Crimson Hunter by N.D. Jones

Author:N.D. Jones
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: red riding hood reimagining, afrofuturism, african american urban fantasy, werewolf shifter romance, witch romance, paranormal romance, african american paranormal romance, african american fantasy
Publisher: Kuumba Publishing
Published: 2020-08-01T00:00:00+00:00

January 11, 2243

Irongarde Realm

Iron Spire

“Just because it’s midday in Steelcross doesn’t mean it’s the same time here. You also don’t jump into your mother’s bedroom without warning.”

Oriana sat at the foot of Kalinda’s bed, smiling as her mother grumbled her way to full wakefulness. Considering what she had to tell Kalinda, Oriana should’ve been on her best behavior when approaching her mother at two in the morning. But the imp that still lived inside Oriana reared her head and couldn’t resist irritating Kalinda. A short-sighted decision since she was there for a serious matter that wouldn’t leave either of them smiling.

Kalinda pushed up in bed, propping herself against her vintage, bamboo headboard. The nightstands flanking her bed matched the headboard. For all that Kalinda surrounded herself with steel and iron, not a single piece of furniture in her suite was crafted from metal.

Until her marriage to Marrok, Oriana hadn’t understood her mother’s outward love of metals but personal preference for natural composite materials like bamboo and other true woods. Oriana surveyed the large bedroom. Nothing had changed since she’d last been there. But the absence of metal reinforced what she’d come to understand about her mother.

“Why are you smiling at me?” Kalinda’s hand rose to her head, pushing back stray hairs that had come free of her loose ponytail. “I must look a fright.”

“No, you’re beautiful.”

Whatever self-consciousness that had momentarily gripped Kalinda seeped away with the narrowing of her eyes.

“Why are you here in the middle of the night? Since you’re still wearing a silly grin, I assume Keira is well.”

“She is. You should visit more often.”

“Or you could’ve brought my granddaughter with you.” Kalinda’s eyes swept over her king-sized bed. “There’s plenty of room. Bring Keira to me tomorrow. She can stay until one of us tires of the other.”

Oriana grinned, but wanted to roll her eyes. “You’re warm-hearted beyond words, Mother.”

“Indeed. Now, tell me what you’ve done or failed to do.”

Kicking off her high-heeled shoes, Oriana drew her legs onto the bed, sitting cross-legged and facing her mother’s outstretched legs. “When Marrok moved to Steel Rise, I had my suite redecorated.”

“I am aware. I’ve been in your suite of rooms. Why are you telling me what I already know?”

It was a pointless stalling tactic, but one Oriana found amusing.

“Wood furniture. No metal.”

“Again, I know.”

Oriana pointed to the open bedroom door that led to the sitting area then to the bathroom to her left. “Your suite is also metal-free. You even have bamboo floors throughout.”

“Yes, I’m well acquainted with my living space. Are you planning on stepping down from the Matriarchy and taking up the glamorous career of interior design?”

Despite Kalinda’s haughty tone, Oriana heard the smile in her voice, although she wore a too-familiar scowl.

“I changed the furniture in my suite for Marrok’s comfort. Why did you change yours?”

Kalinda’s right eyebrow rose, lips thinned, and hands twisted in the duvet across her lap.

“Better question, why did you keep the bamboo and wood furniture after Father left?” Oriana snapped her fingers.

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