***

  As soon as the door shut, the king sat down behind his desk. “Please have a seat, gentlemen, and let me explain what has happened in the last twenty-four hours.” Hugh took a deep breath, looking right at Malachi then at Krill. “You two are going to have it rough and for that, I’m sorry. But Cassidy must stay down here till this is over. That means no swimming with her friends, and she is to stay in our family’s dwellings. We are dealing with an attempt at a takeover, and the threat to our daughter is real. Not only was her house broken into this morning, but so was her daughter’s. Nessa will be here shortly, the only reason I didn’t send for her is I know who protects her and know she will be fine.” He held up his hand as Malachi snarled.

  “I’m not saying you or Reese can’t protect Cassidy, but I’m afraid this might have to do with her disappearance as a child.”

  “Are we speaking of those creatures we have been dealing with lately?” Reese asked, moving away from the wall. “Do you believe they are looking for our daughter?”

  “I have no doubt they are still searching for her and Nessa. It’s another reason I kept our girls here. I can protect them from their searches, hiding them and such. Both Nessa and Cassidy have rare talents. You’ve seen a number of the things Cassidy is capable of doing, but I have a feeling she has taken on some of mine also.” Hugh smiled and leaned back in his chair.

  “But, I’m afraid when Mastif was killed, things started happening I didn’t like at all.” He looked at Krill. “Did you learn anything?”

  “We know Nordstrom and Orin are deep into this threat, but from what I’ve heard there are others who are pulling their strings. Nordstrom has been a thorn in her side for a while, and his little digs are not starting to swing toward Nessa.”

  Faith’s mates moved into the room, followed by Sean who said, “Cassidy is furious, Nessa is trying to calm her now, but I have to agree with her. This is the second time someone has targeted her, and she’s going to insist on participating in anything you do.”

  “I can’t allow that,” King Hugh announced. “If I’m not mistaken, her other father will agree with me along with her mates. Cassidy will not be involved with this if I have anything to do with it. She can be mad all she wants, but it will not change my mind.”

  Malachi stood. “You have taken care of this Nordstrom and Orin?”

  “They are being followed and have not left here since last night. This is another reason I’m worried. Whoever did this today is inside here, someone close. I have to insist she stay here till we at least find the person.”

  Sean sat on the corner of the desk. “Xfra would like your permission to scan our city to see if you notice anything out of the ordinary. From what they were telling us, these things made a few of the men crazy to get the women they wanted. I was thinking maybe this is going on here, but on a smaller scale. Women with gifts like Nessa and Faith? Do you have any other females who fall into this category?”

  Reese frowned. “I know my wife and daughter-in-law are both gifted. Stupid, we should have seen this.”

  “Have you found anymore, hell, what are these things called, Xfra?”

  “From what I’ve heard, they are called Preying Liches. Going from planet to planet to survive till they are found out. Your Earth is ripe for the picking since most humans care to ignore what is out there,” Xfra said. “There is not much you can do if the humans care to ignore our warnings.”

  Hugh stood and moved around the desk. “Agreed. Even here, some of the townsfolk just don’t care, unless it affects them. I wouldn’t help some of them, but with them living so close to my daughter and her needing to live up there, I have no choice.” Hugh offered his hand to Xfra. “If you three can do anything to help us, it would be appreciated.” The king glanced at Malachi and smiled. “You can start this morning at the breakfast my wife is planning. Half of the town and others will be there. It will be a perfect time.”

  “Cassidy was afraid your wife had done something like that. We better go find our mate and see if we can calm her down before we meet for this breakfast event.”

  Malachi, Krill, and Reese all started toward the door.

  Hugh called after them, “My wife has been waiting for this day to formally announce Cassidy’s mates. We didn’t do anything with her ex since we knew he wasn’t the one.”

  Reese shook his head as they exited the office and stopped. “Which way, Krill?”

  “That, I’m not even sure if we are in the king’s private living quarters. Wait, there is Cassidy’s son Ronan. He can take us to her.”

