ALEK SETTLED INTO THE FRONT seat and reached back to pat Catherine's knee. 'Okay?'

Two arms encircled his waist and he felt her press her forehead against his armour, mid back. She sighed. 'I'll do. Are we ready to go?'

'Almost, Gredel is finishing strapping Audrey in.'

'Where's Lucky?'

Loushka informed Alek that Kassandra had her in her bag. Just when he told Catherine this, they saw Lucky poke her head out the top of the pack and give a pitiful meow. ...