Page 42 of Flying Blind

“As long as you don’t think I am trying to hog you. I want you settled and happy, not smothered.”

Zara smiled. “I know you aren’t. Can I invite the ladies over for tea and more wedding ideas today? I will make the sweets if you can manage little sandwiches.”

“You are on.”

Zara picked up her phone and started sending texts and making calls. When she finished, Lyric had the bread maker going.

They got to work around Emma, and aside from a short flour fight, the prep for a devastating tea took shape.

Zara felt at peace and knew that she had found her people. Now, she just needed to get the bakery of her dreams, but she couldn’t have everything.

* * * *

Lyric talked with Wren, and she made mental notes to find other workers, a bakery that also had teas and baked savoury treats for the winery.

She smiled at Wren and said, “I think I know just what to get her for her wedding.”

Wren nodded. “You have done enough, but she would love that.”

“She needs care and fussing. The guys do a lot, don’t get me wrong, but it is a different kind of attention. She was so close to achieving her bakery dream once that I thought it would be nice to set her up again, and I can keep her safe.”

“That isn’t your job, Lyric.”

“I know. But until I get my big assignment, I am going stir-crazy. I have to keep someone safe.”

Wren smiled. “It isn’t a bad instinct.”

“Well, with Axel and the assistants that we have, my work is part-time. I have a lot of free time.”

“Right. I spend my time as a work-from-home admin. Thankfully, we have that option. Well, some of us do. Dragons pay fairly well.”

“Right.”

Wren spoke casually, “Do you know many of your kind?”

“Well, I am not Elite-born. I am only a quarter Elite. My mom was half. The Elite took her when I was twelve.”

“What?”

“They came for me, and my mom hid me behind my brother. Demon alphas are smelly as teenagers.” She smiled, and then it faded. “And they punched my father, dumped a bunch of jewellery on him, and disappeared. My dad told me later that she had offered herself instead of them taking me.”

“What’s her name?”

“Lydia. Both my brother and myself are named for her. My father was furious, and he looked like he was going to blame me, but Lykon told him that he wasn’t going to waste what Mom had just paid for. A chance to watch his sister grow up.”

Wren looked ill. “Do you know if she’s still alive?”

“Yes. She’s still alive. I have successfully defended myself against Elite three times. They now have my name on a do-not-stalk list.”

“I see. That is impressive.”

“It is, but it didn’t get her back. She’s been there for fourteen years. If they were accurate, I would have two or three siblings by now. She was always a great mom.”

Wren blinked. “You think they took her to breed?”

“That, or they really needed a good mom.”

“Let’s hope they have those kinds of issues.” Wren patted her arm. “If you get her loose, will your father have her back?”

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