Page 32 of From the Edge

Welcome to the jungle, we’ve got fun and games.

Rowan smiled. “And that is my Auntie Aspen. The statue lady.”

Hello, hello, hello.

Achilles said, “Hello, miss. Are you excited for the attempt tomorrow?”

A barrage of classical music filled the air.

Rowan nodded, “That’s a yes. There are speakers and microphones near both buildings. She can always communicate here.”

She smiled and produced the rental agreement. “Dante, this is the actual for my text. Some of the new orc mages and one healer, as well as my friend, her mate, and their baby who was born today.”

Keres rubbed her bump. “May I meet the new baby?”

“Certainly. And Achilles is fussing with the stone. Dante has the paperwork, so sure, into the house we go. Gentlemen, dessert is on the worktable in the kitchen.”

Keres asked, “Why are the mages moving here?”

“The gym. Did you want to see it or the baby first?”

“The baby, please.”

“This way.” She climbed the back stairs and walked the outer gallery while texting Mell.

Keres gasped, “This place is enormous.”

“It was a pack gathering home in the old days. This is where deals were made, alliances were forged, and omegas were gently introduced to the alphas with their packs standing by to stop any bad behaviour.” She walked toward the open room and smiled. “It was a place of safety then, and I am working hard to make it one now. If Aspen can regain her body, I can put more energy into the house again.”

Keres asked softly, “You are powering her?”

“Supplementing her. I am pretty sure there is going to be a hellish backlash tomorrow.”

“Oh, from your aunt becoming solid?”

She nodded. “And the wards around Mell’s hiding place. I am not going to drop those until I have to.”

They walked up to the door and knocked. Mell’s cheerful voice rang out, “Come in.”

Keres walked in, and Mell gasped. “Wow, you are pretty.”

Keres inclined her head. “Thank you. You are gorgeous, and your baby is lovely. So big.”

Norecayet smiled. “Time caught up with her, and things went faster than anticipated.”

Rowan whistled innocently.

Mell stood with the baby in her arms. “Would you like to hold him?”

“Certainly. Does he have a name?”

Mell grinned. “Rowan.”

Rowan chuckled. “That won’t be weird at all.”

Mell snickered as she handed the baby over. “You are the queen of weird.”

“Thank you. It was an honour just to be nominated.”