Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77812 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77812 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
“Oh and I think you’d like the word ascertain better than discovering. It feels more like a Daddy word.”
As I read over the image he provided, I had to agree.
“Yes, that fits much better.”
“I need to use more words so you can get used to hearing them.”
Wren felt like he was frustrated with himself, so I had to disagree.
“I like your words. There is no need to change for me. The information you provide is very helpful.”
“It’s not oversharing here.” His smile gave the impression that he was hiding a secret of some sort, but Wren’s mental sigh said we weren’t supposed to discover it. “I wouldn’t mention it down at the candle shop or over at the bookstore, though. Oh, but the Tarot lady is fine.”
“That’s good to know. Thank you.” Wren seemed pleased with the interaction, squeezing my hand and swinging it between us. “Is it okay if we look around?”
“Of course.” Still looking pleased and happy, the human-plus person gestured around the store. “I don’t have traditional Team Binkie gear, but the costumes are fun and the toys are for everyone.”
Wren nearly bounced with excitement. “I’m going to get a costume. And…and I have a friend who might need one too. He’s…new.”
In a variety of ways.
My feelings must’ve come through the bond because I felt my mate’s laughter even though he was physically calm.
The youthful-looking human-plus man rocked back and forth on his feet…a gesture I had seen on others called littles. “We’ve got lots of fun ones and the new books are up front if you need something for…well…something to read.”
Wren giggled, nodding and swinging our hands faster. “That’ll be fun.”
“Would you like to be read to, my mate?”
I knew the answer before I’d finished the question, but I enjoyed his excited feelings and the sounds that he sent through our bond.
“Yes.”
It seemed like we had a plan for our evening…part of a plan.
“What should we get for you to wear while I read to you?” There was no point in pretending I wasn’t going to be the person reading since the human-plus person also seemed to be Team Binkie…or Team Something.
“Oh…” Wren’s mind whirled at all the opportunities and he released my hand without realizing it as he started searching the store. “That’s hard…I’d be a cute bunny…but I don’t bounce.”
I couldn’t wait to hear all of his logic, but as my mate started to wander, the human-plus man moved closer. He was curious if I was reading his expression correctly. “So are you from Texas too?”
He knew something or at least suspected it.
“No.” If I had already met with the council I would’ve understood better how to respond, but I was unprepared for human curiosity.
Well, human-plus curiosity.
There wasn’t a magic I recognized in him like I would a mage or dragon, but he was not as plain as the people we’d met at Walmart even though he was just as curious as they had been.
“Where are you from?” His interest was very focused. “There’s been a lot of interesting people in town lately.”
Ah.
Had he met some of the visiting council members?
“There is a private social event that has brought in…extended families who don’t live close.” What could I say that would provide information without actually giving him information?
Oh.
I would follow the Earth rule of throwing someone under the bus as Wren had explained when he had told his mother about Pierce’s mate instead of about his own mate.
Me.
“If you think the locals are odd, you should meet the people from Florida.” Ha. I’d done it correctly. His eyes widened and he laughed in excitement for more information. “Let’s just say they’re…interesting.”
Yes, I’d even paused in the right place because I could feel Wren’s pride and giggles coming through the bond.
“Good job, Daddy.”
Sending him pleasure and thanks, I stayed focused on the human-plus man. “Oh, but be careful with the Canadians.”
Dropping my voice to a whisper, I made sure to sound like I was sharing a secret. “They…let’s just say they forgot to pack their manners.”
And common sense based on the stories I’d heard from my mate.
“I think they went over to the candle store.” More laugher came from the human-plus man. “I’ve heard stories about how badly that went.”
That did not surprise me or my mate.
“Don’t worry about Texas. We have manners even if we’re weird.” Wren’s laughter made the other man smile but he was still very curious.
“That’s one word for it.” He probably thought his voice was too low to be heard, but better-than-human hearing had its advantages. But his tone seemed genuine when he spoke louder again. “It’s nice to meet you both.”
Glancing between us both, he grew more thoughtful again before shifting the conversation. “I think I met a visitor a few months ago that might be related to your…family?”
What?
Wren’s thoughts mirrored mine but he was more adept at conversations that required careful negotiation.