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“She is indeed. Which is why… Well. I don’t know that it will work anyway, and I don’t have her permission to discuss it openly. Since it’s more of a private thing…” I hesitated as Shara turned and walked over to join us.

She threaded her arms through both of ours. “I don’t mind Mayte knowing, if you don’t mind telling, Leonie.”

Relief flooded me and I flashed a wide smile at her. “I would fucking love to tell her, my queen. I love everything about you.”

So as we walked upstairs, I quietly filled Mayte in on our idea that feeding on Shara’s breeding blood might trigger my own cycle to begin.

“I don’t feel any differently yet, but I’m hopeful.”

Jenrade whispered in his bond. :You need to call more Blood first, my queen. I don’t feel that I alone am enough to keep both you and an heir secure, unless you remain inside an Isador nest.:

I gave him a silent nod and said aloud, “I need to call more Blood first anyway.”

“Will you go back to Africa?” Shara asked.

“Possibly. Though I would also like to see who may answer my Call from inside New Orleans. I’ve spent my entire life there, so it’s as much home to me as Nigeria. Once your business is settled, perhaps we could cleanse my home. If you’re still interested, my queen.”

“Absolutely. I think we’ll be in a position to go to New York City tomorrow for a few days, and then I’ll be happy to go back to New Orleans with you.”

I didn’t miss the seamless, unspoken exchange of Blood at our queen’s bedchamber door. Vivian followed us inside, while Mayte’s alpha and mine remained with the other Isador guards at the door.

Jenrade’s bond remained silent but heavy like a boulder quickly sinking toward the muddy bottom of the river. His beast blew great gusts in warning, his giant head swinging his horns side to side.

:I’m sorry, my love. I won’t be long.:

He grunted, his beast still blowing hard in the bond. :Don’t lie to me, my queen. Of course I hope you will stay with our queen as long as you desire. All night, every night, whatever you wish. I only regret not being able to keep my eyes upon you at all times.:

Shara turned slowly, her head tipping slightly. “Is there a problem?”

“Not at all, my queen.”

“Shara,” she chided softly, coming closer to take both of my hands in hers. “Especially here. Now. What is it?”

I drew a shaky breath. “My alpha would like to keep his eyes on me.”

Her face softened, her gaze automatically flickering over to her stoic, giant alpha who had already taken up a guarding position near the tall windows. “Of course, I understand all too well. It would not bother me if your alphas joined Rik while we’re together. I wouldn’t want anyone to be uncomfortable for a single moment.”

Especially after what they’d endured today. For a tiny moment, a tsunami of emotion surged in her bond. Rage. Grief. Loss so severe and devastating I couldn’t draw a breath through the dark, grim flood. Then she regained control and tamped the emotion back down.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, Shara, my queen. You’re our focus. Always.”

She smiled but it was tinged with a wry sadness that spoke volumes. “After today, I don’t think I’ll ever have any lingering embarrassment or shyness about showing my love for any of you. If you want your Blood near, then they should be near. All of them. Only alphas. I don’t care. As long as there is only love in my presence, I won’t mind anything. Ever. Bring your alpha onto my bed and fuck him while you kiss me. I don’t care. As long as you’re happy.”

Her voice broke, but she smiled through shimmering eyes filled with tears. “We can’t possibly love each other enough, often enough, especially in this world with so many demands on each of our time. So by all means, do as you wish. As long as you find pleasure and love in it, I’m fine with anything you desire.”

One of her Blood opened the door and Jenrade took a step inside. He bowed low, keeping his gaze on the floor. “Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty. If my presence makes you uncomfortable, I will leave at once.”

“Not at all, Jenrade. I saw my own alpha tear through an attic to reach me today, so I fully understand an alpha’s need to see his queen at all times so he can ensure her safety. As long as your queen is comfortable and happy, then I am comfortable and happy. You’re welcome too, House Zaniyah. I’m sorry, I can’t remember your alpha’s name, Mayte.”

“Eztli,” she replied. “Thank you, my queen. Truly.”

“As long as it doesn’t bother you.” Shara frowned a little, her gaze flickering over to Vivian. “Should I keep my clothes on?”

“Don’t be silly,” Mayte retorted. “We want to look at you. Touch you. In all your glory. They will only be watching each of us, guarding, as Blood.”

The sharpness of her tone surprised me but then I remembered she was a mother to an evidently rambunctious young child. My lips quirked but I quickly smoothed out my grin, hopefully before Shara noticed.

“Until it’s time to be more than Blood.” Rik’s deep voice rattled the boards beneath my feet.