Free Unexpected Eden by Rhenna Morgan

flower about the size of her ear. The petals were the coral of an Eden sunrise, the flower’s center a deep indigo with tiny white dots.
    Phybe cocked her head and glanced between the bush and the flower in his hand.
    “My grandmother once told me the krocious flower symbolizes a steadfast heart.” He tucked the blossom between her blonde hair and temple so it rested in the ridge above her ear. “I’ll be that for you, Phybe. You are not alone.”
    A tear slipped free and her lips quivered. “Thank you. Your comfort means more than I can ever repay.”
    Maxis tucked a strand of hair behind her other ear and smiled in what he hoped was something remotely sweet. “I’m sure someday I’ll have to rely on you for some kindness. I only hope the malran shows a decent amount of contrition for the loss of one of our own, especially one lost trying to protect those vile humans.”
    Phybe shuddered and glanced toward the row of homes in the distance.
    He caressed her shoulder and turned her toward home. “Go. Contact your family. Let them know you’re safe and then go see the malran. I’ll come to check on you in a day or two. Would you like that?”
    She nodded and trudged toward the village, disappearing into a villa with sunny yellow walls.
    A chipper color, perfect for his mood. He’d had a very fortunate morning. And Phybe would definitely repay him.
    Sooner than she could anticipate.
    * * * *
    The soft snick of a door latch nudged Lexi from sleep. Silk sheets caressed her cheek, and gray stone lined the walls. Not her apartment.
    The previous night’s events dominoed into place as she eased back the bed covers. Her heart slugged along at an unwilling pace and her thoughts staggered in a haphazard pattern. Where was Eryx?
    Her gaze connected with a dark wooden trunk and she jolted upright. Not just any trunk, but an ancient piece of artwork with wrought iron handles and hinges—one that floated in the air, waist-high near the bathroom doors.
    A full-figured woman who looked to be in her late fifties or early sixties poked her head around the still drifting box, and Lexi yipped.
    “I waited until I thought you’d had enough of a nap before I brought your things.” The woman lowered her hands as though she were motioning a church choir to sit.
    The trunk dropped to the floor with a muted thunk .
    “So much easier to handle these things on my own than wait on those boys to see to them for me.” She dusted her hands, planted them on her hips, and hustled forward. “Now then. I’m Orla Weathers.”
    Cinderella’s fairy godmother, cornflower blue gown and twinkling eyes included—except this version had silver hair to her hips, proudly displayed her curves, and didn’t carry a wand. Kind of a fairy godmother gone flower child.
    Orla plopped on the edge of the bed and pulled Lexi into a motherly hug. “I knew my Eryx was up to something. Had to be with him in Evad all the time, but the boy refused to talk.” She edged back, but kept a hold on Lexi’s shoulders. “Doesn’t matter. He’s found you now and that’s what counts.”
    Try as she might, Lexi couldn’t get any traction for her thoughts. A decent cup of coffee would fix it. Or at this point, maybe a case of Red Bull.
    Orla’s happy expression faded. “I’m so sorry.” She stood and put a good three feet between them, twisting her fingers. “I’ve completely startled you. And after the night you’ve had—”
    “Wait.” Lexi scissored her legs, not an easy feat with her jeans still on even if the sheets were slicker than sin. “Maybe we could try again?” She stepped forward and offered her hand. “I’m Lexi.”
    Orla took one glance at Lexi’s outstretched hand and beamed, hustling forward. “Oh, sweetheart. I’m not shaking hands with the woman who’s got my boy’s heart. You’re family now.”
    Strong arms wrapped around her once more, but nothing gripped her as tightly as Orla’s words. Family. A steady warmth spread through