I still I can't believe Emily talked me into wearing this. Maxine mentally sighed as she stared at her reflection in a full length mirror while standing in a small changing room at the Kavros Clan's compound and she was irritated was for one simple reason. Emily had insisted that she wear a red bikini while they went for a swim. I wish I hadn't promised to wear this thing.

It just showed off too much of her athletic frame for her to feel comfortable wearing it. It wasn't a big problem while she was fully clothed since it made it hard to tell just how physically fit she was, but the bikini that she was wearing made it very apparent. In my past life, I would've loved to see this kind of eye candy since I preferred a physically fit woman, but I don't want to be stared at like that. I know Emily wants to help me heal from that bullshit Jonathan Levings put me through, so I'll just have to think of this as another stage to my recovery. I just wish that I didn't feel so ... exposed while wearing this damn thing. No, I need to stop stalling. It won't do me any favors and I've already kept Emily waiting long enough. But why did she have to invite Vellus Callaran along for our swim? I may be comfortable around him, but not THAT comfortable.

As soon as Maxine left the changing room, she saw Emily wearing a one piece swimsuit with a lot of coverage. That swimsuit looks really good on her, but I think she would look great in a bikini as well. So, why is it that I'm the only one that's wearing a bikini? Maybe, I should've asked her to wear one too.

However, her gaze was quickly directed to her right as Vellus Callaran rolled towards them on a wheelchair while only wearing a pair of shorts. She caught herself staring at his fully restored face as well as his muscular frame and noticed that there was still a fading scar present on his left ribs. That must've been one nasty wound for for there to be some remaining scarring in that spot.

Thankfully, that was the only scar tissue left. The rest had been healed over the last couple days and even his ear was halfway regenerated. His arm and leg, though, had only regrown a few inches in the past couple days. He still wore his eye patch, but his remaining eye kept bouncing back and forth to look at them as if he couldn't decide who to keep his gaze on. Finally, his gaze rested on Maxine, specifically her abdominal muscles. Um, does he actually prefer physically fit women? Hmm, that's something to keep a mental note of.

"By the maker, the both of you look gorgeous," Vellus Callaran said softly.

"Really? You think we look that good?" Maxine asked in surprise.

"Yes, just how I envisioned the savage beauty of an amazonian princess and a wingless angel of mercy," Vellus Callaran answered.

"Charmer," Emily said as she soaked up the praise.

"That, he is," Maxine agreed and asked her via spiritual sense, [Is that why you invited him? So he could turn the charm on?]

[Of course not,] Emily replied, [I invited him to test him. If he tries to flirt with any of your female clan members, he's not worth our time. I don't want him to hurt you or me by being unfaithful.]

[I don't think that's very fair,] Maxine disagreed, [You're setting him up to fail.]

[That's the point,] Emily replied, [If he can't control himself for even an hour, what do you think will happen if some girl that's more aggressive comes along?]

[I see your point, but I still don't like it,] Maxine replied, [Now, we best head to the pool. I know it's only been a second for us to talk like this, but that kind of pause is really long for cultivators at our level.]

"Let's get to the pool before everyone wonders where we are," Emily announced without skipping a beat. Maxine, on the other hand, went behind Vellus Callaran and pushed his wheel chair. I know he can probably do it himself using his energies, but I don't think he'll complain about this kind of service.

However, when they entered the pool area, Maxine's jaw nearly dropped at what she saw. As far as she could tell, there were at least thirty or more very beautiful women present and only a handful of men. If it weren't for those men being present, I would've thought this was a women's only pool. And why are they all these girls wearing revealing swimsuits?! I thought women from the Kavros clan were supposed to be very conservative! It shouldn't matter if we're indoors or not. They shouldn't be wearing those things. Did their time on Earth corrupt them?

It was grandma Victoria that answered her internal question, [Ah, I see you've found our more immodest clan members. They seem to fit in on Earth quite nicely, though. In fact, I've taken a peek at some of the more, ahem, revealing swimwear that your fellow earthlings have developed. I've never knew such a shameless people existed. It makes me grateful that you're as modest as you are.]

[Relax, grandma. I may be more brazen than you're used to, but I downright refuse to wear anything more revealing than this bikini,] Maxine replied, [In fact, I'm only wearing this thing to make Emily happy. Oh, and how are you talking to me right now? I thought this building would have someone shielding it against spiritual sense.] It's just not cost effective for someone to shield a room of this size. Daddy can afford shielding the training room at home since he's ridiculously wealthy.

[And who do you think is shielding it?] grandma Victoria said, [I wouldn't trust Zephyr to perform such a task. I don't think he could resist peeking at the young women swimming in there every once in awhile. He is a young man, after all. It would be like throwing a bloody steak infront of a hungry tiger and not expect it not to eat. In any case, just enjoy yourselves and be careful while you push that young man around. Your breasts are mere centimeters from touching the top of his head.]

[So, do you know why Emily insisted that I bring him here?] Maxine asked while ignoring her grandmother's remark.

