Beta Darnell

Trying to remember everyone’s names and faces in Jay’s resort has been far trickier than I expected. I hadn’t realised how large the place was until he finally decided that me holding myself away just would not be acceptable. I begrudgingly gave in to his pleading, meeting and greeting a few of his selected friends to start me off with.

I could barely remember any of them, but none of them was his direct family, I noticed. Were Jay’s parents not alive anymore? Or did they live outside of their community? He said everyone here was family, but not all of them were blood-related to him personally. However, he assured me that any of them would defend my life should I need it. I did not know what he meant by that, but I figured he meant from any wild animals out here.

The key person I should request was a man by the name of Darnell. He was older, bulky and had a big fuzzy beard. Despite being older, he looked ready to snap a neck with his biceps! I wouldn’t want to start a right with him, I could say that much! The man himself, outside of looks, was quiet but not reserved. He answered questions and chatted with me as he showed me around while Jay sorted out our things for the honeymoon.

He had married a man, though I hadn’t met them yet. He apparently did far more travelling than the rest in the village. Darnell said his partner was an adventurous soul and couldn’t be tamed, even if it worried him to no end. I couldn’t help but smile at that thought. Seeing such a powerful man being so gentle when he spoke about someone he loved made me feel safe and at ease. I admit it shocked me when I learned he had a male partner, but I could see they really cared and loved one another deeply.

After the quick tour of the places closest to the ‘packhouse’ as they called it, Darnell held open the door, allowing me to head back inside. I was a little surprised by the inclusion of modern places like a cinema, pub, bowling alley, and a few other places. In such an out of the way town, it didn’t feel as isolated anymore.

It was still a far cry from the life I had back home, but I had places I could explore and maybe I’d even make a friend or two? I still missed Princess, though, and Jay was still adamant that the area wasn’t safe. However, I was sure he would give in and build a place for her. He was cracking under the pressure every time I brought her up.

“Well, I hope you’ll enjoy your honeymoon,” Darnell offered with his bushy smile. “I understand things are going to be confusing for the longest time. My husband is the same. However, you’ll settle into things, and you’ll see, Jay might be an idiot, but he isn’t the worst leader we’ve had.”

I can’t help but giggle a little at Darnell. He has been so sweet this entire time and has helped me settle in a little easier. And he has the cutest little daughter too. I heard she was from a previous relationship, but the wife died when Zera was young. He hadn’t mentioned when he had met his husband, but the man sounds fun to be around. I almost wish he was here now, as I bet he has some grand stories from his adventures!

“Well, I can’t argue that he might be an idiot,” I mock whisper to Darnell. “But his leadership skills are still up for debate.”

I’m not sure what Jay is the leader of, exactly, outside of owning this land and the businesses here, but they seem to use such strange titles for almost everything. With a little wave of my hand, I offer my goodbyes to Darnell, letting him go so he can pick his daughter up from school.

It isn’t long before Jay and I are on the road again. I feel much better after getting out and meeting people. I even learned bits and pieces about Jay, so I think I’ve made some progress. With a sly glance, I gaze at Jay for a moment. He is a bit on the silly side. Not a fool, but also not as world-wise as I thought he was.

He took on his role as the town’s leader only within the last year, Darnell had told me. Before then, he had been looking for his ‘destined partner’. Even Darnell used that term, which annoyed me, as usual. However, unlike Jay, he seemed to realise my discomfort. He said Jay will explain everything during my honeymoon, and to just have patience with him.

I couldn’t say no to that man’s pleading expression. The way Darnell wields guild, he could slay any dragon!

“We’ll arrive by early evening at the latest,” Jay said over to me, causing me to look away quickly. “We couldn’t book in earlier, but we’ll have a week there, so I’ll be nice to spend time together,” he continued, shooting a look my way. He smiled sheepishly, then glanced back to the road. “I’ve booked one of the nicer hotels, but, well, you’re fine with sharing a bed… now, right?” He questioned me.

I had promised Darnell that I would try to get along with Jay during our vacation, though I hadn’t intended to keep my word at first. Though now, after learning more about Darnell and Jay? I suppose I couldn’t break the promise lightly.

With a deep blush, I odder a shallow nod. “I’ll try,” I offered quietly. “I’m not sure I am ready for…” I trail my words off into silence.

“Oh, of course. I’ll keep to myself, as much as I can,” Jay offers, shooting me another quick look. “Ah. What I mean is…” he hesitates. “Well, for me, my emotions are pretty hefty. It’s difficult for me to hold back.”

“Hrm,” is all I offer at his words. I can tell he is trying to mean well, but the way he words things makes me anxious. I trust Darnell just enough to know that when he says Jay won’t force himself on me; then he won’t. However, he also warned me not to push Jay’s buttons and lead him on. Something about the call of the mating ritual being strong seems to be his reasoning.