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I get into my car to see Jonah and Kenzan booping noses. “You’re a troublemaker, aren’t you?”
“Who you talking to?” Jonah asks.
“Both of you, of course.” The caravan of wolf-men starts passing us. One waves me on. They clearly want me to go in the middle of the pack. I wave as I file in between two of them. “Next stop, Avalon Vale.”
Remi Storm
“Now,this is my version of an inn.”
Jonah is right. This is him all over. Understated elegance balanced with over the top accessories.
“This is more like a mansion.”
“Exactly my point, baby girl. Ooh, and look at this beautiful piece.”
“I was already looking,” I say, approaching a gorgeous sculpture at the entryway. My gaze is drawn to the feather and sun symbol stamped on the bottom. I’ve seen that before in some of the other art works showcased in the art festival.
A bright voice calls out from above us. “That’s my favorite piece. Welcome! You must by the Orchard Haus group? Ms. Storm?”
Jonah and I look up to see a pretty young woman waving down at us from the mezzanine overlooking the first floor. “Hi there! I’m Remi and this is my associate, Jonah Gray.”
The woman bounces down the steps. “I’m Val Seitta, owner-operator of this bed-and-breakfast. Let’s get you settled.”
Val shows us a guest book where we sign in. She gives us our own keys, and leads us through a small tour of the library, recreational spaces, and ends with the dining room. “Meals are complimentary, of course.”
“Complimentary?” Jonah and I say at the same time.
Val smiles. “The town has most of the amenities, and they’re still a bit of a drive into the mountains, most of which is kind of off-roading. We’re still trying to get the roads situated before most of the guests arrive tomorrow.”
“So, I’m guessing delivery isn’t a thing here,” I say.
“No, not so much. But some of the local restaurants are considering that sort of thing if the need grows. We would, of course, need guests.”
“I don’t think you all will have a problem with that. I know so many people just waiting for the proverbial doors to open.”
“Honey, with word of mouth alone, you’ll fill this place out. Trust me.”
“That’s the hope. Let’s show you to your rooms.”
Val leads us upstairs, where she shows us the east wing of the property. “All the guests will be here.” She shows us our adjoining rooms. Each room is larger than my apartment in the city.
“Oh, our bags. I didn’t even see the staff.”
Val’s eyes dart away. “How much do you know about Otherkin?”
“Not much, to be honest. Meeting Vane was my first.”
“Ah. Vane’s the local sheriff of sorts, so he tends to be very protective. I hope he didn’t get too under your skin.”
“No, but if he offers...” Jonah mutters.
Val giggles. “Don’t feed into his ego. He already gets too many females fawning over him. Well, I’ll let you two get settled in. Dinner is scheduled at six o’clock, but since it’s just the two of you this evening, the kitchen will always be able to accommodate your preferences. The other guests will be here tomorrow evening,” she adds.
“Ooh, then we’re truly the first guests here?” Jonah asks.
“You truly are,” she says. Another rumble reverberates throughout the house. “Please make yourself at home. I’ll need to see to a few things.”
“Of course. No need to go out of your way on our account. We can manage.”
