cherubic.
He was still amazed at how well the women got on together. He had been a little nervous of how Samantha might act, with her potential “replacement”, but he was pleasantly surprised. If there were any weirdness between them it seemed they had set it aside for the good of the children. Samantha seemed to be almost studying or silently appraising Keira, while Keira diligently listened to all the pointers Samantha had for her. From time to time, she interjected her own questions. They seemed to have taken what he usually called “woman speak” up a notch to something he supposed could be termed “nanny talk”. What was important to him is that from what he could tell Samantha was pleased with how Keira was doing. The kids had not completely acted out – at least not so far – which was a plus as well. Still, Rafe knew better than to let down his guard but didn't say as much. He had to admit though, that so far so good with Keira. This day would probably be make or break. She doesn’t even know the half of what she is getting herself into. Not the tenth! He almost felt bad about it, but he had thought about it, and he still felt an outsider would be best for the kids. Plus, he knew he was paying her well. He hoped it would work out. He mentally crossed his fingers. His Dragon roared, loudly.
The “Fairy Glen” and “Magical Petting Zoo” were first on Rafe's list of inspections. He liked to do sort of periodic check-ins with his people. Obviously, he also wanted to see how Keira handled the environment, not to mention the kids. He was a busy man, and so this was also killing two, or maybe three birds with one stone. As they headed into the fair, he ducked behind the unicorn barn to speak into the radio. “Alec to Fairy Glen,” he spoke quickly, with military precision, waiting for a response. The irony of what he was saying and how he said it was not completely lost on him, even after all this time.
“Ten-four, give me fifteen minutes,” Alec's voice crackled in response. No wonder his people, his Dragon kind, were said to laugh at him back home.
Keira, Samantha, and the children gathered around the cute but deadly baby goats. Herbivores by day…and carnivores by night…the goats happily ate carrots, lettuce, and stalks of celery out of the children's hands while they pet their sweet little fuzzy heads. Rafe decided not to tell them why the rat and mouse population was zero to none in the barn. The handlers told rather gruesome stories of huge fangs, long tongues, and the swallowing of an unfortunate groundhog whole. Yeah, these weren’t your everyday goats. But then again, this wasn’t your everyday faire either. While they pet them, he had a quick look around and spoke with the staff briefly. Satisfied all was in order, he called to them, “Shall we move on?” The children finished feeding the last of the vegetables to the little beasts who bleated in protest as they left. No little beasties, children are not on the menu, thought Rafe, as he moved them on to the fairy glen.
He was aware that there was much he was keeping from Keira at the moment, but he knew it couldn’t be helped. If all went well, he could tell her more in time. Or maybe not. He would be paying her handsomely though. He reasoned that the money balanced out the white lie of it all. Maybe he would never have to let her know. Of course, deep down he knew he was kidding himself. Just like he was kidding himself that he hadn’t felt something for her…something powerful beyond measure when they first touched. Once again, he pushed it from his mind. His dragon roared in protest. He had a sinking feeling…certainly a feeling down below…his Dragon would not be denied. Still he pushed it away. One thing at a time. He couldn’t afford to be too distracted by any of this. Remember your mission, Rafe. The reason for all of this. Right, focus. There are reasons why it must be this way.
Glitter flew everywhere as the faeries flounced around their huts, played musical instruments, took pictures with the guests, and handed out little glass gems called fairy stones to the excited children. Fucking faries. The whole area sparkled in the sunlight. Rafe reminded himself, to ask