  “Grandfather has asked I show you to your rooms,” Ronan addressed Reese then. “You are my grandfather?”

  “I’m sorry, Ronan. Yes, I’m your grandfather, too,” Reese said, pulling the tall boy into his arms and hugging him. “Maybe soon you and your brother can join us for lunch. I’d love to tell you about our family.”

  Ronan described what they passed as they moved down the halls. The walls you could see through them, constructed of recycled plastic amazed him. Never was he so proud to have her as his, theirs.

  Chapter Eight

  Cassidy paced back and forth after taking her shower. In her bedroom, where no one could bother her, she ran through everything that was going on, that had happened to her over the years.

  She sat on the bed and covered her face with her hands. Tears rolled down her cheeks. “It can’t be, please don’t let it be,” she whispered.

  “Don’t let what be, Little Whirlwind? Why the tears?” Malachi asked, pulling her into his lap after sitting next to her. Krill kneeled in front of her and wiped away the tears.

  “Barry,” she whispered, her stomach in knots. “When we first came into the house, and I saw my boys there, Barry had blood on the bottom of his pants. At first, I thought nothing of it and we started talking, introducing you all. God, what if those things got hold of my boy?”

  Krill frowned. “It could be anything, Cass, but Faith’s husband said he can tell if those things are inside someone. Would you like us to have him check? Xfra was going to scan the guests at the breakfast this morning. Maybe that would be a better time. Then we can figure out what to do. There is no sense saying anything to anyone till we know for sure.”

  At a soft tap on her bedroom door, Cassidy said, “Come in.”

  Faith stepped in. “I’m sorry,” she said, glaring up at the giant man next to her. “But it would seem my mate does not know how to keep his mind out of other people’s heads.” Faith slapped Xfra on the arm. “I’m still trying to train them, but you’ll soon find out, they think that they need to train us.”

  Xfra stared down at Faith. “That is the second time you have hit me, little one.”

  “Well then don’t go in people’s minds without asking them first. It’s rude.”

  Faith was small, but she was a powder keg for sure.

  “My mates just explained that Xfra can check and see if any of those…” Cassidy shivered. “Any of those worm things are in my son.”

  “If they are there, I will remove them, but you must be prepared. If they have been there for a while, there might be some damage,” Xfra informed her.

  “I know my father can do it, but it takes him time. I still don’t know how my father didn’t notice this, though, if it’s true. My son has spent a lot of time with his grandfather.”

  “From what I have seen and heard, it affects each person or species differently. With your son being part of two different species, anything is possible. But by this afternoon, you will know the truth, and we will help any way we can to heal your son if necessary.”

  “Thank you very much for your help.” Malachi wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek. “I’d better take a shower since your father has informed me half the city and others will be at this event this morning.”

  “Mom has been biting at the bit to do this.” She looked down at herself and frowned. “I swear she knows I hate to wear dresses, but I’d better hurry up or we’ll be late and then I’m really going to hear it.”

  “Xfra?” Faith glanced up at him and at once wore a hot dress.

  “Well damn, now that is handy.” Cassidy glanced at Krill. “Can you do that?”

  “No, but I can do other things. Show-off,” Krill grumbled and moved to the bathroom.

  Faith whispered, “Think of a dress you’d like to wear.”

  “Really?”

  Xfra shrugged. “Since I was so rude, as my mate put it, I’d be happy to help.”

  Cassidy bit her bottom lip and glanced at the bathroom door. “Well, there was this one number I saw that if I was going to wear a dress…” Cassidy ran to the mirror. “It’s perfect.” The dress was red and black, the corset top pushed up her double EEs, but she really loved the way the dress fanned out in the back to the floor, almost like a wedding dress.

  “I have to say, that’s a hot dress,” Faith said coming up behind her. “Maybe some red slippers, and let’s not forget the earrings, please.”

  “Damn, you’re good, both of you,” Cassidy said.

  “Yes, she is, and I thought you were going to wear jeans.” Maria arrived in jeans and jumped when a dress appeared on her. “Warn me, jeez.”

