Selene opened her eyes and gasped at the huge bouquet of wildflowers on her bedside table. She quickly sat up and grabbed them, bringing the blooms to her face to inhale their delicate scents.

She hugged them close, smiling.

It didn't matter if they came from Vael or Zay. They were perfect.

Hearing movement, she left her bed, pausing long enough to toss a robe over her nightgown. She heard singing and smelled food. Her smile grew when she saw a shirtless Vael dancing around the kitchen.

The table was set with more flowers and three plates, along with three glasses. A tall carafe of orange juice sat beside a platter of waffles.

"Heavens," she laughed. "What a feast!"

Vael threw her a wink and stirred the sizzling pan on the stove. "Not yet, milady, but it is getting there. Zayn is in the shower."

"Can I help with anything?" she offered.

"Nah, just take your ease there. This is done." He shifted what she now saw was bacon onto a plate and put the pan back on the stove.

Humming, he brought the plate to the table and placed it beside the waffles. Bracing a hand on the back of her chair, he held her eyes a moment before he leaned over and brushed his lips over hers.

"Mornin', my sweet peach," he murmured.

Selene blinked slowly, waves of heat and pleasure swamping her thoughts as she stared captivated by the amber glow deep in his dark eyes.

"Good morning," she whispered.

He smiled and moved back to the kitchen. "Zayn wants to take you 'round the gardens, then over to Reeves after breakfast."

She nodded, pouring herself a glass of juice. Her hands trembled some. Vael's golden skin was so very tempting. She wondered if he would allow her to touch him.

She had to hold her juice with both hands, or risk spilling it.

"I'll be off to the depot, then Quorum," Vael continued, oblivious to her reactions while he cracked eggs into the pan. "So, I may not see you again before supper."

"Is there much work for you at the depot?"

"Nah, just preppin' to roll out next week," he sighed. "It's gonna be a haul, from here to Viceroy, then a swing through Peele and Jasper."

"Oh." His imminent absence left her feeling hollow. "Do you know how long you'll be?"

"Boss reckons a month, maybe six weeks. The winds are pickin' up, but it is the season for it." He quickly dished up the eggs in a bowl and brought them to the table.

Zay emerged from their bedroom then and tipped Selene's face up for a kiss. "Morning, Mini."

"Morning," she smiled.

His hair was damp from the shower, and he smelled fresh and clean when he stole a kiss from her.

"He's leaving next week," she nodded at Vael as he joined them at the table. "Did you know?"

Zay shrugged, putting a waffle and four slices of bacon on his plate. "I knew he was in for three weeks, and it's been two, now." He crunched into a piece of bacon. "Seems like it went awfully fast."

"It did," Vael agreed. "I'd rather not leave you two just now, but it will be my first run as Copilot. There's them that'd say I've not earned it, so I gotta show 'em I have."

Zay frowned, watching Vael put together a plate and set it in front of Selene.

"From what I heard, you pulled your crew out of a right mess. How could they think you didn't earn it?"

Vael shrugged. "Oh, y'know, like Titus said, I am young for it."

Selene frowned now. "I thought you said Roamers mature early?"

"We do, yeah sure," Vael nodded, folding a waffle around a scoop of eggs and adding a few strips of bacon. "We start our work on the rigs around twelve, thirteen. I was brought up on ours, though, so I started workin' the rigs around eight."

"Heavens!" Selene shook her head. "I was scarcely dressing myself at that age. I still don't understand how anyone would think you haven't earned your rank."

Vael shrugged again. "Just a mindset. Pilots don't really start before twenty-five. It takes courage, and focus. Sometimes, the only thing keeps the rig rollin' is a ballsy, steely-nerved Pilot. There's them that might say I'm too young to keep steady when needed."

Selene scoffed, rolling her eyes. "They obviously haven't met you."

Vael laughed, his amber-dark eyes shining brighter. "Why thank you my sweet peach," he lifted her hand to his lips for a kiss. "I reckon I can't get a better endorsement than that."

