She smiled at the devil over Salmet’s shoulder.“That is what I always do.”
Salmet chuckled and eased up.“Riko, Jennela, and Halko are going to be shocked and are going to hug the stuffing out of you.Oh, I have grandchildren now.Salat has five little ones and Khytten’s teenage daughter, so that gave me a huge boost.Before any of them, baby Delia arrived.I have seven grandchildren.”
“That is wonderful.Congratulations.I know you wanted a huge family.”
Salmet cocked her head.“No kids for you?”
“I haven’t started dating yet.There has never been time, and it has never been necessary.”
The questioner cleared his throat.“I have concluded that this unknown and undeclared activation is not a danger to the citizens of Aksalla.”
Salmet grinned.“Excellent conclusion.Katta was the best team healer we ever had.”
“And I have been here for three years.”
Salmet blinked tears away.“I want to know everything.”
“I want to pick up my son.”
Vikor spoke.“Shisha took him to Klauz’s for dessert.Probably with the rest of the link.”
Alody paused.“You have a Hyreno in your link?”
“Techor.Yes.”
“Oh, shoot.I need to get there.”
Vikor frowned.“Why?”
“He really hates Hyreno males.If Techor tries to make friends, it will not go well.”
Vikor stared and began sending a message through his com.“Why?”
“Because out of all the folks we have met in the world, the Hyreno goons working for the emperor were the only ones who tried to kill me.Ithal took it personally and has access to a mind spike if he is pressed, but that usually only kicks in if I am present.”
Vikor’s eyes widened.“Fuck.”
He spoke rapidly and told Techor just to ignore Ithal, aside from passing anything he requested.The wordsBe distant but nicerang in the room.
Salmet said, “Do you want me to come with?”
“Well, as I am half naked and burned, I don’t think I will pass the dress code.”
Vikor smiled.“I will come along.They are mine anyway.”
“Great.Let’s go.Ithal was under stress tonight, and I want that stress to stop.”She looked at the questioner.“Can I use my com now?”
He flushed and tapped his screen.“Yes, ma’am.”
She felt the availability and opened the com to Ithal.It opened immediately, and his expression beamed at her.“Mom.I sent a lawyer.Did you see him?”
She turned, and Vikor was behind her for a moment.“How could I miss him?”
Ithal grinned.“You are coming for me?”
“I am coming for you.I will be there in twenty minutes.Eat as much dessert as Klauz will feed you, and no one there is a threat to either of us.Are we clear?”
Ithal blushed.“Yes, Mom.Judge Techor got a warning from the lawyer as well.His brain went cool then.”
