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“Genetic parent. We look like siblings because she doesn’t age, but she was in her thirties when I was created. The Uraddans were brutal in their pursuit of power via the actives that they hated so badly.” Xeva smiled. “So, I am genuinely not exposed to a lot of children in my day-to-day and never have been, but from observation of a friend’s children, they are like tiny adults with a basic programming package.”
Leaf was laughing, and Stone said, “We will give you a basic introduction. Our aunt has a newborn. It is an excellent starter module.”
She looked at him. “Thank you, that would be helpful.”
Lock smiled. “She also has the older expansion packs.”
Xeva slumped and looked at them wryly. “I am never going to live down the terminology.”
Jeron chuckled. “Probably not.”
“It was discouraged to think of families and socializing. I had to learn it from other team members.”
Revakka chuckled. “Well, we still have some time tonight. You can meet the rest of the family.”
Stone smiled. “On it.” He got up and walked into the other room.
Xeva muttered, “What’s he doing?”
“Calling family. We are having a party.”
“A party?” Xeva perked up. “That’s on my list.”
“List?”
“Things I haven’t done. The tea party with Nelith and Khytten sort of counted, I think. Sort of. It was more like a shopping lunch with other actives. Lots of kids though.”
“Toddlers and teens leave a lot of room for things in between. There are many different social levels for you to watch.” Jeron smiled. He squeezed her hand. “Let’s go for a walk.”
“Shouldn’t we do dishes?”
“No, today is Lock’s and Key’s turn.” He stood and tugged her off the chair. He wove his fingers with hers and walked outside.
“So, how do you feel about my family?” He smiled as they walked toward the beach.
“They are nice. A little appalled by my origin, but they seem to be rolling with it.” Xeva leaned on his shoulder, and moonlight hit his chest.
She paused. “What the hell?”
Confused, he stopped. “What?”
“You have tattoos. Lots of them.” She pushed his shirt aside and stared at the pictograms that covered him.
“Of course. We get them at every milestone. They fluoresce under the moon and starlight but are invisible in the day. It’s traditional. Leaf has hers for starting her study and will get another when she completes it. Apple already has his pilot’s license and has his wings marked.”
She reached up, grabbed his neck, and pulled him down, examining the marks on his face. “Why are they invisible?”
“It is a way to keep trade with the mainland. They are a little freaked out by the dark tattoos, so about a hundred years ago, we worked on changing the pigments. Now, they are for nights on the beach, celebrating with family.” He chuckled. “Terrifying my enemies.”
“I didn’t see them that night on the hill.”
He smiled. “You surprised me. You had me flipped and cuffed in seconds. Kinda hot, considering.”
She snorted and pressed her lips to a zigzag on his cheek. He exhaled and remained very still. She kissed the other zigzag and then brushed her lips across his. “Very pretty. If my activation reappears, I will cuff you anytime.”
He grinned, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her until she slumped against him.
When he lifted his head, she rapidly blinked as she tried to get herself together. “Were we walking somewhere?”
