The Athlete by Elin Peer

Author:Elin Peer [Peer, Elin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-11-20T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16

Hugging Willow

Hunter

It was almost noon before we arrived.

I don’t think my sister and Solo had considered the logistical nightmare of having a wedding in a forest. All we guests were flown in with a shuttle since there was nowhere for all our drones to park.

It was my first visit here so I scanned the area with interest. The clearing was the size of half a soccer field with a two-story cabin made of massive logs and a garden that went down to a river. On the porch in front of the house hung cozy lanterns that looked like something Willow would have added.

“Wow, this place is magical.” Emanuela sighed beside me. “All it needs is grass so we could play ball.”

The ground was covered by wildflowers, moss, bushes, and a trail of gravel leading from the house down to a large fire pit close to the water. Spread around stood garden chairs made of wood that gave the impression that on a normal day this place would be tranquil and peaceful. But today wasn’t normal, and the sixty or so guests were laughing and talking while at least ten kids climbed in trees and some stressed-out parents were trying to keep their little ones from getting too close to the river.

“Look who decided to show up.” Zasquash came walking over with Leo by his side. The two of them had been part of the security team that protected my sister and other Motlander performers when they went on a tour in the Northlands recently.

“Leo, Zasquash, good to see you.” We gave manly hugs. “I’m sure you remember Mila, Magni’s daughter, and these are my new friends, Emanuela and Jonah.”

Leo leaned back on his heels and tucked his hands in his pockets. He wasn’t the only Nman to use that trick when introduced to Motlanders. It was a great way to avoid their traditional greeting of holding hands. “The first man on the Council and the first woman to be the boss of Hunter.” Leo gave a smug smile. “I’m not sure which one of you has taken on the bigger challenge.”

I shifted my balance. “Emanuela isn’t my boss.”

“No?” Leo raised an eyebrow. “I was told she’s your captain.”

“Don’t be an ass, Leo.” Zasquash pushed at his friend’s shoulder. “Why would you rile him up before the wedding when you know he’s not excited about the whole thing to begin with?”

“Where’s my sister?”

Leo pointed to the large cabin. “In there.”

Mila stepped forward holding out the puppy. “Leo, would you hold Samba? I need to see if Willow is okay.”

He took the dog.

“Are you coming?” Mila asked over her shoulder as she walked off.

I took a step in her direction but was stopped by Zasquash, who put a hand on my shoulder. “Come meet Solo first. You might as well get it over with.”

My whole body tensed up and my voice grew low. “I’ll meet Solo when I’ve given my sister a hug.”

Zasquash released his grip. “All right. You do your thing.

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