Page 15 of Culture and Curiosities (Blue Ridge Charm #1)

Toman

Our people on Earth kept insisting that humans were only human…I had serious doubts about that fact.

Hmm.

“My mate? What is the word? I have serious doubts about that…”

It was not a word he normally used but I’d heard it from one of the dominant-acting mages.

“Oh, um, assertion?”

As an image of a book page came up with the word and definition, I knew that was correct.

“Thank you, my mate.”

He was proud of himself for being able to help, but his response was cut off as the man we were pretending was human smiled at us.

“I don’t remember seeing you around town, but I don’t have anything for Team Pony members.

You don’t seem to have enough of them around the area no matter how disappointed that made those old… men.”

He clearly didn’t think the other locals were human.

It was curious.

“Human-plus? I think that’s a good name for them.”

“Are most humans plus?”

That sentence was troubling but I didn’t have a better one without thinking too long.

“Not from where I’m from.” My mate sent what seemed to be a shrug through the bond without moving his body, which was a wonderful feat. “They were all just regular variety humans.”

“Then what are the locals?”

Social rules seemed to dictate I could not ask that question but I didn’t have another way of discovering the information.

“That’s a very good question, Daddy.”

He was quiet for a moment as he smiled at the store man. “I’m Team Binkie as long as that’s not oversharing? I’m not from around here. I’m from Texas and just visiting for a while.”

“Oh and I think you’d like the word ascertain better than discovering. It feels more like a Daddy word.”

As I read over the image he provided, I had to agree.

“Yes, that fits much better.”

“I need to use more words so you can get used to hearing them.”

Wren felt like he was frustrated with himself, so I had to disagree.

“I like your words. There is no need to change for me. The information you provide is very helpful.”

“It’s not oversharing here.” His smile gave the impression that he was hiding a secret of some sort, but Wren’s mental sigh said we weren’t supposed to discover it. “I wouldn’t mention it down at the candle shop or over at the bookstore, though. Oh, but the Tarot lady is fine.”

“That’s good to know. Thank you.” Wren seemed pleased with the interaction, squeezing my hand and swinging it between us. “Is it okay if we look around?”

“Of course.” Still looking pleased and happy, the human-plus person gestured around the store. “I don’t have traditional Team Binkie gear, but the costumes are fun and the toys are for everyone.”

Wren nearly bounced with excitement. “I’m going to get a costume. And…and I have a friend who might need one too. He’s…new.”

In a variety of ways.

My feelings must’ve come through the bond because I felt my mate’s laughter even though he was physically calm.

The youthful-looking human-plus man rocked back and forth on his feet…a gesture I had seen on others called littles. “We’ve got lots of fun ones and the new books are up front if you need something for…well…something to read.”

Wren giggled, nodding and swinging our hands faster. “That’ll be fun.”

“Would you like to be read to, my mate?”

I knew the answer before I’d finished the question, but I enjoyed his excited feelings and the sounds that he sent through our bond.

“Yes.”

It seemed like we had a plan for our evening…part of a plan.

“What should we get for you to wear while I read to you?” There was no point in pretending I wasn’t going to be the person reading since the human-plus person also seemed to be Team Binkie…or Team Something.

“Oh…” Wren’s mind whirled at all the opportunities and he released my hand without realizing it as he started searching the store. “That’s hard…I’d be a cute bunny…but I don’t bounce.”

I couldn’t wait to hear all of his logic, but as my mate started to wander, the human-plus man moved closer. He was curious if I was reading his expression correctly. “So are you from Texas too?”

He knew something or at least suspected it.

“No.” If I had already met with the council I would’ve understood better how to respond, but I was unprepared for human curiosity.

Well, human-plus curiosity.

There wasn’t a magic I recognized in him like I would a mage or dragon, but he was not as plain as the people we’d met at Walmart even though he was just as curious as they had been.

“Where are you from?” His interest was very focused. “There’s been a lot of interesting people in town lately.”

Ah.

Had he met some of the visiting council members?

“There is a private social event that has brought in…extended families who don’t live close.” What could I say that would provide information without actually giving him information?

Oh.

I would follow the Earth rule of throwing someone under the bus as Wren had explained when he had told his mother about Pierce’s mate instead of about his own mate.

Me.

“If you think the locals are odd, you should meet the people from Florida.” Ha. I’d done it correctly. His eyes widened and he laughed in excitement for more information. “Let’s just say they’re…interesting.”

Yes, I’d even paused in the right place because I could feel Wren’s pride and giggles coming through the bond.

“Good job, Daddy.”

Sending him pleasure and thanks, I stayed focused on the human-plus man. “Oh, but be careful with the Canadians.”

Dropping my voice to a whisper, I made sure to sound like I was sharing a secret. “They…let’s just say they forgot to pack their manners.”

And common sense based on the stories I’d heard from my mate.

“I think they went over to the candle store.” More laugher came from the human-plus man. “I’ve heard stories about how badly that went.”

That did not surprise me or my mate.

“Don’t worry about Texas. We have manners even if we’re weird.” Wren’s laughter made the other man smile but he was still very curious.

“That’s one word for it.” He probably thought his voice was too low to be heard, but better-than-human hearing had its advantages. But his tone seemed genuine when he spoke louder again. “It’s nice to meet you both.”

