Hector's POV

The feeling I had when I told Maliyla about my prior engagement was astonishing, but I was even happier when I noticed that she did not judge me. Initially, I thought she would be upset, but she said it was something I had done in the past. Maliyla was a blessing; I felt fortunate to have her as my mate.

It took Jonathan and me until later that afternoon to complete our task. In the midst of adjusting some finances, Jonathan made a few phone calls to an old friend, Katia. ...