"I know you'll make a fantastic Pilot," Zay declared, smiling. "Your crew voted you up, after all."

"Gettin' the vote is one thing," Vael said. "Doin' the job is another. Once I do the job, things'll settle."

"I really must send word to Del," Zay said, finishing off his waffle and going for another scoop of eggs. "To let her know you're safe, Mini."

"We can do that after breakfast," Selene said, pouring juice for her men.

My, that gave her a tingle of pride and pleasure.

They were hers. Mm. Lovely.

"When shall we expect you for supper, Vael?" she asked, watching him stuff another waffle with eggs and bacon.

"Not too late," he said. "Just before dark, I'd say. Boss doesn't keep us long when we're in dock."

When they finished eating, Selene shooed Vael away while she and Zay cleaned up. When he emerged from the bedroom fully dressed, she filled her gaze with him.

Those sandy-brown curls fell over his broad shoulders cloaked in the long black coat. His shirt and pants were also black with blue trim and his boots gleamed and clicked on the hardwood floor as he moved.

He looked menacing with his guns and blades, but she felt safe, knowing he was prepared to protect the Stead at any moment.

Vael pulled Zay into his arms, and she smiled at the blush that tinted his cheeks. Vael kissed each pinkened apple then took Zayn's lips in a sweet, loving kiss.

"See you later, Pretty," he murmured.

Zay brushed his thumb over Vael's lips. "See you."

Selene felt all soft inside watching them but yelped when Vael scooped her up into his arms, holding her against his long, hard body.

"Oh...my..."

"And you, too, my sweet peach," he winked, rubbing his nose alongside hers before dropping a light kiss on her lips.

She was so startled she could only blink at him, certain her face was as red as Zay's.

Vael sat her gently on her feet, settled his coat, and left.

Zay sighed as the door closed behind their Roamer, his heart in his eyes.

"Why does he call me a peach?" Selene wondered. Her heart was thumping in her chest, nipples aching from the brief contact with that solid frame.

Lords. She wasn't going to last long if he kept that up.

"He said you smell like ripe peaches."

"Oh, well," she smiled, "that's all right then."

Zay smiled back at her. "Go on and get dressed so we can get started on the garden."

Feeling much more settled and excited about her new life, Selene hurried to her room.

***

Zayn stood back and let Mini poke around the dry and arid garden. He was certain she would bring it to life, having seen plants beyond hope flourish under her care.

"This is deplorable," she muttered, making notes on her tablet. "This rosebush hasn't been tended in an age."

"I didn't even know it was here before last week," Zayn admitted. "I had to get the key from Reeves and the lock on the gate was so rusty Vael had to oil it before I could open it."

Mini nodded. "No shame on you, Zay, of course," she said quickly, frowning at a desiccated vine. "Don't worry, we'll get it green and lovely in no time."

"I believe it," he smiled as she crept down an overgrown path and gasped at the dry pond she found.

"Oh, we can have fish and frogs and lilies, oh and lotus!"

"There's a fountain further on, with benches. And a gazebo."

"Wonderful," she giggled happily. "Zay your garden will be the envy of the Stead. Once these trees are pruned back and tamed, they'll shade everything beautifully. Do you know where the water comes from?"

"Reeves said Pop found an underground pool. I've no idea where the pump is, though."

"Let's go see Reeves, then," she tucked her tablet away. "Perhaps he can direct us."

He waited for her to stroll around the pond and led the way back to the gate. Locking it, he linked arms with her.

"Did you ever hear anything from the Chronicler?"

"Del said he lied, saying your father was dead," Mini shook her head. "I can't imagine why he would, but Del said he seemed quite frightened when he spoke to her. She has her people searching for the true Chronicler, or at least, the actual record of your lineage."

Zayn frowned. "This is just another point that makes me believe Vael may be correct. Not that I hate being your brother," he qualified, "but it would simplify things if I wasn't."

"I don't think simple is a term that would ever quite describe us."

