Page 38 of Redemption of a Prince

Nikki took a seat and realized she hadn’t changed out of her leggings into something more appropriate. At least she’d had the presence of mind to put a flannel on and button it up over her tank top. “I presume we’ve got enough food and supplies to feed an army. We’ll be fine for a while, as long as there’s enough fuel for some of the generators.”

“There’s plenty,” he confirmed.

“Then there’s no reason we need to leave sooner than they can get the road cleared.”

A serious look crossed his face. “They found a donor for my father. I told him I want to be home for his surgery, but I can’t imagine they’d want to wait any longer than necessary. My location may not matter.”

All the feelings swept over Nikki. “I’m glad they have someone.” That was good news, but there was a lot more to process with it, at least for Ezekiel.

“I am, too, but I wish I was home.”

Nikki nodded her understanding and stifled another yawn. “Hopefully, we can get out of here in a couple of days then get you home before the surgery.”

There was a noise outside that caught Nikki’s attention. Stomping at the door to the outdoors had to be one of the staff, right?

The door opened, but it wasn’t a man who walked in.

Or a woman.

No.

A giant ball of black, white, and brown fluff bounded inside, stopping long enough to send cold droplets flying around the room.

And straight at Nikki.

She squealed and held her hands up. Almost before she realized what was happening, two large paws were on her legs and a warm tongue licked her hands where they shielded her face.

“Samson, down. Sit.” The stern command was met with a deepwoof, but the yeti of a dog sat on the floor with another bark.

Nikki lowered her hands and buried them in the wet fur on either side of the dog’s neck. “What a good pupper,” she crooned, scratching both sides of his neck. “Who’s the best boy?”

She was rewarded with another woof.

Ezekiel chuckled. “I think you’ve been replaced as the favorite, Henry.”

“It’s possible, sir.” There was amusement in the new voice.

Nikki turned to see a grizzled mountain of a man with a long, rust-colored beard sprinkled with white that she didn’t think only came from the weather outside.

“Henry, this is Ms. Major. She was here to lead the negotiations and will be staying here until we can get home.”

He tipped his head toward her. “A pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”

“And you.” She was rewarded with another lick, this one on her cheek. “And this guy just might be my favorite person on the property now, too.” Nikki scratched his neck some more.

“I’d be offended by that, but he’s almost everyone’s favorite.” Ezekiel chuckled. “Basically, anyone who doesn’t have to clean up after him.” He turned to Henry. “How does it look out there?”

“About like you’d expect. We’ll have a lot of clean up to do once the weather clears. Until then, we’re all safe and have generators. The one for staff quarters is running. I’ll be staying there for the next few days, instead of my cabin. The one in here is running at full power. The rest are being kept at levels just enough to keep the house from freezing, plus a little bit more. It won’t be warm in there.”

“Sounds good.” Ezekiel stood. “Is this kitchen stocked? I need brekkie.”

“It should be, sir.” Toby walked back in. “Can I call someone to make breakfast for you and Ms. Major?”

The prince shook his head. “I think we can handle it, can’t we, Nikki?”

“I can. I don’t know what your skill level in the kitchen is.” She gave a final scritch to the beast in front of her and was rewarded with another lick to the cheek.

“I manage.”

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