“Yeah.The baby should be here tomorrow.Tonight, my mom and Ithal are over.”
Keska’s eyes got wide.“Can we come over and bring takeout?Our new house is just down the road from the academy...and your place.”
“We have takeout, bring your own, and bring desserts.”She looked at Alody.“You don’t mind?”
“I would love to meet your business partner.”
She sighed.“Nice.Okay.Come over.”
Keska grinned.“On our way.Food will meet us there.”
Diena looked around her clean and empty house and smiled.“Thanks.I don’t have a lot of friends with kids.”
Ithal asked, “If you didn’t see the clips, you wouldn’t have come, right?”
“No.There was no need, and that is the saddest thing.I would have missed your very fun day.”
Alody smiled.“It does suck sometimes.But Ithal needs me for the next decade, so I am going to enjoy it.”
She laughed, and Ithal frowned.“I will always need you, Mom.”
Diena smiled.“Ithal, the nature of the need changes into one that doesn’t require constant attendance.There is still love, but it takes the place of need.Don’t worry, though.If you need either of us, we will be there, and if we have a need, you will be there.That is a strong tie, but choosing love for those around you is stronger still.”
Ithal walked up to her, hugged her, and then went to hug Alody.“I choose my sister and my mother to love.”
Alody smiled.“And one day, you may choose a friend or a partner or children.Then you will experience more chosen love, but your love for your children will start with need and grow from there.”
Ithal smiled.“If it feels as warm as what you two feel for me, I will be happy.”
Diena hugged him, and the doorbell rang.She heaved herself up, and he grunted and pushed her straight.Laughing, she went to the door and let in her friend and business partner.“Hey, Keska.Hello, Kessie.You must be Sorooth.”She smiled and inclined her head at the alpha who loomed protectively over his mate and daughter.
She stepped to the side.“Please come in.”
Ithal and Alody stood.Keska muttered, “Holy crap.”
Diena laughed.“Yes, strong genes.Just like you and Caska.Different source, same effect.”
Understanding hit Keska’s eyes.“Oh.Wow.”
Sorooth ushered them into the room and closed the door.“Thank you for inviting us over.”
Kessie walked up to Ithal and stuck her hand out.“I am Kessie.”
“I am Ithal.Do you go to school here?”
“I start this week at the academy.”
He grinned.“That’s where I go.My sister has a big backyard; do you want to race?”
Kessie grinned.“Mom, can I?”
“Yes, but your dad will be keeping tabs on you.”
“Okay.”Kessie nodded and darted.
Diena said softly, “Kessie, have you eaten?”
Kessie paused.“No, ma’am.”