Glancing between us both, he grew more thoughtful again before shifting the conversation. “I think I met a visitor a few months ago that might be related to your…family?”

What?

Wren’s thoughts mirrored mine but he was more adept at conversations that required careful negotiation.

“Really?” Bouncing back to me, he was holding up a brown costume that had a lighter-colored stomach. “Did he say where he was from?”

“California.” He didn’t seem to believe that any more than Wren did, but he didn’t say it in words. “He was looking for work and helped me with some stocking issue for a couple of days before he decided to keep going. He said he was going to have fun exploring new lands.”

“Fuck.”

Wren’s concise description had me mentally sighing.

“I agree in this case, my mate.”

It took him a few seconds to understand the problem and my tone.

“Oops. Sorry, Daddy.”

“That’s alright. You were startled.”

And smart enough to understand the problem of his language quickly.

“Exploring is always fun. Hopefully it was one of our more cheerful people. Some are…grumpy.” Shaking my head as Wren laughed got a smile from the almost-human. “Following the rules and laws is always important but so is not making everyone want to shake you.”

It was a mix of expressions I had heard from a very grumpy mage, so I was glad when it got another more genuine smile from our interrogator.

Wren’s mental snicker and the way he didn’t disagree with me said he agreed.

“Like Klynn.” Shaking his head, Wren looked a bit like a parent getting ready to tell a story about their child. “He’s so grumpy but he’s incredibly smart and loves romance novels. We were on our way to the bookstore for a present for him when I got distracted by the costumes.”

Klynn had made one short trip into town, possibly because of curiosity, but the first person he met was a diner man, so he’d gone back to camp and had refused to come into town.

Holding up his prize, Wren focused on me to give the store owner time to think. “I’m gonna be a squirrel, Daddy.”

For some reason, that alone made the human-plus man more comfortable.

The people of Earth were curious creatures.

Again…my mate could not disagree.

“What costume do you think your friend would like?” His open expression seemed to indicate we had been moved into a safe in some way category, but I didn’t understand it.

Wren may have because his smile widened. “What kind of animal would a vampire seduce?”

Yes…Earthlings were very interesting and my people had assimilated completely.

“Good job, Daddy. That was the right word. See? I told you Star Trek would be helpful.”

I needed to work on turning down our bond before I thought something that might be considered rude.

We survived our shopping trip without me frustrating my mate, however, and without fully answering any of the questions we received from the store workers and owners.

“That was exhausting.” My Wren flopped down on the bed, arms and legs spread as he draped himself in his costume. “I’m too tired to even dragon. I’m gonna squirrel.”

“Do those animals live quiet lifestyles?” Weren’t we talking about the small angry creatures that ran through the trees?

“Being in a human shape is hardest…dragons are easier because they’re rumbly and get to stretch out and fly…squirrels are the least thinky and just get to run around.” Wren’s answer was information but I wasn’t sure it was helpful.

“Is that a diner man explanation?” My response had him laughing so hard he nearly rolled off the bed. Catching him was easy and required frowning to make sure he understood limits regarding danger. “Safety, my mate, or no squirrel time.”

Hmm.

“Is there a Team Squirrel?” Was that what he meant when he talked about being so tired he was going to squirrel? “I don’t know how to feed or give attention to one of those animals.”

Wren sat up, frowning as he studied his costume. “Um, I think they eat nuts and things like that. I don’t know what else they eat or do.”

Was it good we were both starting with minimal information?

“Little is being who you are.” That sentence needed work. “Are you a squirrel too?”

I wasn’t sure I was ready to chase him through the woods…he was fast and easily excited.

“Let’s see.” Holding out his arms, he gave me the take care of me look that came with being little.

Understanding that meant I was supposed to help him, I came over and took off his shirt. “We will have to discuss safety if you become a squirrel.”

Humans had strange ways of keeping people safe, but I wasn’t sure which would help. I wasn’t even sure what magic would keep him safe as a squirrel.

“Daddy.” Wren giggled and flopped back on the bed as I knelt down to remove his shoes. “Squirrels don’t wear backpack leashes.”

“It kept the fast-moving young child safe in the parking lot.” I shrugged as he giggled. “Humans restrain a variety of young children and animals.”

Combining the two types of restraints when he was a human-looking squirrel seemed logical. “Can squirrels be taught to use verbal communication? I think I overheard the diner men discussing Team Pony communication.”

That conversation also made much more sense with additional context.

My Wren laughed as I took off his socks. “I like talking.”

Making cute thinking sounds, he frowned and shrugged.

“I don’t need a leash, Daddy. But that would make Pierce squirm.” Giggling out the words, his youthful nature came over him again as I stood to remove his pants. “I think I’m just gonna play pretend and I’m always a good boy with you.”

“I think it is a reasonable limit that good boys who are safe do not have to be leashed.” Having a mate came with more discussions than I had been prepared for.

So far I had not needed to negotiate chores or learn to communicate with my mate, but leashes and the merits of having clowns at a mating celebration were commonplace.

My family had not prepared me for mating, but I had a very patient mate.

“Squirrels need chocolate, Daddy.”

And a very sneaky mate.