Free Unexpected Eden by Rhenna Morgan Page A

Lexi’s chest and her throat tightened. Maybe Orla had misunderstood her involvement with Eryx. Or had a penchant for drama and romance novels. “You’re Eryx’s mother?”
    Orla pulled away, a wistful smile on her slips. “No, Eryx’s parents passed to nirana many years ago. I’m the lucky woman who’s seen to him and his team of hooligans since he came squalling into this world.” She tapped the edge of the bed and bustled away. “You have a seat and I’ll get these things unpacked for you.” The woman might be past middle age, but she hustled with the energy of a two-year old. “If you want I can help you get a bath drawn before Eryx gets back. The tub in there looks decadent. Not surprising given Graylin’s eye for fine things.”
    Lexi halfway listened while Orla pulled outfit after outfit from the case, none of which looked like anything from home. There were at least three simple gowns similar to Orla’s, a stack of leggings and tanks like the ones Galena had worn—all silks or cottons in bold, jewel colors. Right behind those came four pairs of lovely leather sandals with sparkling beads woven into the design.
    Orla chattered about Graylin and Ludan, how she’d been surprised to learn of the cottage, and that she had plans to lecture her boys about keeping secrets.
    It was hard to follow the finer conversation details and catalog the trunk’s contents at the same time. “Is all of that for me?”
    Orla looked up, whatever she’d been talking about screeching to a halt.
    “I’m sorry.” Lexi tugged at the hem of her tank top. “That’s just a lot of clothes for a few days.”
    “A few days?” A wide-eyed blinky blink, but otherwise Orla stayed frozen in place.
    “Well, I figured Eryx would bring me some things from home. Or I’d go myself and get some.” Or would she be going back? Could she? And what about Ian? Shit! She looked around the room for her purse or phone. Ian had probably left a hundred voice mails by now.
    Orla waved nonchalantly and grabbed another armful. “Oh, I’ve got those right here.” Sure enough, she straightened with a pile full of Lexi’s folded jeans and t-shirts. She winked, shuffled to the dresser, and tucked Lexi’s clothes from home in the top drawer. “I thought you might like to give the Myren clothes a try. Evad fashions have their time and place, but Eden’s fabrics feel so much softer.”
    “How did Eryx get my clothes? He doesn’t even know where I live. And where is he anyway?”
    Orla barely spared a backward glance. “From your memories I suppose.”
    Lexi stomped to the trunk and peered inside. “I don’t appreciate people rooting around in my head.” Two pairs of capris, a stack of shorts, not one set of pajamas or underwear. Yep. She and Eryx were gonna have words.
    “I’m sure he didn’t mean any disrespect. It’s just his way.” Orla pried the handful from Lexi’s clenched fingers and neatly tucked each piece into the next drawer. “A person in his position can’t help but make snap decisions. Taking care of people is what he does.”
    “What is his position?” Finally, someone she could get to talk. “He said it was a leader or something?’
    Orla slowed, twisted slightly and met Lexi’s stare. “He’s our malran.”
    “Yes, I know, but—”
    “I see you’ve met Orla.” Eryx’s deep voice cut through the room.
    Orla and Lexi jumped at the same time, though Orla looked a bit guilty.
    Decked out in a fresh pair of jeans and a perfectly fitted gray t-shirt, he filled the doorway. He glowered at Orla and jerked his head toward the hallway behind him. “We’ll be up in a bit. I need some time with Lexi.”
    Imperial with a touch of pleasant.
    To her credit, Orla looked undaunted, glaring at him with an equal amount of bite. The two scowled at each other silently for a minute.
    Oh, yeah. Telepathy. “It’s not nice to talk behind people’s backs.” She stalked into the bathroom and slammed the doors shut behind