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someone who wanted him for him. If he was going to undo his blunder, work would be involved, and Drak was going to do what he could to get those two together. Having Gera as a sister-in-law would definitely be a fun thing.
    Gera would be a stabilizing influence for Riox. Despite his success in every business he turned his hand to, Riox needed someone who simply wanted him for him. His soul cried out for it, but that call had never been answered.
    Drak closed his eyes at the image of the frustrated Gera slamming her head against an oak. The sound had echoed over the meadow, and he had watched, concerned, as she continued to fight against her impulses over and over.
    It was not information that Riox needed. Guilt would not be the way into Gera’s heart. He had to win her trust and go from there. There were some things that Drak could not do for his brother. Betraying a private moment was one of those things.
     
    * * * *
     
    Hiding in her room wasn’t an option. She wanted to, she really did, but she needed to get out and do something.
    Gera got up, brushed her hair out and got dressed. Her wardrobe had expanded exponentially, but she stuck with one of the dresses she had chosen for herself.
    She slipped on her shoes, put on some lip gloss and headed down for breakfast.
    There was just something about walking down that staircase that lifted her spirits.
    Drak was in the dining room, and he rose to his feet with a smile. “Good morning, Gera. You are looking well.”
    “Thank you, Drak.”
    “Coffee?”
    “Please.” She settled at the table, and a cup of coffee poured itself in front of her with the additions she had put in the day before.
    “Did you eat yesterday?” Drak flicked his fingers toward the sideboard, and a plate did the round of all the dishes that uncovered themselves at its approach.
    “After breakfast? Sort of.” She grinned. “Do milkshakes count?”
    “No.” He shook his head. “So, you went to the bar on an empty stomach?”
    She blushed. That would explain some of her behaviour. “I suppose I did.”
    “While not wise, it was not the worst outcome that could have happened. Did you drink water, at least?”
    “Yes, Spike and Chuck kept me hydrated.”
    “Good. They do take care of their guests here. I am lucky to be part of it.” Drak settled back as her plate landed in front of her.
    “How did you get chosen? I mean, there had to have been all kinds of complications to moving to the Crossroads.”
    “Ah, well, I am one of the older fey that still has access to most of my magic; I come from a long line of fey that have love as part of their talents, and I was available.”
    She looked at the food on her plate and smiled. It was a repeat of yesterday’s meal.
    “What is your talent?”
    He winked. “I can see the possible connections between people. It means I might help speed the progress of meetings and matings along.”
    She smiled. “So, if they gathered everyone together here at the Crossroads, you could see those that were matchable?”
    “In theory.” He sighed. “Being a stranger and a fey, it will take a while before they trust my judgment.”
    Gera couldn’t argue with that. “Trust comes slowly, and it is easy to break.”
    “I am aware. How did you enjoy your time at the Crossed Star?”
    She smiled. “It was surprisingly fun. I met some people; I danced a lot and had a nice time.”
    “Yet, you came back here alone.”
    Gera blinked. “Of course I did. I would never haul a guy back to my room on the first night that I met him. Even the trampiest of my sisters wouldn’t do that.”
    He laughed. “Well, that is something, at least.”
    She shook her head and ate her breakfast.
    When she was nearly done, he asked her, “What do you do when your beast goes into heat?”
    “I think I told you, mine doesn’t.”
    “If you were in heat, what would the signs be?” He sipped at his coffee.
    “Aggression toward the other females... and the males for that matter.