Page 40 of Flying Blind

“I think you managed to tone down the acid. It is going to mellow out into something nice and drinkable. Congratulations.” She grinned at Axel, and he grabbed and hugged her, swinging her around.

She squawked and smacked his shoulder. “Put me down, Dad.”

“You think we did it?”

“Yes. I think we made a palatable cab sav.”

“Do you think that we will win any more awards?”

“It’s possible, but that is months away.” She smiled.

Taka said softly, “How good can it be? You spit it out.”

Lyric turned to him. “Wow. Look at that. Big brain doesn’t mean smart. I know you are a big fan of swallowing right now, but ifIdid that, I would be completely hammered twenty-four-seven.”

Taka’s cheeks got red, and Zara wanted popcorn. Lykon pulled her back a little and kept an arm around her. He whispered, “Just watch.”

Zara watched Taka try to assert himself and Lyric take him down at the knees until he started to alpha out with frustration. That was the point where Lyric became a glowing goddess, grabbed him by the throat, and slammed him to the concrete floor. She growled. “Stay down, bitch. If you catch fire around my wine, I will punt you into the next year, and your legion can catch up with you there.” Lyric paused, her shining pale hair sliding around her. Taka was thrashing on the ground, and then the flame calmed.

Lyric looked down at him. “Is that how to speak to your little sister?” She had a grip on his throat that only let up when he apologized.

Rayd muttered, “Little sisters are scary.”

Zara chuckled. “Oh, I like the idea of having her at my back. Did you notice Axel stepped back as well?”

Axel called out, “I am old, not stupid.”

Taka looked at the older alpha and sighed. “Little sister, will you spar with me?”

She grinned and helped him to his feet. “Maybe. You have to ask nicely.”

Zara laughed. “Well, little sister, thanks for the demonstration. I now understand why Lykon has manners.”

Lykon muttered, “And three concussions.”

Zara grinned. “I like her more and more.”

Rayd chuckled. “Let’s go find Emma and show proof of life and that your legs are working again.”

“Funny.”

“Thank you. I am getting used to not being a scowling monster all the time. Nikolai will be shocked, but I think he will enjoy the difference. When do you think we will be able to start having guests here for dinner?”

“Do you cook?”

“I do. I believe Taka does, and I know that Lykon can chop and whisk.” He smiled. “Emma would help.”

“I don’t want Emma and Lyric doing all the work. I want to have a special dinner just for them, and we are going to make it.”

Rayd nodded. “That sounds like a great idea.”

“They have both done so much. Emma taught me and gave me a home, and Lyric has shown me that fear is an option, but so is rage.” She grinned. “Also, that power is a tool and nothing to be scared of.”

“You haven’t known her long.”

“She’s a force to be reckoned with. I want to be just like her when I grow up.” Zara looked around the serene estate and sighed happily. “This place is just like what I dreamed of for my home.”

“I prepared a house for you near the city.”

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