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“Like you said, it’s time.”

I back up so Alik can leave the bed. He kisses me soundly before disappearing into the hygiene room. When the sound of the water from the cleansing stall reaches me, I make my call to Olivia.

Olivia answers the comm after two beeps. “She’s alive.”

“Yes, I’m alive.”

“Finally coming up for air after all the sexcapades you and Alik have been having to solidify your mating? Are there any surfaces left that haven’t been christened?” She snorts.

“Oh my god.” I palm my face.

She laughs so loud, it wouldn’t surprise me if Alik couldn’t hear her all the way in the hygiene room. “There aren’t, are there?”

“I am not answering that.”

“Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”

I shake my head and I’m glad she can’t see my smile because Olivia already thinks she’s hilarious. No need to stroke that ego of hers. “Anyway, I’m calling to ask a favor. Could you bring me something to wear from your closet, please? The only clothes I have are the same lounging pants and tee-shirt I wore out of the healing facility, and no way am I putting those back on. Something comfy if you have it.”

“Absolutely. Give me ten minutes? That should be plenty of time to pick out something and run it over to you. Will that work?” she asks.

“That’s perfect. Thank you so much. I love you.”

“Love you too, babe,” Olivia says back. “Be there soon.”

I disconnect the comm and walk to the eating area to pick at the leftover fruit, cheese, and bread platter I stuck in the cooling unit the day before. Alik still hasn’t come out of the bedroom when there’s a faint knock from somewhere. Considering it’s been about ten minutes, I’m pretty sure it’s Olivia so I head to the main foyer of the suite and open the door.

Sure enough, she stands on the other side of it cradling some folded clothing in her arms. Mak’s at her side. “You asked. I delivered.”

I take the small stack from her and give the phinnek a quick ear scritch. “You’re the best.”

“Yes, I am.”

“And oh so modest too.” I snort.

Olivia’s eyes shift to focus on something over my shoulder, and a huge grin splits her lips. I glance behind me. Alik stands there wearing only a pair of low slung—and obscenely tight—pants. My sister brings her gaze to me once again. “You are one lucky bitch.”

My face flames, but I volley right back at her. “Yes, I am.”

Olivia cackles and wraps me in a hug. “Come see me when you get a chance. I miss you.”

I squeeze her in return. “I miss you, too, and I will. Soon, I promise.”

She lets loose of me, sends another quick look Alik’s way, and wags her eyebrows up and down before she and Mak leave. I slowly close the door after them and turn to my mate.

“You know Liv’s going to describe to the others—in great detail—what she just saw, right?”

He walks toward me with powerful strides. “Your sisters will be envious that you have a mate such as I.”

When Alik reaches me, I tug on one of his belt loops and pull him closer. “Of course they will be. Their mates might be nice-looking as well, but none of them are you. Your sexy ass is more than enough for me.”

“Only my ass?” he kicks up one side of his mouth.

“You may have a few other mighty fine attributes that I will fully explore when we go to bed for the night.”

“I can’t wait.” Alik leans down to kiss me. “Now, let us dress, so we can remind the planet I exist.”

Chapter 21