"True," Zayn sighed, "but it would clear the way for other things."

"Oh, yes," she blushed prettily, and his heart sang. "Yes, it would. But," she bit her lip, "would Vael want to do that? Have children, I mean, with us...me?"

"He's the last of his bloodline," Zayn pointed out, "and his pop has already told him he wants to pass Boss to him. So, yes, I'd think so. I would, too," he added softly, stroking her arm. "As far as I know I'm the last of my bloodline as well."

She rested her head on his shoulder and they continued their walk in silence.

***

Before they set off for Quorum, Vael, Holis, and Quyn stopped at Betsy's for a quick bite to eat. Vael was disappointed that Zayn and Selene weren't there but consoled himself with the knowledge that he would see them later in the day.

As they waited for their meal, Vael decided to satisfy his curiosity.

"What do you know of Vigo Salazar?"

Quyn's brows climbed nearly to his hairline. "Born out 'a Clan DeCosta, down south. Got Underboss in Chadwick, till they kicked him and his sweets, branded 'em Clanless. No grounds, though."

"Oh?"

"Chadwick was trash," Holis rumbled. "All sorts 'a wrongness wit 'em. Their Boss, Frank Chadwick was a sloppy, mean sonofabitch, and Salazar cut his dick off for messin' with his sweets."

"Well, shit," Vael murmured, nodding to Betsy when she left their stew on the table with tea.

"Whole Clan was twisted some kinda way or 'nother," Quyn shook his head. "Not one even half upstandin' Roamer among 'em.

"Salazar should never been branded Clanless. He's a fine Roamer, upstandin' as they come. I'd roll with him and his sweets in a minute if they ever applied."

"What happened to them?"

"He was Underboss, his sweets're Leads. Twin sisters. Chadwick puts 'em on the Boss rig, 'stead'a with Salazar, as any decent Boss would'a. They put up with it, 'til Chadwick put hands on one'a em. Hear tell if the crew hadn't pulled 'em off they'da beat that sorry bastard to death.

"Anyway, when Salazar heard, he went cuttin' on Chadwick, as he had all rights to do, mind, so he died for his crime after all. The crew pulled him off and gang beat Salazar. Left 'em out there to die.

"Chadwick got censured by every Quorum. Can't roll into any Stead and find dock or work. They're mercs, now, the lot of 'em."

"Damn," Vael whispered.

"Why ya ask?" Quyn dipped a chunk of bread in his stew.

"I met him," Vael said, "last night. He brought Zayn's sister out 'a the Manor. I damn near killed him, cuz he smelt like her so much."

"Good ya didn't," Holis grunted. "Them Twins'd have your balls for ear baubles or die tryin'."

"I hear tell he's workin' at the Manor," Quyn said.

"Yeah sure, for the older sister, Lady Adelia. Was her had him get Selene out. He's doin' a bit more'n workin' for her, I'll say."

"That's good, then," Quyn nodded. "You put suit to your lady?"

"I did," Vael smiled.

"So, you're courtin' em' both, full on," Quyn pushed Vael's shoulder. "Look at ya. Takin' after ya pop just so."

Vael laughed, enjoying his stew a lot more. "She's a firecracker," he sighed. "Smells so sweet."

Holis snickered, finishing his stew. "You got that look," he accused. "Stars in them eyes, that big goofy grin. Hooked."

"My grin is not goofy," Vael objected, then laughed again. "Yeah sure, I am so hooked."

"It's a good look," Quyn remarked.

"You should know," Holis teased.

"Yeah sure," Quyn agreed. "You too, Sweetheart," he added huskily, tapping a finger on the other man's bottom lip.

Vael almost choked laughing when Holis blushed to the roots of his straight blonde hair.

"Now," Quyn sighed, considering Val closely, "you got that gold goin' in your eyes. Any...other things...happenin'?"

