Page 51 of The Rake OR The Orca Who Met His Match in a Selkie Desiring Revenge

"Aegir'smate!"Torsten was vibrating, like a teenage girl with the best gossip.

"Really?" Calida's voice rose several octaves, and she pulled them both into another hug. "Oh darling, I'm so proud of you!"

"Proud of me?"

"Well, of course, I thought you'd never settle down! It's not like you're getting any younger..."

"Calida, you're three times my age."

"Well yes, but those of us thatcanafford to be discerning must be, you know. Now, where are they?" She craned her neck as if Elspeth might be hiding behind a potted plant.

"She's cooking with Catrin," Torsten said with a smug smile.

"Oh! Good, I'm simply famished, you know." Calida moved toward the kitchen correctly, assuming both men would just follow in her wake.

"We also need information on the latest Watch movements," Aegir said. "We're looking for one squadron helmed by the Navigator for theNortheastern Provinces. They've taken my mate's brother, and we mean to get him back."

"How horrid," she said, handing Aegir her pack. "You'll find my maps in there. If I recall, they are moving up the coast. We aren't certain why at the moment."

“Toward Winter Harbor?” Aegir burst out. He unrolled the map as they walked, only to have his question confirmed at the same second Calida did.

"Yes, as it happens."

"Fuck." Aegir ran his hand through his hair and put the map back in her bag. "They're going back to Hillskerry, the island where she's from. The locals are selkies, and a letter we intercepted indicates they are fond of them and keen to capture more."

"Oh no, that does sound bad." She sobered and squeezed Aegir's hand. "Will you intercept them then?"

"We'll try, but I'm unsure how we could stop them, it's just the two of us, three if I count Jokith, against a flotilla."

"Well, let's meet her then and see if we can come up with any ideas."

Elspeth and Catrin were setting the table when they entered and, though Aegir couldn't see Calida's face, she immediately opened her arms to hug Elspeth.

"It's lovely to meet you, my dear. I am so excited you've been able to tame our rowdy boy!" She swept Elspeth up so that her feet were dangling to hug her. Over her shoulder, Elspeth was blushing and looking at Aegir as if she wished to be saved.

"He's been without a purpose for so long that I was beginning to despair he'd ever settle down."

"Excuse me," Aegir said. "Heis right here, and was my extremely important job not purpose enough for you?"

"Oh yes, dear, and I am sure it wasso hardfor you to have to fuck so many people. Truly, you poor, poor boy."

"Everyone sit down and shut up," Catrin called. "Little ears are coming, so I'll thank you for acting like it."

The rest of breakfast was lovely, though Elspeth, who'd just gotten used to Cat and Tor, spent the entire time looking stunned. Calida was an intimidating force to be certain, so Aegir held her knee throughout and tried to be reassuring.

Afterward, Elspeth truly looked overwhelmed, and so he decided it would be best to get her some quiet time, and there was nowhere betterthan the library.

"Well everyone, as we've information as to where to find Feann, Elspeth and I are off to the library. We'll be back in a bit!"

The relieved look on Elspeth's face was all the confirmation he needed as they donned their footwear. Once they were out of the house, Elspeth let out a huge breath and grabbed his hand.

"Thank you, I adore your friends, there's just so much... pressure on everything with them."

"Absolutely, and it's not fair to you. I hope you'll excuse Calida. She assumes that this was all premeditated and that you truly love me. I am so sorry. I should have expected her reaction."

"It's alright," she said as they stepped off the front steps and onto the street. "Anyone would be happy for their friend in her place. I would worry if she wasn't pleased."

"I suppose..." Aegir said. "Though it's honestly a bit insulting how surprised and proud they are all acting."