Read Earthbound: An Otherworld Novella for Free Online Page B

what we have.” I wasn’t exactly sure what a sci-fi geek was, but I had a feeling I was going to find out.
    “If you don’t mind my asking,” he said, “are you from Otherworld?”
    The hushed tone told me he was a fan. The city of Seattle seemed to have embraced the appearance of the Fae, which meant we were suddenly thrust into the spotlight. It was going to take some getting used to—essentially, we were celebrities because of our birth place and race, rather than who we were or what we had done.
    “Yes, I am. And so is my sister here, Delilah. We have another sister named Menolly, she is a vampire and she’s asleep right now.” We had already decided not to bother trying to hide. It wouldn’t have worked, anyway.
    Henry clapped his hands. “Wonderful! I’ve never met anyone from your world before. Now, if I could just meet a unicorn. I’ve always wanted to meet a unicorn. I wonder, do you know if they really exist?”
    I caught a glimpse of Iris. She was shaking her head with a gentle smile.
    “Yes, actually they do. In fact there’s an entire country in Otherworld where they live. By the way, allow me to introduce Iris Kuusi. She’s going to be my assistant here in the store.”
    Henry glanced over at Iris and his eyes grew wide as she proffered her hand and he reached to take it. “Miss Kuusi, my pleasure. How do you do?”
    I might be new to Earthside, but infatuation was an easy language to read, regardless of where you lived. Henry Jeffries had just developed a massive crush on Iris Kuusi. I had a feeling she was well aware of the sudden shift, because although she smiled in return, a wall rose up as she gently disengaged her hand.
    “Thank you. Now, if you’ll allow me to show you over to the science fiction section?” And within the blink of an eye she was all business, guiding him over to a section of the store. She brought him a chair so he could sit down to look at the books, then excused herself to return to the counter where she sidled close to me.
    “He’s going to be a loyal customer,” she whispered in a low tone that only Delilah and I could hear. That was one thing the Fae—and the half Fae—had on our human counterparts. We had acute hearing and could hear sounds outside of the human register. “But don’t you dare try to set me up with him.” She gave me a stormy look and I cringed. The winning little house sprite had suddenly become a formidable authority figure.
    “I promise, I promise!” I held up my hands to show that I wasn’t about to mess with her.
    “See that you don’t break your promise.” She paused, turning to the door. At that moment a slender young woman who was almost as tall as Delilah, and had hair as dark as mine, peeked into the shop. “Siobhan, you’re here. Come on in.”
    Siobhan was dressed in a linen skirt and a pink sweater. She was carrying what looked to be a leather handbag over her shoulder, and her hair was pulled back into a tidy braid. She turned her piercing blue gaze on Delilah and me, a faint smile on her lips.
    “Siobhan Morgan, meet Camille and Delilah D’Artigo. We really appreciate this. I’m trying to help Camille set up her shop and get it ready to open. Delilah needs to go on a shopping trip for her office. She may not know everything she needs, and I thought you’d be a good person to help her figure it out.” Iris paused, then added, “Delilah, Siobhan isn’t out of the closet. Her employer wouldn’t be all that supportive if he found out. So, while you’re in public, please don’t mention that she’s a selkie.”
    Delilah nodded as I extended my hand Siobhan. Her grip was cool and calm.
    She motioned to the door. “Do you mind if we get started? I can give you three hours before I have to leave for a meeting. But that should be enough to take care of some of the basics. Welcome to Earthside, ladies. I hope—I truly hope—that you enjoy your stay.” Her smile blossomed wider, lighting up her face.
    Delilah