"I couldn't seem to stop growlin' at Vigo 'til I laid eyes on Selene, then again when Zayn thanked him," Vael admitted quietly, mindful of their location. "Just vexed me fierce havin' another touch him. And...I need to keep my gloves on in public."

"That could prove uncomfortable under certain circumstances," Holis remarked.

"I was considerin' that," Vael sighed. "I tried cuttin' 'em down, but they grow right back. Zayn said it was okay, but I don't wanna hurt 'em."

Quyn swiped the last of his bread through the bottom of his bowl. "You been through your new Pilot gear yet?"

"Nah, reckoned I'd try it on day before we roll out."

Quyn reached into an inside pocket of his coat and laid a slim black case on the table. "I got you a set'a these. I reckoned you'd be needin' em soon. I had to start Nic's serum 'round your age. Your mama got my dog goin' much like yours is now."

"I don't know as I'm quite that far gone yet." Vael cracked the case enough to peek inside, then snapped it closed. "The hell are they?" he whispered.

"Covers," Quyn tapped his gloved claws on the table. "Soft, safe. They slip on and stay on 'til you take 'em off. Nic made me these. I picked up yours when we ran by to re-up my serum."

Vael smiled. "Well, shit."

***

Reeves had taken to seeing Zayn in a cozy sitting room instead of his office. When they entered, he had another lockbox on the table while tea sat waiting on a cart near his chair.

The fireplace had a small flame burning merrily and Reeves stood to greet them.

"Lady Selene, what a pleasure to meet you at last," he gushed, kissing her cheek lightly. "Please do come sit. Will you have tea?"

"Please, don't go to any trouble," Selene smiled, liking the man at once. He was genuine and his light brown eyes were kind.

"No trouble at all, my Lady. It's my pleasure. Now, my Lord, this box is ready for you, if you'd like it."

"I would, and thank you, Mr. Reeves."

"Now, please, call me Fin," Reeves insisted, busily preparing tea. "Your father always did, and you do remind me so much of him."

"I will, then," Zayn smiled, accepting his cup and a small plate with a slice of frosted cake on it. "Have you heard from him?"

"Not since you first came, no," Fin sighed, making sure Selene was happy with her tea before he settled with his own. "But contact was always sporadic since he and Sofi left."

"I would like to contact him if I could," Zayn said. "I so want to speak to him, if only for a short time."

Fin nodded, sympathy in his gaze. "If I know Carmyne, he'll find a way. I've already set up to send word with Kestryl when they roll out. Quyn and Holis alone know where he's holed up, mind, and they're tellin' nobody."

"Do you think he'd take a message for me?"

"I don't see why not. It's not as though he has any beef with you," Fin smiled.

"Lords," Selene chuckled, "that would be awkward, with Vael courting us, I'll say."

Zayn nodded, and Fin sat up very straight. "Vael Kestryl is courting you both?"

"He is, yes," Zayn said, feeling his heart swell. "Quite vigorously."

A sunny smile broke out over Fin's weathered face. "How fine is that, then? I wish you all the happiness."

Selene chuckled. "Thank you, but it is only a courtship, after all, and that hardly begun."

Fin frowned and put his tea down. "My dear, I don't think you quite understand what it means to be courted by a Roamer. They don't do this willy-nilly. If a Roamer declares the intent to court, it is only a matter of time before they present the Sweetlock."

Zayn and Selene blinked. "What?" Selene whispered.

"They can get sex and companionship anywhere," Fin explained, "quite easily in fact. Women and men looking to have a cushy life throw themselves at them. To express true feelings, and commit to doing for someone, is a vow they do not make lightly. You are as good as betrothed the moment you accept his suit."

He wrung his hands anxiously. "I do hope this doesn't put you off young Kestryl."

"Oh no!" Zayn shook his head.

"Not at all," Selene said at the same time.

"Oh, that's good then," Fin smiled in relief. "You won't do much better than Vael Kestryl. He's good stock and as fine a young man as you'll find. And you are both now under his protection. If Dora tries anything, she'll answer to him, to Kestryl, and to the Quorum."

