Page 36 of OutFoxed

Merry shrugged. “Sometimes. I have a partner who takes on a lot of stuff. Free time can be arranged but will rarely occur spontaneously.”

Thomas murmured, “Partner?”

“Yeah. She helps me execute my grand plans.”

“I thought Ula was your partner.”

“No, she is my friend. Altar is my half-sister. She’s a few years older than me and has acted as more of a mentor than a sibling.” She chuckled. “She creates money out of thin air. It makes her a fun business partner.”

“You get along?”

“Very well.” She sighed and stood on wobbly legs as they wrapped her in a towel.

“But how are you half-siblings?”

She shrugged. “I will tell you after some coffee. Maybe a muffin. I would encourage you to think of a wish.”

Richard picked her up and carried her to the nest. The bedding had been stripped, and the room was bare. Richard left the safe space, and Thomas grabbed her stuff, handing her her phone.

“It has been going off every six hours.”

She smiled and sent a text to Ula. Well, that was unexpected.

Oh, thank goodness. Five days? You were out for five days.

I thought it was only three and a bit.

Five days, Merry.

Well, I am only a little bit exhausted, tired, and someone is carrying me.

When can I see you?

“When can Ula come visit?” she asked Richard.

“We’ll ask Giovanni. If you hadn’t guessed, he’s in charge.”

“Is it the teeth? I bet it’s the teeth.” She chuckled and typed. Checking on it.

“We are his CFO and COO of his corporation. I am guessing that you and your sister run your own company.”

“You could say that.” She quirked her lips. “She invited me in, and now we are content with our situation. She helped me to help Ula.”

Richard settled on a couch and kept hold of her.

“Wait. Why am I in a towel in the living room?”

Thomas grinned. “Because I thought it was a good idea, and this way, we are closer to the snacks. Also, I am your only official alpha right now.”

“Oh. Yeah.”

He chuckled and crouched next to her. “So, I get maybe an hour to be the sole alpha to the most beautiful woman in the world.”

She snorted. “Maybe top ten.”

“No, most beautiful. Hands down.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss to her palm.

Richard grinned. “What do you think, Giovanni?”

---