Blazing Serious by Viola Grace Read Free Book Online Page B

burn until there was no fuel left, and the smoke it put out would cause immeasurable damage to the environment. You have saved their homes and their very air for generations to come.”
    “Unless they light it on fire again.”
    “Let’s hope that that does not happen.” He smiled as they cruised over the lake.
    “I agree whole heartedly.”
    She looked down, and Tremor peeped out at her, his wide black eyes were smiling over his stubby gold beak. She scratched his head, and those dark eyes closed happily.
    “We are being assigned couple’s quarters. Are you amenable?”
    She blinked and thought of a night without Tremor and Huros. “Yes. We are together now, in one way or another. There is no reason to be apart when it makes us worse.”
    “A very practical outlook.” His lips twisted.
    She sensed his irritation. She fired back at him with her own frustration and confusion as well as her attraction.
    His shoulders tensed and then relaxed. “Fair enough. I am sorry. It was not my intent to burden you with my mind.”
    “If it hadn’t been for your mind, we would not have met.”
    He chuckled. “I would not be too sure of that. Tremor was already on the way when you and I bonded, and he told his parent that he was going to two people. He was certain he was going to bond to a couple, and that couple is us.”
    She looked at Tremor, and he chirped confirmation, sending her a flicker of images that made her dizzy. Her life with Huros had just flashed before her eyes.
    “You turn into one of those raptors?”
    Tremor chirped confirmation and sent her an image of him in sparkling purple glory with his eyes dark and his claws sharp.
    “Very pretty. When does that happen?”
    Huros answered. “When he feels secure, which means, when we are settled. Until that time, he will remain in this cuddly form. It makes it easier for him to offer us assistance. He is completely non-threatening.”
    She thought about it and had to agree; if he had come to her as the adult bird, she would have hesitated.
    Huros settled the skimmer in the parking area and helped her out without the robe flaring open and exposing her partially clothed body to those passing through the space.
    She kept Tremor in her arms and the robes hiked to mid-calf as she pattered through the gardens and pathways to the building that housed her quarters.
    “I am just going to shower and change and then head down to the seamstress. Did you have a design in mind for the gown?”
    He chuckled. “I will come with you. I have some data analysis to do but that can wait until your gown is underway.”
    “I just hope I don’t get called while we are at the dinner.”
    Huros laughed. “Good point. I will have them make two.”
    Tremor chirped happily.
    “And a sash for Tremor. He wants to dress up, too.”
    “Done.” Huros put his arm around her, and they entered her building and headed for the lift.
    Places to go and gowns to obtain. She also needed another day-off outfit, because the one she was wearing was trashed.
     
    Meeting the rest of her family was a little strange. She was poked, prodded, her hair was examined and swabs were taken for confirmation until she grabbed them and burned them. That was enough proof for her grandmother, Jurim.
    Praxos, her grandfather, surrendered to his wife’s decision, and he welcomed her warmly.
    Yoris watched protectively until she was back at his side. The rest of the cousins, aunts and uncles came and were introduced to her. Jimra Artu Uramiss.
    She wasn’t sure about the last name, but when her family was behind her in the literal sense, Jurim rang a bell and Huros and his family entered the hall.
    Tremor was with Huros, and he looked splendid with his jaunty sash fastened around him. Tremor flapped his stubby wings happily when he saw her.
    Huros’s parents came forward and greeted Jurim and Praxos. There were formal words that Jimra tuned out. She was staring at Huros in his formal tunic and robes, and he was