Page 76 of Game on Askole

“I am.” Kaylee wrapped her arms around me.Poof. We appeared on Detja’s private terrace.

The walls were covered with a cascade of purple flowers, and the patio had a great view of the lake. A large iron table held enchiladas, tacos, chips, salsa, pitchers of margaritas, and the chocolate fudge cake. Bistro tables and chairs were scattered about.

I frowned as I spotted Musa gliding over the lake with KeeKee on her back.“Do not attack the ducks. Do you hear me?”

“We hear.”

Bree grinned. “I left my kids with a big bowl of blood worms. It’ll keep them occupied for a while.”

“I wished I had thought of that,” I said.

Detja walked over to me, gave me a hug, and kissed my cheek. “You fought against incredible odds and saved our lives. We are forever in your debt. You always have a home here, Sarah.”

“Thank you, but I wasn’t letting that paranoid whack job win.”

“Lilkee needs to die, and it will be at my hand,” Detja said with a snarl.

Okey-doke. I’d make sure to stay out of her way. “The next time I sense her, Lilkee is all yours.”

Detja inclined her head.

Aunt Tess cried, “Let’s eat.”

We all crowded around the food and loaded our plates with goodies.

Musa landed on the table, rocking the pitchers of margaritas.

“Easy,”I warned.

“Hot stuff.”KeeKee chortled.

I grabbed her before she could dunk her head in the salsa.“No! Bad baby.”

“Me like. Musa like.”

“Hang on a second, and I’ll get you a plate.”

“’Kay.”KeeKee literally vibrated with excitement.

Musa hopped up and down on the table until Detja pointed a finger at her.“Enough, small one.”

Musa’s orange eyes examined Detja for a moment, then Musa hopped on my shoulder and jabbered at me.

“Yes, you have to obey her.”

Musa fluffed her fur in outrage and chirped.

“Because I said so, and Detja is meaner than me.”I poured salsa on a plate and put it on an empty table.“There ya go.”

Whoosh!The kids buried their faces in the salsa.

I picked up my plate and took the chair next to Aunt Tess. “How’s the head and shoulder?” I took a big bite of the enchilada.

“Good as new. I thought we were goners for sure.”

“It was pretty damn close. If Tihar hadn’t linked with me, we would all be nauger kibble.”

Everyone stopped eating and stared at me.

---