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“I don’t think so.”

“Then it is unlikely. However, please do ensure that your physical body is well protected when these events happen,” Mom said. “It’s possible she could use them as a means of distraction—with your spirit on the astral plane, your physical self has no means of reacting to any sort of threat. Being killed in the astral plane is rare and difficult, but your spirit’s absence leaves your body entirely too vulnerable.”

“Oh, trust me, not only does the café have more protections around it than the high council’s chambers, there’s my werewolf to contend with.”

There was a brief moment of silence. “How goes the relationship? You never said anything while you were here, but I got the impression that things were … unsettled.”

“They were, but we finally sat down and talked.” I paused. “He asked me to marry him.”

“And you said yes?”

“I did. I love him, Mom.”

“Which is all any mother could want for their child, and I am extremely happy for you both.” She paused. “When is the big event?”

“We haven’t decided between New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day yet, but I’ll let you know as soon as we do.” I paused. “Father isnotinvited.”

“Utterly understandable.” She paused again, this time longer. “I would also understand if you do not wish me?—”

“Don’t be daft, Mom,” I cut in.

She laughed, though it was a slightly relieved sound. “It’s not daft, Elizabeth, given you have reason enough to ostracize me for what Ididn’tdo or see?—”

“We can’t change the past, but we can at least move beyond it. I want you there.”

“Then I will look forward to hearing more—and to finally meeting your wolf.”

Awareness shivered across my senses, and I glanced toward the stairs. “Speaking of which, he’s just arrived home with dinner, so I will say goodbye and speak to you later.”

“I look forward to it. Goodnight, be careful, and remember I’m here if you do decide you need extra magical help. It is not a long flight down to Melbourne.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

She hung up. I rose and walked toward the kitchenette to grab the tomato sauce and Aiden’s beer. He appeared a few seconds later, looking tired, sweaty, and smelling faintly of smoke. “You look like crap, Ranger.”

He laughed. “It’s been a bit of a crap day. One thing I had not considered about being an alpha was the tedium that comes with council meetings and policy discussions. I’m not sure how Rocco has stood them for so long and remained sane.”

“Rocco’s made of stern stuff.” I grinned. “Just as well I met you first because, hey, he’s definitely worthy of attention.”

“Hmm” was all he said to that.

Grin growing, I sat down beside him and plucked a chip free from its packaging. “Did Jaz update you on Roger and the explosion?”

“Yes.” He handed me my burger. “What sort of retribution can we expect from Maelle?”

“Well, for one thing, she has the thing that punched the holes through those people up in Moonlight Flats leashed in her club.”

“Ofcourseshe does.” He shook his head. “I’m gathering there’s nothing any of you can do about that?”

“Getting through all the protections she’s ringed the club with might well take all our time and magical energy, and that would leave us wide open to an attack by either her monster or her.”

“Well, that’s off the table then. I take it we concentrate on finding Jaqueline instead?”

“That’s our best option. Jaz has the spell stone we found in evidence at the station, so I’ll need you to grab it for me in the morning.”

He nodded and motioned to my burger. “Eat before it gets cold.”

“Well, if you’d stop asking questions, I would.”