Page 57 of Invasion of Sorority Z

“I have not been thinking of Rem often,” I defend.

She blushes. “Fair, I guess. But that’s amazing, I didn’t know he was into tech.”

“He is not,” Lovan reports.

“Rem’s family is a long line of menders,” I explain further. “He has much knowledge of healing and health. He and Lovan pooled their skills together to make the bands.”

“Wow, Sarah is gonna lose it when I tell her she’s mated to a doctor.”

“He does not perform mender duties,” Lovan corrects.

My Stee-vee shrugs. “Close enough.”

Lovan starts fiddling with his metal again, and I know that it is time to leave. “We will be seeing you,” I tell him, turning to leave before he feels required to respond.

He is a good but quiet male, and I try not to push him to speak more than I know he prefers. Rem, on the other hand, chats his ear off at every turn. For some reason, Lovan does not seem to mind it.

“He was nice,” my mate comments.

I grimace. “I am more nice.”

Her laughter is sweet, but I move to take her home before she can compliment another male again.

23

Inkberry: Dark black berries that grow on an evergreen shrub through the winter months.

Stevie

We’re leaving Lovan’s building when an unexpected sound meets my ears.

“Marrec!” a small excited voice cheers.

My mate pauses his stride and turns, following the call. I turn too, finding an Aprixian child with a red bald head and a toothy smile gazing at Marrec.

“Marrec The Mighty!” he roars, grin widening. “Hiii.” The child sings the word and offers a little wave. I’m sure he’s speaking the Aprixian language, but I understand every word. Lovan is seriously a genius.

Looking down at me, Marrec says, “Stay close, my blossom. I must greet this young one, yes?”

Oh my gosh, he hasfans. “Yes, of course.”

He offers a stiff nod and takes a few steps over to the kid. I watch, fascinated as he kneels before him, getting to eye level.

“Hello,” he says, keeping his voice steady. “What is your name, cub?”

“I amNema,” he replies proudly. “My papa told me you’re the greatest! You’re the best hero ever.”

“These are kind words, I give my thanks for them. Is your papa with you now, Nema?”

He nods. “He’s inside. I’m a big boy, I can wait here all by myself.”

Before Marrec can comment on this, Nema pipes up again.

“Do you knowDrak The Deadly? He’s my second favorite.”

Oh Ihaveto tell Drak about this. Maybe not Rem though.

“I know Drak,” Marrec tells him patiently. He doesn’t seem rattled at all by the youngster’s excitement or his blurted words. “He is my good friend.”

---