Page 113 of The Safest Place She Knows

The lady inquestion wandered over, and Tamara asked permission to eat with theother cousins. Permission was granted, and she scampered off withHailey wandering after her new cousin with a seriousexpression.

Lexa sighed.“That is different. She’s been quiet and respectful since she sawZelle. Thankfully, I think her arrogance is going to change alittle.”

A young adultfemale alpha followed Hailey at a distance.

Lya asked,“Hailey’s nanny?”

“And bodyguard,but she is going to have to go through remedial training to getherself under control again. I was wondering if Venka would havetime to work with her.”

Lya ate apierogi. “They are starting alpha basics this week. I am sure thatVenka could take on one more. I mean, I might have to bribe her,but she will do it.”

Lexa smiled.“What would you bribe her with?”

“Uh, nevermind.” Lya blushed. She felt the reaction through her links, andthen, a response rippled back.

As if summoned,Venka approached. She scooped Lya up and settled her on her lap.“Hello, little one. Your jewels are heavy.”

“Yeah, they arepushing on my marks, which, I think, is the point.”

Venka kissedher and stroked her cheek. Iris smiled. Lya was in the perfectplace for her.

Lexa wassurprised. Iris met her gaze and tilted her head.

“Sorry. I havejust never seen Venka actually happy.”

Grigory came byand paused when he saw his sister nuzzling her mate. “That’s asight.”

Venka chuckledand said, “I feel like I am cuddling a treasure chest.”

Grigory smiled,kissed Lexa, and then headed toward Ford’s place.

Lya chuckledand lifted her head for a kiss again. They made out quietly, andIris smiled. It was a very horny treasure chest returning thekisses.

Zelle smiledand said, “That is just too cute.”

Olivia came tojoin them. “Where is Kaiyun?”

“He will behere shortly. He had something to do. I got sent here with theTengu. Sure, he gets to run around on his own, and I am stuck underguard.”

Iris asked,“Tengu?”

“Japanese alphashifters who have wings or turn fully into birds. These two looklike eagles when fully shifted.”

Lya lifted herhead. “Eagles? Oh, those guys.”

Zelle nodded.“Yup. Same ones. They are around here somewhere.”

Iris turned herhead and chuckled. “Spotted them. They are chatting withAllor.”

A tiny fierybird flew toward them and nuzzled Zelle’s cheek as it landed on hershoulder. “Kaiyun is here. Probably talking to Ford.”

Venka looked toZelle. “It is strange that you don’t have more alphas. A treasurelike you should be protected.”

“Anyonetouching me without permission will burn to ash. It is enoughprotection for my son and me.”

Iris perked up.“Son?”

“Son. We gotthe tests done this week. Oh, and he’s the father. We had to sendthat stuff to his family.”

---