"Really?" Zayn was intrigued. "I didn't know."

"My, yes," Fin nodded, retrieving his tea. "Roamers are a law unto themselves. No Matron can override the Quorum and she certainly has no say on their laws. That's why she could do nothing when Kestryl took Carmyne and Sofi out'a Windemere. Quorum stepped in and stopped her cold."

"Very good to know," Zayn smiled. "Now, Selene is going to be working on greening things up around the place. Do you know of any gardeners we might hire?"

***

Two days later, Selene was certain she'd never been so happy in her entire life.

She woke every morning to fresh flowers by her bed and either Zay or Vael cooking breakfast for all of them.

She met with several gardeners Fin suggested and finally settled on an earnest young man who appealed to her. Ellis was intent on bringing her vision for the garden to life and she had faith in his abilities after speaking with a few previous clients.

This morning, she woke to the sound of Zay and Vael enjoying each other. She heard them every night doing the same but had not dared to intrude. She ached when she heard their groans and cries of pleasure and found herself wet and throbbing at her core.

Selene hadn't engaged in any activities with Zay since she arrived. She didn't want to take him away from the bliss that Vael brought him.

This morning, she bit her lip when Zay met his release, and Vael's rumbling purr praised and soothed him. She swallowed and crawled out of her bed. She crept to the curtain that covered their door and peered through.

She saw Vael cradling Zay against him, stroking his arm, and kissing his bare shoulder. Chewing her bottom lip, she moved to back away.

"Don't go."

The soft entreaty froze her, and she peeked back through the curtain. Vael's amber eyes were glowing golden at her, and he smiled tenderly.

"Come, Peach," he coaxed, lifting a hand to her. "Stop manglin' that lip and lie down here."

Compelled by the gentle command she slipped into the room. Vael lifted the sheet off Zay, and he woke.

"Mini," he sighed opening his arms to her. "Come lie with us."

Charmed, she slid into the bed and cuddled close to Zay. She blushed when she realized they were both naked under the covers but pressed close anyway.

"There now," Vael tucked the covers over all of them. "We're all just where we belong at last."

Relaxing in Zay's arms, Selene couldn't agree more.

***

They spent the day together, haunting the Market. Young Ellis would be starting his work on the garden the next day, and Selene was excited about the project.

After dinner at the Stomp, they wound their way home and settled in the living room with their purchases.

While Vael looked on fondly, they unpacked and shared the bits and bobs they picked up. He got up a few times to gather paper and wrapping for disposal.

The gaining of so many things was new to him. If acquiring vases and bowls, wreaths and drapes and miniatures made his sweets smile, he was there for it.

Once everything was finally unpacked, Zayn and Selene went through the ritual of finding a place for it all. Vael added his opinion when asked, otherwise, he simply watched.

He'd never had a space to trick out -or decorate, as Selene put it- so he had very little to contribute.

They all froze when a knock came at the door. Vael stood slowly and lifted his head.

"I don't know this scent," he said quietly, "but it's female, much older than us."

Zayn frowned. "She wouldn't come out here like that would she?"

Vael narrowed his eyes and palmed his pistol, moving to the door.

"Who's there?" he called, voice booming.

"My name is Millicent," a soft voice responded. "I used to nanny young Zayn."

Vael looked at Zayn who was wide-eyed. "Milli?" He moved to the door and cracked it open with Vael hovering right behind him.

"Oh, Zay, look at you!" she gasped. "How tall and strong you are!"

Zayn swallowed. "It's her," he told Vael.

"What the hell does she want? Does she still work for the Matron?" Vael demanded.

"No, I do not, thank my stars," Milli answered. "I've been in the Tween for years now, since she dismissed me, to stay away from that monstrous cow, but close enough to keep my eye on her. I saw you all there a few days ago, and I just today confirmed where you lived. Please, I need to speak to you, both of you."

"She disagreed with Eudora often," Selene offered, "and publicly. I remember her standing up to her more than once for Zay."

