I had just finished explaining to Nanna about the strange woman I encountered twice now, and how I'd shut down the fight ring when the door opened a third time and Payten entered. My stepmom hurried right to me, though she waited until Nanna stepped back before she swooped in for a hug. I always felt awkward embracing her, partly because she was so well endowed and squishy since she'd had the twins, and partly-okay mostly-out of loyalty to Mom, misplaced or not.

Regardless, ...