She snorted. “Yes.”
He unlinked their arms and stroked her cheek, her jaw, and her neck. “Oh, you are like silk.”
“Thanks. Sweaty silk.”
Myro muttered, “Don’t tease.”
Alohi grinned. “Oh, so not your matesyet.”
“Shut up, Alohi.”
He laughed, but they continued toward the town where the locals had their roots. The port town was where the tourists hung around, and the upper village was where the locals lived. They could see the village ahead of them when Alohi turned down a small path that led to two buildings. One was large, two levels with balconies, and the other was also two levels but had more of a homey vibe.
A woman emerged, and her belly indicated pregnancy to Poppy’s trained eye. Her alpha stood behind her, his sarong showing quite a bit.
“Serin, Deno, nice to see you again.”
Both of them hugged her as Serin laughed. “Poppy!”
“Deno, Serin, you two are looking prosperous. How far along are you?”
“Eight weeks. Deno is still stunned. Kekoa is relaxing as it continues.”
“Why?”
“Because my spirit cursed the island. You may notice that there are no kids below the age of five here. Now that I am back and the island has convinced Deno to take me on, we are good again.”
Deno chuckled. “And I have a job where my ass isn’t on the line each and every day.” His expression got soft. “And I am going to be a dad, Belle lives nearby, and Serin smiles when she sees me. Life is pretty good.”
Serin smiled. “I knew that the island would provide. I had no idea it would hijack someone I already was familiar with, but that is why he was picked.”
Deno smiled. “She likes looking at me, and I feel the same.”
Poppy smiled. “You two look happy. Kekoa is really impressed with himself as well. He’s the father of Haravin’s?”
Serin nodded. “He barricaded himself in with her during her heat. The others didn’t get near her.”
“Ah, that would do it.”
Deno nodded. “Now, I would like to welcome you formally to the Wonder Island Bed and Breakfast. It is an exclusive place for a select clientele. Tell us what we are missing, and we will bring it. Your comfort is important.”
Poppy smiled. “Great. Where can we drop our stuff?”
“Come with me. I will show you the amenities and your rooms. There is only one other guest while the game is ongoing, and she is currently getting ready to greet the others on Emerald.”
Poppy, Myro, and Breen followed.
Serin smiled and said, “I have to talk to Kekoa. I will be back in an hour.”
Deno chuckled. “I’ve got them.”
Serin walked away, and Poppy followed Deno into the open, bright building that let the breezes of the island through. The main floor had tables and lounge areas with huge windows that overlooked the ocean. The coffee, tea, and beverage fridge were accessible. Fruit and pastries were under a cover, and everything was shockingly neat.
Deno led them up the steps to the guestrooms and smiled. “Poppy, this room is yours.”
She looked at the poppy drawn on the door. “Nice. Classy.”
He grinned and handed her a silver cuff. “This will open the door, and if you tap it, it will help you find yourself back at night. Just turn until it lights up.”