Vael nodded and stepped back but kept his gun handy.

Zayn swung the door open and smiled at his old nanny.

"Milli, come in," he invited. "Vael is very protective, and we've only recently gotten away from the Manor. We're all concerned Eudora will try to drag us back."

"Oh, I do understand," Milli nodded, bowing her head to Vael in deference. "I vow to you by my Blood and my Heart that I will do no harm to those you hold dear."

Vael blinked, clearly surprised. He nodded and put his gun away.

"Come in, Milli," Selene urged. "Come sit, please." She cleared away a chair and helped the elderly woman get comfortable.

"My," she sighed, "let me look at you both. How lovely you've become, little Lenie."

"May we get you anything to eat or drink?" Zayn offered.

"No, no, I shan't be long," she declined. "I just wanted to find you so I can clear things up. I'm sure that wench never told you the truth, Zay."

Zayn's heart skipped. "About my father?"

"Why yes, of course. Dear Carmyne," she shook her head. "Do you know he's alive?"

"I do, yes, though I have yet to speak to him. Fin Reeves gave me tablets that he left for me."

"Good, good that's wonderful, but Fin doesn't know everything. Carmyne made me swear never to tell him, to protect him, you see." Milli pressed her lips together in a grim line. "Did that bitch ever stop pretending to be your mother?"

Zayn sat down on their little sofa hard. "What...No, she... she never told me any different."

Milli huffed, shaking her head. "No, dear boy, Eudora is not your mother. Neither Carmyne nor Quyn was fool enough to breed with that hag after the way she did the others. No, Sofi, Carmyne's Sweetheart is your mama. "

"Yes!" Selene crowed in joy.

"Lords," Zayn muttered, thoughts scattered. "Why...how did she manage to get me away from them?"

"Sofi was a lady's maid for Eudora," Milli explained, "and she caught Carmyne's eye. He courted her fierce, and Eudora caught wind of it when he 'locked dear Sofi.

"That bitch decided that if Sofi didn't reject Carmyne, she would turn her out of the Manor, which made no matter to Sofi. Carmyne was more'n capable of doin' for her."

"What was her beef with Sofi?" Vael asked.

"Oh, Carmyne turned Dora down, of course, right after Quyn did," Milli snorted. "Quyn and Carmyne was already 'locked by then, but Dora's pride couldn't bear to be rejected in favor of a mere maid. She wasn't near as pissed at Quyn as she was at Carmyne. Quyn had Mona, after all, but Carmyne hadn't 'locked Sofi yet when he declined Dora.

"They didn't know then just how vicious Dora would be. She offered her own physic to look after Sofi when she caught with you, Zay. Carmyne was beside himself with worry and spent every spare moment he could with her up at the Manor.

"I was tending Dora as she was 'bout to pop with you Miss Lenie," Milli went on, "and the night you came, Zay, she was all in the way. The midwife finally put her out, and by mornin', Sofi had you. She was tore up, though, weary and they couldn't stop the bleedin'. Quyn had to come fetch Carmyne, for he was about to rage all over watchin' his sweet in such distress.

"He got his shit together, tho' I dunno to this day just how Quyn calmed him. He came back in there and within a fourth he solved it. Sofi was saved and restin' up, and you, Zay," she blinked tearful eyes, "you was the sweetest little boy I ever seen. So quiet, you was, not cryin' a peep while your Mama was fightin' to live.

"It was some days 'fore Sofi was fit to nurse, and Dora, just birthin' Miss Lenie, offered to suckle you, Zay. But when Sofi was ready to care for her boy, Dora wouldn't give you up. Carmyne had to call on Quyn, Holis, and Mona to make her let you go, Zay, and then he took you and Sofi and brought you here.

"Plan was to let her rest up and heal, let you grow a bit, so you could handle the stress of travel, then take you both off to safety, maybe in Viceroy. But Eudora showed her colors just when they was set to get out.

