Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Vero stiffened.
Paxton grasped his arm. “That’s Libby.”
Libby hugged Hope, lifting her off the ground before dropping her and running full bore to be snatched in a hug by Paxton.
He placed her on her feet, obviously careful not to touch her skin. “Vero, this is Libby, our best friend. Libs, this is my brother.”
Libby held out a hand, her smile contagious. “It’s so weird to keep from shooting any of you.”
Vero chuckled. “You’re a shifter.” He’d have to keep Jonathan at bay.
“Yep. Feline.”
Vero introduced Lyrica, pride filling him as he claimed her as his mate.
They shook hands. Curiosity filled Lyrica’s eyes. “Can I see you actually shift into an animal?”
“Sure,” Libby said easily. “It’s fun, but you have to stand back so the energy release doesn’t flatten you.”
Lyrica snuggled into Vero’s side. “That’s awesome.”
Vero turned his attention back to the craft.
Zane Kyllwood, the legendary leader of the demon nation, disembarked next, his movements lean and efficient. Without hesitation, he reached back into the helicopter and helped a petite, brunette female out onto the snow.
“That’s the queen of the demons,” Lyrica whispered beside Vero, her tone filled with awe. “Janie Kayrs. Hope told me all about her mother, and they look like twins. Apparently we’re all true allies now.”
Vero liked that she said the word “we.” Lyrica already considered herself part of his world, and the realization settled warmly in his chest.
Paxton moved forward, greeting Zane and his queen with hugs. As introductions were exchanged, another figure emerged from the helicopter. Vero’s eyes narrowed as a massive, metallic-eyed male stepped out with the grace of a predator. Recognition hit him like a blow.
“That’s Benjamin Reese,” he muttered. The bastard had kidnapped Karma long ago.
Benny carefully lifted a heavily pregnant female out of the aircraft.
Her face broke into a smile the moment she spotted him. “Vero!” she cried, starting toward him.
The giant male at her side growled low. “Wait.”
She slapped his hand away without breaking stride. “Stop it, Benny. We’re safe, and you’re going to be nice.”
Benjamin hesitated, his expression unreadable.
Vero moved to meet her halfway, pulling Lyrica with him just in case.
Karma threw her arms around Vero in a quick but warm hug, careful not to touch the exposed skin on his neck. “It’s so good to see you,” she said, leaning back to study him. “You look wonderful.”
“You too,” Vero said, his voice softening. He glanced at her belly. “And you’re…busy.”
She laughed, introducing herself to Lyrica with an easy charm. “Aren’t you stunning?” She pulled Lyrica into an embrace.
Vero felt the weight of Benny’s gaze like a physical force. He straightened, meeting the massive male’s sharp eyes.
Karma stepped between them, planting her hands on her hips. “Oh, you two knock it off,” she said, her tone exasperated. She rubbed her belly and gave them both a look. “Behave.”
They both nodded, breaking eye contact.
Lyrica laughed, her voice light and bright, cutting through the tension.
Karma’s smile softened as she linked her arm through Benny’s. “We’re happy,” she said, her voice directed toward Vero. “He keeps me safe, and the girls are thriving and have come up with some intriguing twin speak that somehow insults their brothers. This is our fourth boy,” she added, patting her belly. “We wanted to visit with just the two of us this time, but next trip, we’ll bring the kids. The girls would love to see you.”
“I’d like that,” Vero said, his voice steady. For the first time in years, everything felt right. His world clicked into place. Karma was happy, the Kurjan nation was healing, and his place in it—by Paxton’s side—was solid. He looked down at Lyrica.
“Are you happy?” Karma asked softly.
Vero didn’t look away from his mate, his gaze locked on hers. “I am,” he said, surprising even himself.
Lyrica’s smile was soft, her eyes full of warmth. She reached up and kissed his chin. “Me too. Always.”
* * *