Page 2 of Auctioned Mate

Goat’s Headhad ample entertainment. There were centaurs doing tricks on the stage, a live band floating just above playing various string and wind instruments. People, some of them humans, mingled with shifters and fairies alike, each person giving off various colors and energies.

It was a gold mine of magic. While some creatures chattered away, others chose to drink themselves deep into the shadowy corners of the grand tavern. The vaulted ceilings accommodated such species as myself and my friends, including those fae folks who seemed to tower menacingly above the rest.

Despite height, weight, stature, and demeanor, there wasn’t a malicious bone in this establishment. Conversation freely spun about with plenty of words of encouragement for people wanting to perform with the centaurs on stage. Support like this wasn’t unfamiliar to me now that I lived with the Silverdawn pack in a smaller, self-contained town located on the edge of Wolfcreek.

“…no idea what’s over there, man. But it’s amazing. Anything you want, you get.”

My ears tingled with these new bits of information. Anything I wanted I could get? It sounded like its very own red-light district, according to Izdor’s terms.

“You’re kidding,” the other person replied. “I don’t believe you.”

“Listen, it’s a city within a city. It’s much better than this joint.”

The second person made a snorting sound and then spat. “How much better could it get?”

“My friend, your wildest dreams couldn’t possibly imagine what happens behind the doors ofMoss.”

Moss—now that just sounded like something as earthy and friendly as the tavern full of drunken half-creatures and magical other-beings. What could possibly be better than where we were already located? These creatures likely knew the way—if I could just keep listening.

“You’re missing out,” the first person stated confidently while sounding like they were standing up. “I’m going, if you want a ride.”

“I need to finish things here. Give me directions.”

And within minutes, I had secured information for my soldiers without needing to register our wings for flying overseas.

I jostled Izdor who was in a heated explanation of various sex positions he had experimented with on local single women.

“Izzy, I’ve got a place you can go for that,” I stated proudly. “It’s a wild place.”

“A wild place?” He leaned toward me with a mischievous grin. “Tell me more.”

After repeating the details of the conversation I’d heard from several feet away, he slapped Galanthia on the shoulder and waved for us to move. “We should get on! Before you forget!”

“When do I ever forget things?”

Instead of an answer, I was playfully shoved to the exit. Izdor was serious about his loins burning—I could feel his passion pouring right out of his pores. Valiant reds and purples danced around his lower chakras, the ones guarding his passionate appetites. He was ready to do things. And I had to suppose I was ready as well given my warmed state of existence.

Though perhaps that was the gold liquor.

Near the door, we recognized Raven and Killian. Next to Raven was her twin, another Elderling, a powerful being with his arm wrapped around his mate, Gia. Within her, life burst with energy, a kindling of love and affection created by their coupling. What joyous news it was to receive, and it seemed the twins were celebrating again with their mates for an Elderling child being born of a human was news to us.

Raven stood to greet us, welcoming us with hugs and affectionate words. Killian did the same, and then Rynar was squeezing us—as he often did now with such happiness in his heart. Between him and his mate, everything was set.

Save for the fact that danger still lurked beyond our borders. What other people wanted to do things to us, to Elderlings? He was famous for his kidnapping in Germany, and then his most recent kidnapping, and then his mating with Gia. Did all Elderlings get treated this way in this realm? So much drama for such small creatures. It seemed a waste of effort.

Raven noticed my fretting and squeezed my hand. “You’re protected here. Go and have fun with Izdor. He needs some…” She peered around me to peek at Izdor who was chatting up a rather buxom goblin. Raven cleared her throat and smiled up at me. “I think he may need some tempering, if you understand me.”

“We’re going to a place calledMosswhere he can be tempered.”

“I’ve never heard of it.” Her brows furrowed briefly. “But supernatural taverns tend to pop up every so often to grab some of the customer base fromGoat’s Head.”

I nodded. “As I understand, business is rather competitive.”

“Not much competition when this town keeps attracting a mixture of creatures.” She waved lightly and then laughed along with it. “That’s what we get for being so welcoming around here, right?”

“I do hope it doesn’t grow too big, Raven. Your hospitality has been spectacular.”

She beamed. “We’re Elderlings. We must protect each other.”

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