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“We have a few more farms to look at, David,” Deimos said after they took a tour of the grounds. “But it’s been so great to catch up. Thank you for everything.”
“No, thank you, both of you. You’re always welcome here. It’s a rare treat to be in the company of someone who doesn’t groan at my jokes.”
“Well, anytime I feel homesick, I know where I’m going from now on.”
They visited three more farms. Deimos delighted in watching her natural gift with animals and her probing mind in action. He studied her face, trying to memorize every contour.
Watching her, he sensed that she wanted to decode the mystery of his animals’ ailments just as badly as he did. His oldest friends and advisors had told him to give up his ambitions at the first setbacks. But this person he had met less than a day ago, who had already changed his life, was fighting alongside him as if this battle were hers too.
NINE
HOPE
Hope was glad that she and Deimos were coming to the end of their day of traveling. Granted, she had enjoyed the travel on a flying vehicle … this meant that she didn’t have to worry about spending more than one day on the road.
“I wish we had these flying vehicles on Earth. Yes, we have planes, but I’m talking about ground travel from one region or state to the next.” Hope looked outside to see the ground and greenery flying by.
“As many responsibilities as I have, this is the only way I can get everywhere to take care of everything more efficiently.” Deimos looked back at Hope, grinned, and nodded.
“Well … yeah, considering you were looking at other herds of Earth cows, then taking care of clutch business … what did the other shifters seem to think about me being brought along?” Hope was slightly concerned about whether they would accept her or be angry at her presence on Nova Aurora.
“Most seemed welcoming and genuinely happy that you’re trying to help me with my cows. Although, I did pick up negativity from at least one …”
“Oh, no. Is he or she always like this?”
“He. Yes. He thinks very traditionally. He doesn’t like how humans are being brought up here as fated mates for so many of us. And he really hates that I have a herd of Earth cows …” Deimos stopped talking and fell into a pensive mood.
Hope waited for him to pick up on his train of thought. She was aware that she didn’t know enough of Deimos and his position in shifter society … beyond his role as alpha.
“Hope, I know you’re still getting acclimated to life on Nova Aurora. But I need to forewarn you. Did you pick up on any … negativity or even dislike from anyone we met today?”
Hope was surprised. But she thought back through the places they had visited and the shifters they had met. “Well … a couple. That shifter just glared at me when you introduced him to me. And he just seemed … overall, unhappy with what you were doing ….”
“When he tried to tell me that I should be raising cows native to Nova Aurora and spending much more time with the clutch … yes. He is always like that. If I spent any more time with the clutch, I’d be spending most of my time in the local watering hole.”
Hope picked up on Deimos’s frustration. “So much responsibility,” she murmured.
Deimos seemed to shake the gloom off of him.
“Why don’t we just go to dinner? It’s a good time to get to know each other.”
Hope looked at Deimos and laughed. “Is this a date?”
Deimos grinned. “Sure, why not?”
Hope was about to decline when she saw his charming smile and manner. This melted her earlier objection to calling dinnera date.
* * *
Deimos stoppedat a country-style restaurant with a casual feel. He seemed to know many of the regulars at the restaurant, who clapped him on the back.
Hope felt welcomed as the shifters smiled at her and shook her hand.
“That’s nice music.”
“Yeah, that’s a live band out in the back of the restaurant.” Deimos smiled as the server brought water and menus to their table.
Hope marveled at the server’s outfit … a shimmery, body-hugging ensemble of red pants and a long top with a swirling red-and-white pattern. As she looked around, she saw other male and female servers wearing a similar outfit … but of different colors.
