I HELD MY HANDS AT waist height, fingers outstretched and ready as Larvaste drew close. Looking like a circus performer with the angle she leaned at, Loi feigned a throw. Laughing, she then urged Larvaste away.

'Wha-?' My question broke off in a yelp of surprise as someone grabbed me from behind. Recognizing the arms that wrapped solidly around me, I leaned back with a smile, looking up into Alek's face. 'Hello blue eyes.'

Those eyes creased in affection and he ducked ...