  Cassidy heard voices in the outer room. “Well, we better get out there. Again, thank you, Faith. So, how did it go last night with Nessa?”

  “You have raised our daughter well, Cassidy. She is an amazing woman and mom. I have a feeling she has her mom’s humor, too,” Faith said.

  “Okay, little girl, what did you do?” Cassidy asked.

  Nessa laughed. “I did nothing, but I can’t help if the twins got away from me this morning.”

  “Let’s just say I’m glad my mates can hear little tiny feet from afar,” Faith shared.

  “Little ones in the house is something I’m not accustomed to, but they are cute,” Xfra put in.

  Nessa snorted. “Why do I have a feeling if you are around too long, my little girls are going to be spoiled like crazy.”

  “Like your grandfather hasn’t done that already,” Cassidy said, rolling her eyes. “So, are we all ready for this circus?”

  “I really hate this kind of stuff. Even Sean doesn’t hold formal things,” Nessa said, grabbing up one of her giggling twins.

  Cassidy grabbed Mona and gave her kisses then looked up and sucked in her breath. Her men were hotter than sin, each of them in a dark suit with a red shirt, matching her dress as if they had known what she would be wearing.

  “Damn, Mom, your men are just as hot as Mom Faith’s,” Nessa whispered.

  ***

  Malachi couldn’t take his eyes off of his mate. “I thought she said she didn’t wear dresses.”

  “I think we need to invest in more dresses,” Krill said. “Turn around.”

  She smiled, still holding her grandbaby, and turned slowly in a circle. “Well, do I meet with your approval, dear sirs?”

  “Little Whirlwind, you are stunning,” Malachi whispered, placing a kiss on her cheek. The little giggles of Mona had him turning his gaze on her.

  “Aww, another beautiful one.” He reached over and tossed the girl up in the air, making her giggle. “So, are we all ready?”

  “You two really ready for this zoo? Because from what I hear, it’s going to be crazy,” Cassidy asked.

  “Always, my lady.” Malachi held out his arm as Krill took her other side. “Let’s get this party rolling.”

  They met up with the others in some kind of tube hallway. “This will lead us right into the royal rooms, where Dad and Mom hold their court. It took us about a year to build this hallway, but even during storms, nothing moves and nothing, including sharks can get through the walls. Look over there at the octopus,” Cassidy pointed out.

  Mona was clapping and pointing at the animal.

  “Mona and the giant thing have a connection. Dad has been trying to figure it out, but so far nothing,” Cassidy said as they stopped and watched the giant creature move toward them slowly.

  “He will always protect her, something like you have with your whales. He watches this city and protects it as well.” Xfra laughed. “You might want to watch your daughter, Nessa. She is determined to go swimming with him.”

  “What?” Sean growled and glared at Nessa.

  “Hey, don’t give me that glare. Blame Mom,” Nessa said.

  “Did I hear you complaining when you were swimming with Mastif?” Cassidy asked. “If this creature is connected to my granddaughter, she has a great protector. It’s rare to get a glimpse of these creatures.” Cassidy gave Mona a stern glance. “But, sweetie, you have to learn to swim before you can go with your friend and always have Mommy’s permission.”

  “You’re doing it again, aren’t you,” Sean said, taking Mona out of Malachi’s arms. “Well, at least I know she’ll listen to you,” Sean said.

  “What did you just do?” Krill asked.

  “My mother-in-law has a way to talk with infants, animals, and what have you. Nessa and I found out about that when the twins were about two. When they both started to inch toward the water one day.” Sean shook his head. “If it hadn’t been for Cassidy’s connection to the children, we’re pretty sure they would have dived right in. Our children are like fish more than they are like wolves.”

  Nessa rubbed her husband’s back. “Give them time. They won’t even shift for another ten years at least.”

  Cassidy stopped. “Only family can come through this tunnel to our living quarters. Are we ready?” She took a deep breath, and both Malachi and Krill rubbed their hands up and down her back.

  “You can do this, Cass,” Krill said, and she nodded, opening the doors.

