Page 43 of Blades of Ice

Sophia opened her mouth and narrowed her eyes at her mate who was grinning. “He’s not wrong.”

“Rude. The both of ya.”

Something beeped in the kitchen, and Lydia figured it was the timer on the oven. “Listen, I need to go. Supper’s ready.”

“We’re proud of you, Sweet Girl. Promise to keep us posted.”

“I promise. Love you.”

Three voices responded, “Love you too.”

Lydia pressed her fingertips to her lips and blew a kiss before closing out the video.

“Your family loves you,” Kennedy said softly.

“That they do. But Beck said yours is pretty awesome too.” Lydia sat up, then rose to join her new friend.

“That they are, but with them in the northern part of the state, I hardly see them anymore. Supper’s ready.”

Lydia linked her arm through Kennedy’s, and they strolled back to the kitchen together. The spaghetti casserole was exactly what Lydia needed. Cheesy, carb-loaded yumminess. Kennedy had toasted French bread and tossed a salad. Dooley put aside the computer long enough to enjoy his meal, but as soon as he was finished, he went back to typing. Lydia offered to do the dishes, but Kennedy insisted on helping. They were drying the last dish when Lydia’s phone rang. Her heart skipped a beat thinking it might be Beck, but it wasn’t. Lydia didn’t want to talk to Dakota; she’d probably end up lying to her Queen. She let it go to voicemail.

Since Dooley was still on the computer, and Kennedy said she was going to take her shower, Lydia went into the bedroomand grabbed her own laptop so she could check out the house her parents were buying and maybe do a little work. She sat against the arm of the sofa and got comfy. Before she could open the lid on her laptop, her phone rang again. This time it was Sebastian. Lydia twisted her head, popping her neck, then answered.

“Hey, Bas.”

“Wow. I’m surprised you answered. How are you?”

Lydia felt bad for dodging his calls, especially with him being her King. “I’m good. Searching for shifters for the council. Cell phone coverage isn’t great out here.”

“And where is here?”

“Oh, I’m in Alaska. Don’t ask.”

“Alaska?” Dakota hollered from the background.

“Yep. How are things with the lodge?”

“Don’t deflect,” Dakota said, having taken the phone away from her mate. “About you not having cell phone coverage, give me your address.”

Lydia panicked, thinking her Queen was coming to visit. “Uh…”

“You are staying somewhere, correct?”

“Well, yes, but—”

“Then give me your address, and I’ll send you a satellite phone. I won’t have you out there with no way to contact us if you need us.”

“Oh. Yeah, it’s… Hang on.” Lydia put the phone on speaker, then opened her email to find the rental address.

“Done. Now, how are you, and don’t lie,” Dakota insisted.

Lydia sighed. “Having a hard time dealing, but there’s something healing about snow.”

“I’m really sorry. If it weren’t for—”

“Nope. We’re not doing this. I was defending my Queen, and I don’t regret that. I think the part of it that I’m having ahard time with is I didn’t mean to do it. If she and I had been battling, like it was either her or me, then I wouldn’t feel as guilty. I’m working through it.”

“I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I want you to know Bas and I are here for you. And do me a favor. I want you to check in at least once a week. If you don’t, I’m hopping a plane to Alaska.”

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