Page 32 of Game on Askole

“What a rush,” Ethan exclaimed.

I jumped in front of Caleb. “Ladies first.”

“You’re no lady,” Caleb retorted.

“Nope, never have been.”

“Okay, kids, no fighting.” Kaylee wrapped her arms around me. “We need to talk anyway.”

“We do.” I linked mentally with my cousin.Poof.We appeared in a wooded area.

“Tihar actually said he wants to mate with you?” Kaylee released me and paced around the small clearing.

“He says I’m his chosen.”

“Where did he meet you?”

“On Earth. The Coletti promised Tihar he could have his pick of a Jones female.”

Kaylee threw up her hands in disgust. “Oh, hell no. Tihar is my friend, but I’m putting a stop to this shit.”

“How?”

“I’ll have a come-to-Jesus talk with him.”

“Can I watch? He told Detja he would challenge Lothel for me.”

“Talree won’t let that happen.” Kaylee clasped me to her chest, and presto. We were back on the terrace. My poor cousin ended up giving everyone a ride. After an hour of teleporting to and from the woods, she called it quits.

“No more. You’re wearing me out.”

I handed her a beer. “Take a load off.”

“Are those chips from Popos?”

“They are. Detja went to a lot of trouble for you,” Jake responded.

Kaylee took a chip, dunked it in the salsa, and ate it. “These are the best.” She sank down on a padded chair at the gaily decorated table and drained her beer. “God, I needed that.”

Uncle Derek took the chair next to her. “We aren’t going to have a choice about this conversion, are we?”

“No. It’s a done deal. With or without your cooperation.” Kaylee’s gaze latched on to a bowl of candy-coated chocolate. “Chocolate!” She grabbed a handful and popped them in her mouth, savoring every morsel.

Quinn spat, “I’ll never submit to the Coletti.”

“Shut up and listen for a change,” Kaylee snapped. “The only way to win is to make changes from the inside. Bring a little truth, justice, and the American way to the Coletti.”

“Kaylee has a valid point,” Caleb said. “They think they’re integrating us into their culture, but it’s the other way around. They won’t know what hit them.”

“Exactly.” Kaylee grinned.

I raised my hand. “I hate to be a party pooper, but has anyone told you about Lilkee and her army of fanatics?” I shot everyone images of her warriors.

“Genghis Khan wannabes with pretty red armor and antlers. Don’t look like much of a threat,” Jake joked.

“They call themselves the death bringers,” Aunt Tess added.

I grimaced. “They think we are vile destroyers who will dilute the purity of the Coletti race. Lilkee is also in cahoots with her brother, Malik.”

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