  Sure enough, people were all over the place. The hall to the main room had about forty people standing there. They all glanced up and parted as Cassidy stepped into the hall. When their heads lowered, Cassidy moaned. “I hate this stuff.”

  In the main hall, tables were lined up, at least a thousand guests already sitting, waiting. “I knew she couldn’t hold herself back.”

  “Damn, when your mom throws a party, she throws a party,” Faith said.

  “Yea, this is even much for me. Our tables will be at the head over there.” Cassidy nodded to the center of the room, in the front, and even Malachi moaned seeing the raised platform.

  “Now I understand,” he mumbled. As they moved into the room, claps rang out, and Cassidy stumbled, but both he and Krill grabbed onto her.

  “I’ll kill her,” she growled.

  “Cassidy,” her father said, meeting them halfway. “You are our daughter and deserve to have a small celebration for your mating.”

  “Sorry, Daddy…” Cassidy said, stiffening when a man came up behind her father.

  “Dean, you were told to leave.” Hugh spun around, and Krill and he stepped in front of Cassidy.

  “I should be here. It’s not every day the king’s only daughter finds her mates. Plus, it’s time she learns her place. After all, she is a princess,” Dean said.

  Cassidy pushed in between them. “You will not embarrass my father, Dean. I can’t help it if I kicked your ass last time we dueled and everyone found out about it. Now, back off.”

  “Cassidy!” Hugh growled.

  “What? You know that is his problem. He only does this every time you two have a celebration or whatever you call this.”

  “Cassidy, you have much to learn, and your parents have kept you hidden here.” Dean glared at Hugh.

  “She will not go to the royal palace, so she does not need to know all protocol. Cassidy, go to your mother. She’s waiting for you,” Hugh said, and escorted Dean toward the door.

  Krill leaned over and whispered, “You fence?”

  “Do you want to step into the ring with me?” she asked as they made their way to her mother.

  “Are you setting your mates up, now, too?” Cara asked. “You look fabulous, my daughter, and ignore Dean. Your brothers are handling the royal palace as is their right.” Cara patted her hand and stepped back.

  Cassidy squealed, running and jumping a younger version of Hugh.

  Cara told Malachi, “Cassidy hasn’t seen her brothers in over three years. It’s very hard for them to get away. Even now, only Jordon was able to come. He is the oldest.”

  “Krill, you bastard, why didn’t you tell me?” Her brother came over and held out his hand.

  “Because you’re never around, you big ass,” Krill replied as Jordon pulled him into a hug.

  “Welcome to the family. My sister couldn’t have a better man.” Jordon extended his hand to Malachi. “I’ve heard all about you. It would seem my sister still mated into royal blood, but then again, she has royal blood in her by both parents.” He glanced at Reese and Kat.

  Cassidy wrapped her arms around Jordon. “Jordon, I’d like you to meet my other parents. Reese and Kat Winslow.”

  “You are a very lucky woman, Cass, to have so many around you.” Jordon placed a kiss on her head. “We’d better get up on the stage. Mother has this planned down to the minute.”

  Cassidy reached for him, but Hugh stepped up to Cassidy. “Let him be, my little girl. Come, all of you. They will be serving breakfast soon.”

  For the next hour, dish after dish was brought out to them, as Hugh and Cara introduced all of them. Malachi was impressed with the royal event. Informal, but yet, Hugh and his wife controlled everything.

  Malachi rested his arm on the back of Cassidy’s chair. Krill on her other side had his hand on her thigh. He leaned over. “How are you doing?”

  “Stuffed and tired of smiling. My cheeks are hurting and all I want to do is go slip into jeans and a T-shirt.” Cassidy smiled. “Even though I love the dress, it’s so not me.”

  “It is you, you’re just not used to them,” Malachi said, and watched as Xfra moved around the room, slowly heading toward Cassidy’s sons.

  “Do you think he’ll know?” Cassidy asked, also watching Xfra.

  “We shall see, but we are all here to help. Nothing will happen to your sons, Cassidy,” Malachi reassured her.