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During the days Devon and I remained hidden away in our rooms, we talked briefly about the restoration efforts after the final rebel attack. I have a vague recollection of her many visits to the pit and the stories she would share with me about all that was happening outside the palace walls. Specific details are foggy, but I recall many of the things she said.

“I assume the Bohnari and other people that were lost were all given a formal send off?” My question is directed at Horek, who nods.

“Every single one was afforded our greatest respect and sent to join the gods with the highest honors,” he replies.

“Thank you, cousin.”

“Janik was instrumental in heading the reconstruction efforts,” Horek adds. “He met with our engineers to go over the plans and made sure all the machinery and equipment was available. He also oversaw a few minor projects and made sure the female dormitory received immediate aid for clean up.”

I clench my jaw and control my breathing at the mention of all the things Janik did that I should have been doing. It should have been me who oversaw our city’s rebuild. Who made sure the dead received a proper burial. Who took charge of making sure the females were safe and secured within their homes and that extra guards were positioned around the dormitory. Most of all, it should have been me who never allowed the death and destruction to happen in the first place.

“Alik, baby, breathe with me,” Devon’s voice penetrates the rampant thoughts bombarding my mind.

My attention shifts to her. She’s watching me with concern, and I realize a growling sound emanates from my chest and my breathing is erratic. I focus on her and mimic the slow inhalations and exhalations she makes until we’re in sync. The tension slowly releases from my body, and I glance at Horek and Quinn.

My cousin is rigid and poised to defend his mate if my madness returned. I offer him a short nod to reassure him I’m back to myself. Far too slowly, he relaxes and the fear eventually bleeds from Quinn’s eyes.

“I apologize for letting my emotions get so high.”

The hold Devon has kept on my hand tightens. Horek clears his throat. “It is I who should apologize. I should have taken more care with my words.”

“No.” I shake my head. “You have nothing to apologize for. Janik is a part of this—a part of my—life now. He is my mother’s son and mate of one of my heart’s fire’s sisters. He’s also not going anywhere, and I am going to have to accept that. I can no longer let my anger take over. None of you can continue to carefully measure the things you say for fear of setting me off. I refuse to let us all live like that.”

“It will get better,” Devon assures me.

Because I need the connection, I lean over and claim her lips in a brief kiss. “I love you, Devon.”

She smiles. “I love you, too.”

“Awww,” Quinn coos. “Seeing you two makes me so happy.”

“I had to suffer through the three of you being all gooey and in love with your guys. Now it’s your turn to suffer through me doing it.” Devon grins.

“We’ll gladly suffer.”

This time the silence that falls is a comfortable one. But it’s getting late and I know my mate wants to gather her belongings. It’s also time for me to face my problems head on. “Thank you both for joining us for a meal.”

“It was our pleasure,” Horek says.

I turn to Devon. “If you and your sisters would like to go to your place and start packing your belongings, the commander and I will meet with Carrik and Janik.”

“Are you sure?” she asks softly.

“It’s time.”

Chapter 22

Devon

The second Lindsey and Olivia step through the doorway of my apartment, I swarm them.

“I’ve missed you guys so much.” I squeeze them both hard. “Swear to me we’re never going to let this much time pass again before we see each other, even if that means you have to invade our wing and kidnap me from Alik.”

Olivia cackles. “Count me in. As our resident kidnapping victim, I’m almost an expert.”

“God, it’s so good to be with you all again.”

Lindsey nudges me. “It’s as if you love us or something.”