Butting In by Zenina Masters Page B

hall.
    She followed him, and a door opened ahead of them.
    “For a fey? Did you expect Shakespearian English?”
    She shrugged. “I don’t know. I am still wondering why folks have told tales for years about the contact magic between fey and shifters. You felt completely normal to me.”
    He smirked. “It is part of my agreement to occupy this place. I am wrapped in shifter magic. It will keep shifter ladies from swooning at my feet.”
    He flicked his braid over his shoulder. “Now, you are the first paying guest, so let me know if you need anything else. Breakfast is anytime between dawn and ten in the morning; just come down and ask the room for anything you can think of. So, rest, and when you want to know about the Crossroads, you can just ask for me, and I will be there as quickly as I can.”
    “Um, thank you. It was night when I left home, so I think I need to rest.”
    Drak inclined his head. “Of course. Good rest to you, and I will see you when you wake.”
    He put her bag in her room and returned to the hallway.
    “You said that I was the first paying client. Who else is staying here?”
    He chuckled. “My brother, Riox. He has been looking for his mate for a few weeks with no luck. I have to admire his stamina, he does keep trying.”
    She chuckled. “Thank you, Drak. I am sure that I will enjoy the tales of his adventures, as long as they remain suitable for public consumption.”
    “I can’t guarantee that, but if he gets out of hand, I promise to rein him in.” Drak winked.
    He left her alone, and she headed into the room, looking around at the elegant and neat furnishings before closing the door.
    Fatigue washed over her, so Gera stripped and crawled between the sheets, letting the protective barrier of sleep creep across her. She smiled as she dozed. This was not what she had expected.
     

Chapter Two
     
     
    Five minutes in the dining room with Drak told her that she was woefully underdressed. Her pretty t-shirt and jeans looked a little out of place in a room full of magic and hovering light.
    She worked for a living, so the breakfast disappeared from her plate without any hesitation.
    Drak waved his hand, and a carafe poured a cup of coffee.
    “Cream and sugar?”
    “Yes, please. One teaspoon of sugar and a bit of cream.”
    The other silver serving units floated past the cup and put the requested items into the coffee. When it was ready, it floated over and settled in front of her as the plate was whisked away.
    Drak smiled helpfully. “Do you know what you are looking for?”
    Gera shook her head. “Not a clue. This is my father’s idea.”
    “You were not interested in coming here?”
    She laughed. “I am not interested in anything. Not man, nor woman, nor beast, nor god as my gran used to say. She was very practical about my situation.”
    Drak was perplexed. “What gender do you have sex with?”
    She leaned forward. “What part of not interested in anyone do you not understand?”
    A man stumbled in, rubbing his head and grinning. He was wearing silken pajama bottoms that clung precariously to his hips and nothing else. His ears were pointed and glaringly obvious. He was fey.
    “Good morning, brother. Did I hear someone mention sex?”
    Drak growled at the other man. “Riox, this is Gera, my guest. Gera, this is my brother. He has been helping me with the spell work to create what I need.”
    Riox bowed and lifted his dark head with a grin. The golden skin of his face was framed by the midnight of his hair. The long cascade was tied in a loose ponytail down his back.
    His eyes were the strangest shade of purple leading into vivid blue before changing back again.
    “Gera, I am delighted to meet you. Welcome to the Axion.”
    “Thank you, Riox. Your brother has been most welcoming.”
    He took a seat and waved his hand. A plate filled itself from the sideboard and floated over to him. He dug in with good appetite, and Drak kept up conversation.
    “So, Riox, did you have fun