"She concocted some offense on Carmyne and named Sofi his accomplice. The Guard went after 'em, and tho' Carmyne fought and tried to hide you, they got to you and took you away.

"He appealed to the Quorum, but they had no power over the Matron, and the Enclave refused to interfere. Somehow, she turnt them all to her side in just a few months. No one'd stand against her. She waited until Kestryl, RoShae, Fitzhugh, and Landau was out on the trails to do it, and by the time any of 'em could get back, she'd locked up the Manor and refused to see anyone.

"She put a death warrant on Carmyne when he wouldn't give up, so he had no choice but to flee with Sofi. It was heartbreakin', and I couldn't let it stand. I stepped up to nanny you, Zay, as Sofi woulda wanted, and when that bitch tried to sell you off, I let her have it."

"She did what?!"

Milli sighed. "She tried to sell you to mercs," Milli said carefully. "Said she'd no use for a boychild and might as well get some profit off you. I lost my shit, and they escorted me off Manor grounds for it. Quyn offered to take me to join Sofi and Carmyne, but I stayed to keep watch. They sent me funds to set me up in the Tween and I been watchin' for you ever since."

Vael and Selene remained on either side of Zayn as he sat struck speechless. "She's not my mother," he whispered finally.

"Never," Millicent firmly agreed. "She hardly mothered her own, and never mothered you. She stole you from Sofi out' a pure hatred, cuz Carmyne wanted no part'a breedin' her. I got no doubt she'd'a tried the same with Mona if Quyn hadn't seen fit to set her up in Viceroy."

"How do you know all of this?" Selene asked, clutching Zayn's cold hand. He was shaking and Vael laid an arm around his shoulders.

"I was Dora's nanny and she kept me on as her Head Lady's maid. She was terrified to get shut'a me, for all I knew of her shenanigans. If she coulda' kilt me, I'm sure she woulda'. I'd not fight it, now that you know the truth, Zay," she sighed. "My work is done. You're out from under her, and you'll both have your majority soon."

"She'll never touch you, Miss Milli," Vael vowed. "Are you comfortable in the Tween?"

"Oh, quite. Sofi looked after me good n'proper. My house is nice n'tight, and safe."

"Okay. Okay, so," Zayn shook his head, "what happened that made Quyn and my pop refuse to breed with Eudora? Fin told me they were all friends as kids."

"Oh, dear boy," Milli's eyes grew teary again. "Any man that Dora bred with died within a year of her givin' birth. All under odd circumstances, but no less dead."

Selene gasped. "She killed my father?"

"All of your fathers, dearie, though good luck provin' it. She didn't want anyone havin' claim to her daughters, you see. She wanted complete control of you."

Zayn and Selene clung to each other, seeking comfort, and Vael hovered close, offering his presence if nothing else.

"She's a monster," Selene whispered. "I have to tell Del and Letty."

"You're not goin' back there," Vael growled. "Neither of you."

"No, we're not," Zayn agreed. "We can send a message. Del can send Vigo to meet us."

"I'd allow that," Vael agreed.

Zayn frowned at Vael. "Last time you saw him, you couldn't stop growling at him, never mind the gun."

Vael quirked a brow. "I've made my peace. Send your message and ask for Vigo. I'll meet him at the teahouse he had our Lady stashed. Now, Miss Milli, is there anything we can do for you?"

"Oh no, child, I'll be on my way." She rose and Vael stepped up to offer an arm. She smiled and accepted gratefully. "You're Quyn's boy, ain't you? You got the look'a Kestryl and Ichabod about you."

"I am."

She patted his arm. "You're a good one. Good for my babies."

"I aim to be," Vael smiled at the woman. She was a tiny thing and frail as could be but there was strength in the grip of her hand on his arm. "Let me escort you home, now, Miss Millie. It's gone dark out there."

Milli tried to decline butVael wouldn't hear it. "Tell Vigo I'll be expectin' him," he instructed beforehe shut the door behind him with Milli in tow.