Lucy and Mandy. Both of them were interesting, and the fact that they kept insisting they were just friends, spurred her on to make waves between them. They obviously needed the help in the love department. Avery had no interest in getting involved in a permanent relationship, she enjoyed her freedom too much, but she'd always been open for a bit of fun. 

Right now she had her sights set on Mandy and Lucy. She grinned over the table at Lucy as she sat down opposite Avery. 

"You good?" Avery asked. 

"Yes, I have a couple of minutes, we're a bit busy for my usual half an hour lunch." Lucy waved a hand around the coffee house. 

"That's good, I'll take seconds if I have to, just to spend a few seconds in your company is a prize." 

"Okay, look, I pride myself on reading people, and I get that you are not at all interested in anything long-term, which suits me just fine. But I want to make absolutely sure, we're on the same page." Lucy said. 

"We are, you're right, I don't want anything long-term. Nothing wrong with a bit of fun though." Avery reached across the table and took Lucy's hand. Lucy didn't pull away and Avery had to admit that there wasn't really a spark between them. "I do enjoy making new friends. What do you say, we stick to that?" Lucy visibly relaxed and Avery knew she'd made the right choice. 

"That's actually a great idea, I'm not really into the fun thing either," Lucy said blushing a bit. 

"And you're into someone else." She held a hand up when Lucy wanted to protest. "I know, I see. She's great, and you should go for it." 

"There's nothing between us!" Lucy said her voice low.

"Sure, but there should be. As your newest friend, I'm telling you, that one is so into you, it's not even funny." 

"Do you really think so?" Lucy asked and looked at Diane who was calling her. "We need to talk more about this, but I have to go now." 

"Come over tonight," Avery said and stood.

"Okay, yes, I'll see you later," Lucy said and leaned down to kiss Avery's cheek. "I'll bring the steaks, you just make sure the grills going." 

"Yes ma'am," Avery said laughing, she took her phone out to let Riley know they were having company. A few minutes later she was walking down to the lake a grin on her face. Riley was going on a date. They were settling in, making Silver Moon home. She just hoped that the happiness lasted. She had a feeling, a storm was brewing in Termonn, and it was headed their way.