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I peek outside, and see that my econobox car is still alone in the driveway. Checking my watch, I’m still a little early. Maybe I can check out more of the space.
There’s a clear line of sight to the back entrance, where a pair of French doors open up to what I assume is the backyard. Several outbuildings are nestled back there in the same “one with nature” vibe that I’ve come to expect from Otherkin.
It’s like Hobbiton, if the average hobbit was seven feet tall. I can’t wait to check out more of the outdoors. I wonder if it goes all the way out to the lake?
With the name Lakeside Manor, I hope so.
I give a cursory glance at the kitchen before heading straight to the pantry. From floor to ceiling, the walk-in pantry is stocked. My mouth drools a little, and my stomach growls at the sight. I’m reminded that I didn’t have breakfast for lack of options.
“Oh my, aren’t you a beautiful sight!” I graze my fingers lovingly over the alphabetized organization. “I’ll come back for you later,” I promise the beautiful food. The refrigerator is just as fancy, with decor that makes it look like elegant cabinetry. Inside the freezer are basic essentials, and even the refrigerated side has fresh vegetables in the crisper.
“Ooh, I can have a salad later. If there’s a later. I hope there’s a later.”
Yeah, the Otherkin must have a different definition of unoccupied than we do.
I check on the backdoors. It’s unlocked as well, and opens to a veranda with shallow steps leading to a stone path. Despite the evidence of freshly fallen snow, the walkways are all clear.
The carriage house has plenty of room to be a covered parking garage for extended-stay guests. There's a structure out back that looks like a quaint cottage. The pictures from my email don’t do it justice.
The renovated servant's quarters looks so cozy and inviting like this, with window boxes ready for blooms in the spring. My new home for the next month. I peek inside and see a cute foyer with stone floors. My heart soars to see it.
A blustery gust of wind knocks my breath away, and I huddle into my worn peacoat.
Something flits around me, but it's too fast for me to track. A shimmery gold catches my attention as it zooms toward the greenhouse further down the path.
The way sunlight winks against the glass makes it look so inviting.
Beautiful flower beds from seedlings to blooms line row after row of tables. There is a special area farther back than I can see.
This isn't just a greenhouse. It's a showroom. Gorgeous flowers burst in vibrant displays. This is a living artwork.
There is one that compels me. It's almost prismatic, though I don't know how that's possible. This must be part of that Otherkin magic that I've only heard about.
Everything about it draws me closer. I bend to inhale the fragrance. Warm and happy memories bubble up inside of me. I sigh, and bend to see what the label is. Before I can touch a leaf, I'm whipped around and hauled off my feet.
I'm face to face with a snarling beast. I do the only thing I know to do. Scream.
I'm dropped, and still I scream.
When I realize that the beast isn’t a beast but an Otherkin that stands on hind legs wearing loose fitting pageboy breeches, leather work apron, and a lab coat—and looks at me like I'm the one scaring him—do I feel all kinds of stupid.
I'm in a monster-controlled city that's been veiled behind some cloak and dagger technology thanks to rift portals, and here I am screaming at the first one I meet in real life.
So much for working toward a visa. I'm lucky if I even get to keep this job let alone apply for future ones.
I scramble to stand up. “I’m so sorry, sir. So, so sorry. I didn't mean to scream in your face.” He edges toward me, and extends his hand, palm up. I place my hand in his, marveling at how soft his fur is.
“Believe it or not, that's not the worst way someone's greeted me.”
Heat erupts on my face. The flames of embarrassment bursting from my head can melt the blizzard brewing outside.
“I can't believe—I mean, I don't usually act this way with clients.”
“Trespass into private areas and then scream at them? I'm glad, as I don't think that will help with your future book of business.”
Can the black hole of the Obsidian Rift just swallow me up right now? At least he seems more amused that annoyed. “Can we pretend that never happened? and start over.” I stick my hand out for him to shake. “I'm Valiana Seitta. Val for short.”
He looks at me curiously. "Torben Vernados. You may call me Tor."
