by Tl Reeve
“I’m here for some additional training with Rekkus and my commander. I require a room at the main house.”
“Rekkus is the one who requested you stay in a cabin,” Myron said, studying the cards spread out in front of her.
Shit. No amount of hemming and hawing would change the woman’s mind, not to mention Rekkus’.
“Okay. Whatever.” Amanda sighed in frustration, snatching the cabin keys in front of her. “Can you let Ben Kogan know where I am?”
“Rekkus will inform him,” Myron replied, a wide smile curving her lips. “Wow, you’re in for an amazing week.”
“Sorry?”
“No need to be sorry. I’m kind of jealous. Lucky girl.” Myron pressed a button on the counter and a young man appeared at the desk almost immediately. “Please show Miss Cutler to her cabin. Let us know if you need anything, dear. We’re always willing to assist.”
The bellhop reached for her bag at the same moment she slung the strap over her shoulder. “I got it. Thanks.”
“You know, you really need to stop that. It’s okay to ask and receive help from time to time. No one thinks less of you,” Myron stated in a gentle tone.
“Habit,” Amanda replied. “And they are extremely hard to break.” She followed the bellhop out of the lobby to the waiting golf cart.
“This way, miss,” he said, taking her bag and loading it in the back. “Did you have a good trip in?”
His cheerful disposition banished her uneasiness. “I did, thank you.” She got into the cart beside him. “So, do you enjoy your job here?”
His happiness spiked. “Yes. I like serving others. It makes me feel—”
“Warm?” she answered for him.
“Oh yes. My name is Isaac.” He drove away from the main building.
“It’s good to meet you, Isaac. Where are we going?” The soft rolling hills along with the meadows had a peacefulness about them she craved. To her right, leaves from the orchard trees floated to the ground in a gentle breeze. Apples clung to the branches, ready to be picked, while fall wildflowers bloomed, delighting in the crisp autumn air. Tomorrow, she promised herself, she’d explore the island.
“We have a special cabin for you. It’s tranquil, so it will help you quiet your senses and heal. Plus, it’s on the water. How can you say no to that?” He followed the main path then took the left leg of the Y. “There is only one other couple using these cabins. They’ll arrive later today.”
“Swell,” she said. “Just me and the water.”
“And the other couple,” Isaac reminded her.
The rolling hills gave way to soft beaches and gorgeous cabins. Amanda sucked in a breath. The small A-frame cabins had glass walls and thatched roofs. A curving staircase would take whoever stayed there right to the water’s edge. If it’d been warmer, she’d have taken a dip or five during her little vacation. However, it didn’t mean she couldn’t sit on the small balcony and watch the sunset or the stars travel across the sky.
“Wow,” she said in a breathless tone. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”
“I have to remind you, Serena likes to swim at all hours of the day and night.”
“Oh,” Amanda replied. “Okay.”
“She’s our resident mermaid.”
“Makes sense now.” She laughed. “I’ll remember. Anything else?”
“Dinner is at six,” he stated, pulling the cart to the staircase. “You are required to attend.” He got out, and she followed. “If you need anything, there is a phone in your room. Call Myron. I also have to tell you; you can’t make calls out. We’re remote out here and your primary concern while you’re with us is to heal. Can’t do it if you’re calling home all the time.”
True. “Thanks.” Amanda climbed the stairs to her cabin and waited as Isaac opened the door for her.
“I’m not sure if you saw it, but there is a shack located at the end of the dock. Inside you’ll find three carts. If you’d rather ride than walk, you’re welcome to it.” He placed the key on the small table next to the door. “Have a good evening, Miss Cutler.”
“Thank you, Isaac. You, too.” The man grinned again and happiness spread through her. “How long a walk is it back to the main building?”
“Thirty minutes. Hence, the golf carts.” He winked.
Amanda laughed. “Of course.”
The door clicked behind Isaac. The spacious cabin blew her away. Everything had been done in natural-colored wood, from the exposed ceiling to the hardwood floor under her feet. A canopied bed sat catty-cornered facing the ocean. Cream-colored gauze curtained the bed.
On the dresser sat a basket of fresh fruit and nuts. She had a sneaking suspicion everything in the bowl had been grown on the island. She pushed the sliding glass door open then stepped out into the gentle breeze. Amanda closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh air. She could get used to this.
She glanced over at the empty cabins on either side of her and wondered who the other couple was joining her. Wiccan Haus helped everyone. If they were coming out to the cabin, they’d have to be like her, right? In Para Elite, there were others like her and then some. Shifters were a big surprise, but the ones she met were amazing, if stubborn. A blonde wearing almost nothing surfaced in the lagoon and waved. “Hi.”
“Hello,” Amanda replied. “Aren’t you cold?”
“Not at all.” The woman laughed. “The water is fine. Beautiful, actually. I’m Serena.”
She figured as much. “Amanda,” she answered.
“It’s good to meet you. If you ever want to talk, come sit by the edge. I’ll find you.”
“Okay.” She grinned. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” The mermaid dove then came back up. “I almost forgot. There is a porthole in the floor of your living area. If you, you know, do anything, you might want to make sure it’s not over the glass floor.”
“Oh I’m not. I mean….” She cleared her throat. “You have nothing to worry about. I won’t be doing anything like that while here.”
Serena shrugged. “Suit yourself. I’ll see you around, Amanda.”
“Yeah, see you.” The mermaid disappeared again. “Strange freaking place.”