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Of course he wants you, Vae said But he is ets confused Don’t you?

Ranon glanced at Khardeen

There is only one correct answer, Khardeen said So take the kick in the balls, apologize to your little brother, and assure him that he can live with you

Is there any other choice?

Not if you want to stay healthy Darkmist is a year older than his little brother and isn’t sole with, Khardeen said

Darks were a variety of colors, but there were three that ht fit the naray and white, and the third

Pewter and white with black speckles on the face And an Opal Jewel

Warlord PrinceRanon stared at the dog who matched him, caste and rank Then he sed hard and went down on one knee, aware he was putting his throat a lot closer to all those sets of teeth

“What’s your na a hand to the ho

Woeful brown eyes looked at hi Khollie

“Well, Khollie, Vae is right I auess I didn’t realize” What? Then inspiration struck, and with a silent apology to his beloved, he added, “You can help me take care of my mate”

More tail wagging Woeful began to lighten to happy as Khollie slipped his head under Ranon’s hand for a pat

You have a mate? I will help you!

Suddenly his ar—and he really hoped Shira was going to forgive hi a Sceltie on her

“Vae, why don’t you show Ladvarian and Khollie where Khollie will be staying,” Khardeen said The mild tone didn’t make the words any less of a command

Crisis over, the Scelties scattered to continue their sniffing exploration of the cottages and vegetation near the Queen’s Residence, leaving the two humans alone

Khardeen said nothing, giving Ranon tiain some balance and think

“It won’t be that bad,” Khardeen finally said “A month froe without Scelties”

What a terrifying thought But it was re that had Ranon watching the way theyout from the Residence Too orderly More like a troop of warriors spreading out to get the most information about a place in the least as that were going to be living a his people—and made him remember a comment that almost passed by his notice

“You said Ladvarian was First Circle in the Dark Court?”

“Yes,” Khardeen replied “He was one of Lady Angelline’s escorts”

Ranon looked Khardeen in the eyes “He was trained to fight?”

“By Lucivar Yaslana, the De others,” Khardeen said softly “In turn, Ladvarian trained each of the youngsters who have come here Don’t underestimate Darkmist, Ranon A Warlord Prince is a Warlord Prince, whether he stands on two legs or four, and Mist has received the best education when it coht”

Mother Night

“And they’re all going to live?” Ranon looked at the Queen’s Residence

“Oh, they’ll work that out I suspect most of them will come back here for the first few days Then they’ll find their own place in the village—as well as their special humans”