They laughed, and Meeda looked around the gowns on the dummies and filling the racks.“I saw some of these at Ahheel’s shop.”
“Yes, they are selling well, and Ahheel is enjoying the partnership.We have been talking about opening up satellite boutiques on Emerald and Breakridge.”Moira smiled.“Ahheel can do what she likes.I am just going to keep sewing.”
Faline lifted her hand.“Me, too.”
Vine asked, “You have citizenship?”
“Yes.I was born on Emerald.My mother was a mistress by profession.They sent me to my father’s family to be adopted as a lady of the house in the city.”She grimaced.“That didn’t last, but I got my early high school diploma before they kicked me out.”
“And Ever?”
“He’s from Emerald as well.His family had business on the mainland, and we ended up at the same school, but I am guessing he did some wiggling to get there.”
“Where is he now?”
“My guess is congratulating Stromos on whatever sporty thing he just did and trying to find out if that alpha is omega-biased only or a little flexible.”She smiled.“Ever is sexually omnivorous.”
Vine said softly, “But you are a mage.”
“So?”
“Don’t you have a draw to magic?”
Faline smiled.“I do, and I don’t.I am bound to Ever.Not in any formal way, but we fit like puzzle pieces.If he finds the wrong alpha, it acts as scissors to the puzzle, and he doesn’t want that.This is the fourth one that he has auditioned in the last two years.”
Moira blinked.“So, you don’t activate for the right guy?”
“Nope.We are activated, and then we find someone who suits what we have become.It’s a different order with a similar result.”
Vine asked, “What brand of mage are you, Faline?”
“Unlike your friend Sable, I am simply a biological energy mage.Animus is my focus, the power that moves the body and drives birth, death, and mating.The mental motivators that make society move along.”
She smiled.“It’s a weird adaptation, but my passion is ornamenting the gowns.”
Vine wandered around the gowns.“You put magic in them.”
“Side effect of me messing with them.”
Moira snorted.“Her embroidery and work increase the price of the gowns by around five hundred dollars.”
“Does Mini have one?”
Moira snorted.“Mini has six.She wears them at home with her alphas because they make her feel pretty.The queen has eighteen.”
Faline grinned.“Mimi can’t make them fast enough.”
Vine blinked.“Mimi?”
Moira explained the story of her volunteering, constantly screaming, “Me, me!”back on Emerald, where she grew up.
Meeda smiled and relaxed into the feeling of being among friends.Mia was her sister, but friends chose her.It was a heady feeling.
Eden walked in, saw the gathering, and smiled.“So, Moira.Having a party?”
Faline smiled.“My fault.Meeda was just telling us that Mia had asked another friend of theirs to design some beach wraps and simple dresses that went on and off easily.”
Eden smiled.“I would be up for that.Something that can go from beach to restaurant.”
