Page 16 of Wind and Water
He studies the chopsticks and the spoon. Deciding on the spoon, he sips the soup. “Very good.” Glancing at me, he says, “You know the old gods?”
“We need to find a library.” I pick up the chopsticks and show him how to eat the noodles. The rest of the meal is spent laughing at his attempts.
Chapter Four
Liam
We asked for directions to the library, but on the way, we passed a bookstore. Wren yelped. “This is better.” Grabbing my hand, she dragged me through the door.
The smell of books reminds me of my school days. Back then, I couldn’t wait to get out of the classroom and start my military life. I was young and thought strapping on a sword would be the beginning of the end for Venora. Arrogance did not get us the prophecy. That was found through education and exploration.
I follow Wren through the stacks like a pet fully enamored by his mistress. The description is not far off. It should be shameful, but I’m unable to care what anyone else might think. If the oracle or my parents disapprove, I will fight for Wren for as long as she wants me. Where did that come from? I need to gather my wits. It’s clear I’m not acting like myself. Maybe my human has more magic than she knows.
“Here.” She points to a section of books and snatches one off the shelf. Opening to the first page, she holds it out to me. “Look.”
I take the book from her. The print is different than what I’m used to, but it is in the common language. The title page saysCeltic Gods and Mythos. Below that, it readsThe Tuatha Dé Danann.
She’s already scanning for other books. When she has three, she takes the one from me and sits in a large chair tucked in the corner. Scanning each book, she is focused and serious.
“Shall I read one too?” I lean against one of the floor-to-ceiling shelves and watch her. Adorable, beautiful, and smart, she is everything. She must be stunning to watch make jewelry, though I can see this study of text comes from her mother.
Holding up a finger, she shakes her head. After three or four more minutes, she hands me a colorful soft-covered book. “This is what we need. I’ll put the others back.”
With no shame at all, I watch her bottom as she bends over to replace the books.
As she stands, she looks over her shoulder. “I guess men are the same in your world as here.” Her tone is scolding, but she doesn’t try hiding her smile.
“If you give a man a view like that, how can you expect him not to look?”
With a laugh, she snatches the book from my hand. “Come on.” She pays for the book and rushes out of the shop. “We should check on Momma. I’m sure she’s awake and feeling her head at this point.”
The afternoon brings a light rain, and we jog all the way back to the apartment. As we dash through the door and climb the steps, the pink shirt she’s wearing shows her undergarments and every inch of her beautiful body. A groan escapes me as she reaches the upper floor.
She looks back as she opens the door. My expression must tell the story. One look down at her tits, and she covers themwith crossed arms. “I didn’t think this shirt through with the weather in the country.”
“You two are soaked through,” Birdie croons from the kitchen.
A whiff of something on the stove reminds me of winter stew and makes me forget we ate noodles an hour ago.
“You’d better go change before you catch your death. I’m fixin’ to eat something.”
“We ate, Momma.” Wren heads for the bedroom door.
“I reckon Liam will be ready to eat again in no time.” Birdie smiles at me and seems no worse for her early morning whiskey tour.
I go to the stove and give the stew a deep sniff. “I’ll not say no to a pot that smells this good.”
Smiling widely, Birdie slaps my back and chuckles. “That’s the way.”
As soon as Wren is behind the bedroom door, Birdie pulls my arm. “Did she change her mind?”
“We have not discussed it, but she took me to a bookshop, and it seems there are still some similarities between our worlds.” I grab my pack and head to the bathroom.
“Oh. I love a little research.” She rubs her hands together.
I enjoy these Martin women. They are so full of life and joy. “I thought you would. It’s in Wren’s bag.” I point to it on the coat hook near the door.
The worry over keeping Wren and Birdie safe in Domhan has me wide awake well into the night. When the bedroom door opens, I sit up straighter.