[Yes, I know and I approve of it. Your grandfather had to undergo a similar test when he was courting me,] grandma Victoria said, [How else could he gain access to that room while it is filled with such beauties from our clan?]

[Not you, too, grandma,] Maxine said in exasperation. She never expected her ultra-conservative grandmother to pull a move like this.

[I was the one that suggested it to her,] grandma Victoria replied, [But I believe that young man won't be tempted to do much more than give them a brief look before his eye returns to admiring you and Emily. Now, go. Enjoy your swim.] Maxine didn't replied to grandma Victoria as she sighed mentally as their spiritual sense connection was severed.

Still, Maxine managed to find a spot that Vellus Callaran could see the whole pool from since he couldn't swim with only a single arm and leg. "If you need anything, let me know," Maxine told him before jogging towards the pool and diving into it. Emily had already gotten into the pool and was swimming at a leisurely pace.

She slowly swam in the pool and periodically glanced over at him. His full attention was on both Maxine and Emily. He went so far as to practically ignore all of the female Kavros clan members when they tried tried to flirt with him. I almost can't believe well he is ignoring their advances. Hell, his expression changed only a little bit when he saw me and Emily in our swim suits and I know for a fact that most clans are quite conservative. So, why was his reaction so mild?

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Maxine climbed out of the swimming pool and laid down in a lounge chair beside Vellus Callaran. "How are you so relaxed while surrounded by half-naked women?" Maxine asked bluntly and saw his ears redden ever so slightly.

"A few years ago, I was given a request to provide assistance to a small tribe of Amazonians," Vellus Callaran said, "At the time, I was too inexperienced to realize what that entailed. The whole experience left me somewhat numbed to skin exposure of young women." Oh, shit! No wonder he is so relaxed and at the same time, it explains where his amazonian princess comment came from. Although, that makes me wonder if his dick even works anymore. Amazonians are not known for being gentle during their 'mating' practices.

"I'm not sure if you're very lucky or unlucky," Maxine commented.

"You're not angry?" Vellus Callaran asked in surprise.

"Not really. It happened in the past," Maxine answered, "But I expect you to keep your dick in your pants while you are courting me."

"I have no problem with that," Vellus Callaran replied honestly, "In fact, wasn't the whole purpose of bringing me here to test my resistance to other women?"

"It was my grandmother and girlfriend's idea to test you like this, not mine," Maxine answered.

"What are you two talking about?" Emily asked as she walked up to them.

"Nothing of importance," Vellus Callaran answered and gesture towards Maxine reclined on a lounge chair, "I'm just enjoying the view."

"And you thought he wouldn't find your figure attractive," Emily pointed out.

"I think he has a thing for amazonian women," Maxine said teasingly and noticed Vellus Callaran got uncomfortable.

"He's not alone," Emily stated, "There are a lot of men that prefer more physically fit girls."

"Oh? Is it in fashion to be athletic?" Maxine asked in genuine curiosity.

"It has been ever since cultivation became more wide spread," Emily replied, "It's too bad that I don't have enough time to get myself as fit as you. The most I can do is maintain my figure. You have no idea how worried I've been about getting fat."

"You're not fat," Vellus Callaran stated firmly, "In fact, you're both perfect the way you are."

[Oh, my. He's quite the smooth talker, isn't he?] grandma Victoria commented so suddenly that Maxine nearly jumped.

[Not now, grandma,] Maxine said and she sensed that her grandmother was chuckling at her.

"That's very sweet of you to say," Emily said happily and messaged Maxine via spiritual sense, [You're right. He's way better than those idiotic young masters.]

"It's only the truth," Vellus Callaran said calmly.

"I believe you," Maxine chimed in, "Now, are you going to join us in the pool or not?"

"I don't know how to swim," Vellus Callaran replied and gestured towards his missing arm and leg, "And as you can see, I'm in no shape to learn."

"That's too bad," Maxine lamented, "We'll just have to wait until your arm and leg grow back to teach you."

"I don't know what to say to that," Vellus Callaran said uncertainly.

"Just say 'thank you,'" Emily said, "And you should really be happy. Aside from her brother-in-law, I've never seen Maxine this open and relaxed around a man before."

"Emily was it really necessary to tell him that," Maxine said in exasperation as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Well, it's true," Emily replied with her hands on her hips, "And I'm happy to see this change in you." Maxine twisted in the lounge chair and sat up with her legs dangling over the side of it.

"So, am I," Maxine said just loud enough for Emily to hear, and continued to speak normally, "Let's get back in the water. I still haven't gotten my fill of swimming yet."

"Alright," Emily said happily as she took a few steps back and leapt backwards into the pool. Maxine moved to join her and saw a young girl's top come undone to reveal her rather impressive bust for only a brief moment before she was able to cover her self. But it was long enough to let someone see everything. Damn it, grandma. I can tell that was staged. That girl is even showing a perverted smile while her back is facing us. She's fucking exhibitionist.

