Fae-ted to the Bear - Harmony Raines Page 0,15

his mate’s scent along with the smell of the ocean. “What’s the ocean like in your realm?”

“Calmer. The weather is altogether more temperate, we don’t have such noticeable seasons. Everything about being a fae seems to be smooth.” She sliced her hand horizontally through the air.

“We’ve mastered our emotions,” Karros explained. “At least most of us have.”

“Karros once described me as an excited puppy.” Elise turned on her heel and stared up at the apartments. “I’m certainly excited now.”

“See,” Karros began. “She is just like an excitable puppy.”

Caleb’s bear bristled. He’s teasing our mate.

I think Elise can handle Karros, Caleb replied. And she might take offense if we stepped in.

True, she certainly doesn’t seem offended, his bear replied, but he still wanted to swat Karros with his massive paw.

You’re just being defensive because you see him as a potential threat to Aiden’s relationship with Flora. Caleb could understand why.

When he talks about being in love with Flora...of still being in love with her, it’s not right. Flora belongs to Aiden and nothing is going to change that.

It’s a pity we can’t find a mate for Karros. Caleb led Elise and Karros across to the front entrance leading into the apartments. The doors were freshly painted, the smell still lingering in the air.

“It’s so fresh and light,” Elise remarked as they entered into a small communal hallway. “I love it.”

Caleb took his phone from his pocket and pressed dial to tell the developer they were here. The phone rang and rang before finally going to voicemail. “Strange, Mr. Kipper said he’d meet us here.”

“Perhaps he’s on his way. He might not answer a call while he’s driving, particularly on the coast road.” Elise smiled patiently, while Karros cast a suspicious sidelong look at Caleb.

He thinks we’ve messed up, his bear said. He thinks we’re wasting their time.

If Mr. Kipper doesn’t arrive soon, that’s exactly what we’ll have done. Caleb looked up, there was a car approaching. He’s here. With some relief, Caleb went outside and met Mr. Kipper.

“Sorry I’m late. I had trouble with a warlock, he’d managed to seal himself into one of the apartments. Some kind of transmorphic spell gone wrong.” He shook Caleb’s hand. “I should have a no-magic-allowed clause written into my leases.”

“How did you sort it out?” Caleb asked.

“I had to call a spell repairman out. Donald Miller. He’s an expert at these kinds of things, took care of the problem in minutes. I handed the bill to the tenant, he wasn’t happy, but then I pointed out to him that it’s a good thing I didn’t bill him for my time, too.” Mr. Kipper straightened his suit jacket as he strolled toward the apartments.

“The building looks stunning,” Caleb said as they mounted the steps where Elise and Karros were waiting.

“It does, doesn’t it? I’m pleased with how it turned out. As you know, the apartments used to be a single row of houses.” He stopped at the top of the steps and turned to look at the view. “That never gets old.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Caleb agreed, happy Mr. Kipper was in such a good mood despite his tenant’s magical mistake.

“Hello.” Elise came to meet them. “I’m Elise and this is my brother, Karros.” She smiled warmly.

“And the apartment is for you?” Mr. Kipper stared at Elise, his eyes narrowing before his expression cleared. “You’re a fae?”

“We are,” Karros confirmed. “Is that a problem?”

“No, not at all. I’ve only ever had a handful of fae tenants, but they’ve always been reliable and keep the properties clean and tidy.” He laughed good-naturedly. “They also don’t tend to try experimental magic, at least not indoors. Although I did once have a fae rent an apartment from me who brewed a sweet concoction from some fruit, I can’t remember the name, but I never could get rid of the smell. Very sickly.”

“Parder. The fruit is used to make a very potent wine,” Elise said.

“Ah, parder, that was it.” He wagged his finger at them. “No parder brewing.”

“I can’t stand the stuff,” Karros replied.

“That’s good.” Mr. Kipper took the keys from his pocket and jingled them on his finger as he led them up a flight of stairs. “The apartment is on the first floor.”

“The view will be even better from up there.” Elise’s eyes lit up as she followed Mr. Kipper upstairs.

“Thank you for doing this.” Karros stopped at the bottom of the stairs and half-turned to face Caleb.

“I want you to stay in Wishing Moon Bay, so I’m