Page 112 of Simon

Calliope laughed.

“I have learned a lot about myself, and trust me, without you, I wouldn’t be where I am now. But I have also grown. A lot. My growth also led me to become who I was meant to be.

Calliope pulled back slightly, looking deep into my eyes. “I can see that. You’re different, Simon, in a good way. And I’m proud and so, so happy for you.” She glanced over at Lucy, who offeredher a warm smile in return. “And in case you are wondering, I’m not mad you left. Once Sugha told me what was going on and that you’d found a mate, I’ve been planning a party!”

Lucy’s and my face dropped. “What?” we asked at the same time.

“Yup! A big ole party. Everyone is showing up tomorrow. I sent word to the entire tribe once I found out you were coming. Uncle Osirus won’t be showing up, but I heard Queen Clara and the big, bad wolf are coming. I can’t wait to see him.”

“You are staying away from him!” Valpar barked over the roaring fire. “That beast is insane! I’ve seen him fight!”

Calliope waved her hand in dismissal. “I’m gonna ask him to shift and see if he will fight some testosterone-driven orcs. That’s my gift to Lucy and her scientific studies.”

Lucy clapped excitedly. “That would be really insightful.”

Valpar and I groaned.

While Calliope and Lucy were becoming better friends than I expected, I didn’t think I was prepared for all the trouble they may get into.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Lucy

ValparandCalliope'scabin,which resembled Thorn and Ellie's, was nestled amidst the lush greenery. The sight of it evoked a sense of simplicity, but the charm was all Calliope’s doing. The flowers that surrounded the cabin burst with a color that matched Calliope’s hair. The cabin’s exterior boasted beautiful vines that strung out to poles adorned with vibrant garments, belonging to a woman, obviously. They swayed softly in the wind.

There, on the porch, were two matching rocking chairs, one larger for the big hulking orc and one smaller to match Calliope’s petite frame.

We didn’t go to the porch though. That would be too close to their home. Instead, we stayed by the fire, where someone had shaved down the logs into benches to create a flat seating surface.

Calliope snuggled up to Valpar and looked like she should be a fairy rather than a human. It meshed well with Valpar, who was far grumpier than Thorn ever appeared to be. Valpar’s face seemed softened though, when he looked at her, his hand always on her lower back, her thigh or hand.

She found him equally enthralling. While I was a little jealous that Simon knew her before me, I knew it was platonic. I owed everything to Calliope. Simon could still be wandering around Bergarian with a random herd of goats or eaten by wild animals. She saw Simon was different and took him under the fake-fairy wing she used to wear and made him the friend that she really needed.

Simon was mine, and he let me know that with each brush of his thumb over my hand. I knew he didn’t have romantic feelings for Calliope. Simon feared I would jump up and hurt Calliope because I was a jealous maniac in the beginning. I felt the uneasiness through the bond. It was quickly squashed when we finally met.

I wasn’t an overbearing freak like these males. As long as she didn’t go wandering in his pouch, we would be just fine.

Only I got to wander in his pouch.

Soon after pleasantries, we all sat around the fire at last and had to give the entire story of how Simon and I met. Calliope was completely enamored by our story, grabbing Valpar’s thigh as he threw jealous glances at us because Calliope was paying attention to us, and not him.

Valpar shifted Calliope, so she was on his lap, but still she listened with her full attention on us. Valpar grumbled and complained, taking in large whiffs of her scent while she oohed and ahhed over our short courting.

Simon was hesitant at first to speak about how we first met. I had to explain to Calliope how touchy-feely Simon was. I wasn’t afraid, telling Calliope how curious Simon was about my body. Calliope laughed so hard she cried, which of course made Valpar upset and told me not to make his mate cry again.

Orcs were weird. Need to write that down later.

Calliope demanded to know more, every detail. I patted my finger against my lip and told her one tidbit he left out, and that he demanded to pee where I liked to pee.

Calliope snorted and waved her hand like it was no big deal.

Apparently, that was normal.

While eating dinner, the light sources set, the nightlife had taken up the Wood, and we finally finished our story. Calliope was completely spent from the excitement of the day. Valpar had her cradled in his chest like she was a small child and rubbed his cheek against the top of her head.

The goddess we had mentioned in our story, Calliope decided, was Artemis. I wasn’t very familiar with the gods, but the way Calliope explained it, she was the Goddess of the Hunt, wilderness, and wild animals to name a few. It would make sense she would appear in the Wood and speak to me in a place as magical as this.

I touched the horns on my head. Did she have anything to do with my horns? The acceptance of magic, this world, the Wood? Was this her gift?

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