Blue Skies on Fire Read Online Free Page A

for that?”
    “My auntie taught me that manners matter, even in magic.”
    “I would like to meet this auntie of yours.” Andor smiled and stepped toward her.
    Teebie stepped back. “Unlikely. Soon, you will find a mate and be off back to the human world.”
    He frowned, and the hand he had raised lowered to his side. “Right. I had nearly forgotten that you were off limits.”
    Teebie’s heart ached as he left her in the dining room and exited the Open Heart. It was for the best. He needed to find another shifter or a fey to live happily ever after. Her life would be an eternity in a magical limbo catering to horny guests.
    She wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
     

Chapter Four
     
     
    Missande and Treymor stood together, the green vines of his magic printed themselves into her skin and his eyes glowed hot yellow with his new wolf waking inside.
    Teebie fussed with the small buffet, and Chuck and Ivy presented the special bottle of wine to the couple.
    The vintage impressed Treymor, and he hugged Chuck and Ivy in turn. Teebie grinned. It was always a good day when the couple was happy with everything around them. The power adjustment would take enough of their attention over the following days. A joyful start made it easier.
    When the buffet was settled and the guests were milling around, Teebie took a plate over to the mage. “Emira, you look hungry.”
    The young woman smiled weakly. “I am. Thanks, Teebie. All of these ceremonies may be great for the survival of the fey, but they are hell on me. I have another two this afternoon.”
    Teebie blinked. “You do?”
    “Yes, they are occupants of one of the other bed and breakfasts. Despite your amazing track record, there are folks who occasionally stay at the other ones.”
    Teebie wrinkled her nose. Emira Darfcourt was the latest and strongest mage that the guild had provided. She might be cranky, but she knew what she was doing.
    “Is there anything I can get you, Emira?”
    The mage stood and stretched, rubbing her back. “Can you get me a massage before this afternoon?”
    Teebie manifested an avatar at the spa and made the request. Stephyn agreed to fit Emira in, and Teebie resumed her complete body at the ceremony grounds.
    “You are booked in in an hour. Stephyn is going to work you over.”
    Emira gave a rare smile. “Thank you. So, when is it going to be your turn?”
    Teebie watched the woman nibble at the small sandwiches and decoratively cut vegetables. “My turn for what?”
    “For me to wave my arms and bond you to the being of your choosing. You have been here longer than all of the fey. I am surprised that you weren’t first in line.”
    Teebie blinked. “It isn’t a matter of being in line; it is a matter of finding a compatible mate. Not everyone is willing to live their life in the Crossroads, and I physically can’t live in the human world without attracting attention.”
    “How did you get along before you came here?”
    Emira’s blunt curiosity surprised Teebie. She didn’t normally ask anything personal.
    “Um, I stayed inside and used a heavy glamour when I absolutely had to go out. My family insisted that my colouration would cause too much trouble.”
    “Did it?”
    “I never tried. My aunt came by and took me out for excursions. She covered me with her glamour, and I got to feel normal.”
    Emira nodded. “And then she offered you a place here.”
    “Yes. I jumped at the chance, and here, I do stand out, but I am accepted.”
    “Your aunt is here. Wow, who is she talking to?”
    Teebie turned and saw her Auntie Dira talking to Andor. Of course. He probably jumped at the chance to meet a dragon.
    Andor bowed and Dira inclined her head. Whatever he was saying, Dira was impressed and amused.
    Teebie turned back to Emira. “Well, enjoy your massage. I will see you tomorrow. I can feel that another one of my couples is close to finalizing things.”
    “Oh. Goody.” Emira rolled her eyes and sighed. “Well, seriously,