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developments. He wasn t sure who had threatened his mate, but it wasn t going unchallenged. Alyx,
sorry to bother you again so soon. Liv was in the garden at my mother's house and a woman
threatened her.
What did the woman say? I assume she was smart enough not to give her name, Alyx
growled in frustration and rage. Mates were never threatened. Ever. I left just two days ago. Why is
everything happening at once.
She didn t give a name; that would be too easy. She told Liv she interfered and to watch her
back. Nothing that tells us anything. Karel sat in a chair and sighed. I can t figure this out. Why
would someone target my mother, and then threaten my mate. I don t really have enemies.
There is something we are missing. I am going to cut my trip short and come back. It will
take me about an hour to wrap things here and I will be there.
Bella is coming to visit my mother and Liv. She should be here within the hour, as a matter
of fact. Karel frowned. I know she was well guarded at the castle, but I feel better having her here
anyway.
For the first time since Karel had contacted Alyx, he saw a smile on his king s face. That is
perfect, I can see my mate, check on your mother, and we can discuss all that s happened.
Karel nodded and disconnected the call. In the space of just over a week, he was told his
mother was dying, found his mate, learned his mother was going to live, and discovered his mate was
threatened. It didn t make sense. He couldn t come up with one reason for any of this to happen.
Taking out his mother served no purpose he could see. What had Tiana hoped to gain?
Karel stood and searched for his mate. He needed to reassure himself she and his mother were
okay. Things were spiraling out of control and he wasn t sure how to stop them. He walked into his
mother's room and stopped. Aayi, look at you. Karel couldn t believe his eyes, she was walking
around the room in slow circles on her own.
She said she was tired of laying down and needed a change. Next thing I know, she is
throwing her legs over the side of the bed and standing. Liv could barely talk through her joyous
laughter.
Karel gave his mother a hug. I knew you were a fighter, you taught me to be one, after all.
Now you will definitely live to see my cubs grow and have some of their own.
Keliana whacked him on the arm. Cheeky buggar, aren t you. She did another circle before
stopping in front of Liv. We have company coming shortly. I think it s time I got dressed in some real
clothes and met her in the living room like a guest should be met. What do you think, my dear?
Liv looked to Karel for approval before she answered. When he nodded in agreement, she
turned back to Keliana. I think that s a wonderful idea. What can I do to help?
Karel smiled and stepped out of the room. His life was looking up. His two favorite women
adored each other and him. A knock at the door startled him out of his thoughts. With a smile, he
opened the door and greeted his friend. You are looking rather& He looked Bella up and down and
smiled when he saw the warning in her eyes. Beautiful. Come in and have a seat. The ladies will be
joining you shortly. My mother has decided she felt up to visiting in the living room, and is--as she
put it dressing in some real clothes.
Bella smiled and smacked him in the chest with the back of her hand. I know you well
enough to know that wasn t what you were going to say. Don t even try to lie to me. She reached out
and grabbed his hands with both of hers. I can t tell you how happy I am to hear your mother is
making a full recovery. I know how much she means to you.
Karel squeezed her hands in return and gave a short nod. He couldn t even begin to explain
how grateful he was to know she would live.
TWENTY-EIGHT
Liv walked out with Keliana leaning on her arm for support. While feeling much better, she
was still weak and as stubborn as anyone Liv had ever met. She was determined to sit and visit like
proper company deserved, no matter how tired it made her.
Keliana, you look fantastic, Bella said as she gave her a hug. I have been so worried.
Keliana sat on the couch and smiled up at Bella. No need to worry about me. You have cubs
and a mate to worry about now.
Bella smiled and embraced Liv. It s wonderful to see you again. I can t wait to catch up and
hear how my growly security head is taking care of you, she said with a wink. All three women
laughed when they heard Karel growl and storm out of the room.
They spent the next half hour talking and laughing. It wasn t long before Keliana was done in
and needed to rest again. Liv walked her back to her room and helped her get situated back in bed.
When she was leaving, Keliana s soft voice stopped her. I love you, child.
Her throat closed and her heart filled with joy. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. I
love you too, Aayi.
Liv finally had a mother she could love, and one that loved her for who she was. Liv never
expected to find that, let alone have to travel light years away for it.
Are you okay? Bella questioned as Liv reentered the living room.
Oh, yes. Sorry. Just lost in thought for a moment. Would you care to take a walk with me. We
can talk and you can tell me everything you know about Karel that I can use to torment him later.
The two women strolled outside and basked in the rays of the two suns. It turned out to be a
wonderful day. I thought for sure with the storm being so bad we would be stuck inside until
tomorrow.
We got lucky, this was a short one. They aren t always like that. To be honest though, there
are more days like this, with the suns shining, and the soft breeze blowing that even a rainy day can t
discourage you. If that makes sense. Bella laughed ruefully.
I know what you mean. Liv sighed and looked around at the beautiful trees. She didn t think
she would ever get tired of looking at the different shades of purple.
Bella squirmed. I don t mean to pry, but I am dying to know. You and Karel? How are
things? Is it official, are you mated?
Liv laughed at the barrage of questions from Bella.
It s okay. I don t mind at all. Something tells me we are going to be great friends. Yes, we
are mated. He is unlike anyone I have ever met before. I think I was in love the moment I saw him. It
took my head a little bit longer to catch up. It s not often you meet a man you can laugh with, be stupid
and have fun with, and that body. Whoo baby, smoking. And after he shifted, I was sure there was a
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