Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 69711 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 349(@200wpm)___ 279(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69711 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 349(@200wpm)___ 279(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
“Anytime,” I say, ignoring the flash of pain in my heart. Not in the bond. There’s been no humming from the connection between me and Krav. No music. Nothing, not even a twinge of discomfort or regret. So much for soul-bonds.
It’s been nice staying here with Emma and Khan, enjoying their breathtaking mountain palace. My room has an actual waterfall pouring past its balcony. And their kids are adorable. Emilia is old enough to run around and get into everything. She’s off with a play group this morning.
I could imagine making a home here with Emma and her king and two littles. I’d be the best cool aunt. I might never have kids of my own but reading Emilia bedtime stories, holding Kharon and rocking him to sleep would be a good compromise.
Emma and I also discussed how I could return to Earth, but I shot that down real quick. What do I have to return for? My life there is over and the old Renee is gone. I like the new me better.
And, although I don’t want to admit it, part of me hopes to reunite with Krav.
“You still have time,” Emma says later, when Kharon’s asleep and it’s just us in her studio, day drinking like the Real Housewives of Ulfaria. Emma’s introduced me to all kinds of local fermented juices, and I’ve become something of a mixologist. I have a bar in the corner of my bedroom, near the waterfall.
See? I could totally be the cool aunt.
“You’re super fertile,” Emma continues, because there’s no such thing as TMI between us. She brought over a magician to check me out and answer my questions. I got confirmation that my baby factory is in excellent shape. Emma insists plenty of women have successful pregnancies in their forties, and I’m sure that’s true, but the Omega serum would add an extra layer of reassurance.
“Yes, but the impregnation is only one part of the equation.” I stretch out my arms. “My problem is the lack of a willing baby-daddy.”
Emma sips her drink and hums. I don’t like the gleam in her eye. She gets it when she’s feeling extra mischievous. “There are other kings, you know. The King Of Ruins has sent word to all the kingdoms, declaring his desire for an Omega. Khan showed me a picture of him—he’s hot. Not as hot as Khan, but…”
“You don't think anyone is as hot as Khan,” I say, mostly to tease and distract her.
She flushes. “True. But there are other sexy, single kings to choose from. And if you don’t fancy being a queen, there are a boatload of other Alphas on Ulfaria. Most of them are soldiers, so you know they’re fit…”
I twirl my glass. This cocktail has an infusion of leeberries. The taste reminds me of sitting in Krav’s lap, eating pastries from his hand like his pampered pet... I shake myself. “What did you say that guy was king of? Ruins?”
“Ruins. He’s also called the King of Ruses. Supposedly, his kingdom was destroyed in a Chitin attack. They’re these alien bugs that attack Ulfaria from time to time–”
“You told me about them. I had nightmares afterwards. Giant bugs… ugh.” I suppress a shudder.
“Anyway, instead of rebuilding, supposedly they left the ruins standing as a reminder to the people to always be on their guard. But Khan has a theory that they did rebuild their kingdom, and the real one is hidden under the ruins.”
I rub the bridge of my nose. “Sounds confusing.”
Emma chuckles. “Yeah. Regardless, like I said, the king is hot. Do you want to meet him? I’m sure he’d give you all the babies you want…”
But he’s not Krav. “No thanks.” I set my drink down and stop my hand from going to my neck, to rub the empty spot where my collar used to be. It’s been days, and I miss its reassuring touch against my skin. I still sleep with it under my pillow.
I’m a mess.
It’s gonna be okay. I can live here. I can be the cool aunt. When life give you lemons… “Margaritas,” I mumble.
“What?”
I look up. Emma’s studio also has a waterfall cascading down the rock face beyond the seating area, and she’s pretending to admire it. She’s great at giving me space. She may not be seven feet tall with a deviant tail but at least she has empathy.
“Margaritas.” I pick up my glass and examine it, holding my breath so I don’t get a whiff of the leeberries. “I think I’ll try margaritas next.”
“Sounds yummy,” Emma says. “You have one day to perfect the recipe. We’re having a girls’ night tomorrow.”
“Aren’t all our nights girls’ nights?” I’ve been worried about keeping her up too late. She’s still nursing the baby, and Emilia wakes up at the crack of dawn. I don’t want to monopolize her time, but she seems happy to hang out with me. Khan’s been busy, away a lot. He takes an active role in ruling his kingdom.