Maxine glanced back and saw that Vellus Callaran was turning away with his hand infront of his face. Good, he's acting like a gentleman. I hope this proves to grandma that he can be trusted. She didn't even bother seeing if he had a reaction to the the exposure to skin before she dived into the pool.

[After I heard him say that he had a stay with some Amazonians, I was worried that he preferred men or that his manhood was damaged by rough use. But I don't anymore,] grandma Victoria chuckled lightly as Maxine was swimming away from Vellus Callaran.

[Grandma!] Maxine replied angrily.

[Fine, I'll leave you to your date,] grandma Victoria replied.

[Thank you,] Maxine replied as her spiritual sense connection ended.

[So, is your grandma responsible for that bout of exhibitionism?] Emily asked.

[She indirectly admitted it. I think she wanted to make sure his manhood still worked,] Maxine replied in annoyance, [Thankfully, she won't be pulling a move like that again any time soon.]

[Good,] Emily answered, [But it looks like Vellus is staring at you more than he is me.]

[Yeah, I noticed that. I think I was right earlier when I said he was probably into physically fit women, like the Amazonians,] Maxine said calmly.

[You're probably right,] Emily said as she swam up beside Maxine, [Now, let's stop talking and enjoy our swim.]

[Fine by me,] Maxine agreed and their spiritual sense connection was severed.

For most of Maxine's swim, she kept feeling Vellus Callaran's gaze, but the places that his gaze landed confused her. He was focusing her legs,, butt arms, back and abdominal muscles. He hardly looked at her breasts. This is making me a bit uncomfortable, but it's not as bad as I thought it would be. Still, he keeps focusing most of his attention on the wrong places. It's odd. Hmm, I need to test something.

Maxine swam towards the edge of the pool that was directly infront of Vellus Callaran and climbed out of the pool before using her energies to pull the water out of her hair. She walked with every ounce of grace that she had and used her spiritual sense to see where Vellus Callaran's gaze landed.

His gaze was running over every inch of her skin, but it mostly remained on her face, abdomen, legs, back and butt. He didn't so much as glance at her breasts. Wow, he really is into muscular women and I may have inadvertently let him know that I don't mind him looking.

To her surprise, Emily climbed out of the pool beside her and did something similar to what Maxine did. Unfortunately, she didn't get anywhere near as much attention as Maxine had and she seemed almost disappointed that Vellus Callaran didn't pay more attention to her.

[Jealous?] Maxine asked playfully.

[Of him?] Emily asked, [Not a chance.]

"Good," Maxine said out loud before kissing Emily, "Now, do you want to head out? Or do you want to swim some more?"

"I think I've had enough and the three of us could go out to eat for lunch," Emily said.

"Sounds good to me," Maxine agreed and turned to Vellus Callaran, "What do you think?"

"I'm fine with that," Vellus Callaran replied.

"Alright, let's gets get changed and meet out front," Maxine said and headed for the changing rooms. It only took Maxine a few moments to change and she ended up having to wait for the Emily and Vellus Callaran to come out.

"So, where we going to eat at?" Emily asked as she pushed Vellus Callaran out of the Kavros clan's compound.

"I've been craving a reuben sandwich," Maxine announced, "So, Arby's?"

"That sound good to me," Emily said.

"Arby's?" Vellus Callaran asked in confusion.

"It's a restaurant," Maxine explained, "I think they specialize in sandwiches and burgers."

"Okay," Vellus Callaran said uncertainly, "I have no idea what those are, but as long as you two help me pick something out that tastes good, I'm fine with it."

They made their way to the closest Arby's restaurant and made their order. Emily was busying herself with eating a mediterranean chicken wrap and Vellus was simply staring at a half pound beef sandwich.

"What? I thought you were a big meat eater," Maxine said as she took a bite out of her reuben sandwich, "Mmmm, that's delish."

"I am," Vellus Callaran said firmly before taking a bite out of his sandwich and his eyes widened briefly before he slowly chewed with a blissful look on his face.

"It's good, isn't it?" Maxine asked with a smirk on her face and continued with her own meal.

"Very," Vellus Callaran said in between bites.

"It's still not as good as some of the things Maxine has made before," Emily commented and Maxine saw a hopeful look in Vellus Callaran's eye. Who wouldn't want to have a home made meal after hearing that?

"I guess I could cook tonight," Maxine offered, "How does breakfast pizza sound?"

"Oh, yes! But you need to use essence enriched ingredients," Emily agreed promptly, "It makes it taste so much better."

"Breakfast pizza?" Vellus Callaran asked.

"Trust me it's good," Emily said, "She makes her own crust, but it's not a pizza crust. It's something different, but it tastes way better."

"It's not that good," Maxine said.

"I'll have to be the judge on that," Vellus Callaran said with an eager smile. So, he's a foodie, and I'm fine with that. I'm a foodie too. Hell, I learned how to cook in my past life because I loved to eat delicious food.