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P andora was back at the new palace, eating hot wings that Ira had prepared for her. You know, I can make my own food.

You told me that it s important to be able to take care of myself for the little stuff. Knowing how boring it is will make me more appreciative when I find my mate.

Uh-huh. When do you think that will be? Pandora smiled.

I have time. I will know him when I see him. Ira grinned. Isn t that how it worked for you?

I spent a lot of my time falling. I was dropped forty feet, and my mate caught me, and my other mate helped heal the damage that had been done. She wiped her fingers and dumped more hot sauce on the chicken wings.

And they took care of you. Ira nodded.

They did. I think. I remember soft voices and a feeling of relief. Maybe when I meet them again, I will remember more.

Regis lifted her head. Again?

Yes. I met one of them this evening.

Regis had a wondering expression. You found him.

Sort of. I had a strange investigation assignment that ended up being an assassination trap, and from there, I just went with it when he grabbed me, and I turned solid.

Her friend smiled at Ira. Sweetie, go to bed, and I will tell you all about it tomorrow.

Ira snorted. I am nearly eleven.

I know, but this is an adult conversation.

Pandora grinned. It involves a strip club.

Got it, night, Auntie Pandora. See you at school tomorrow. Night, Mom.

Ira kissed them both and scampered up the steps to her room.

Regis looked at her. You have met them?

One of them. Is it go time?

This weekend.

Okay. I will keep things casual until we are back from our jaunt.

Funny way to describe nearly five hundred years of grudge.

They didn t look that old.

Regis snorted. They never do. My mates were regenerated using nearly every healer they had available. I had to be reincarnated with a complete set of memories.

Rex walked in. And you had to sneak into the Stronghold, find him, get pregnant, and sneak out again.

I wasn t chancing the Elite killing her again. She needed to get to the point where she was strong, alive, and we had enough ladies around to protect her. We just hit that point.

Pandora shoved her uneaten hot wings at Rex. Rex paused. I don t eat fire.

Fine. You don t know what you are missing.

Yes, I do. Heartburn is not my friend. I have another day on camera tomorrow.

Spoilsport. I got some of that ice cream you like on the way home. Strawberry peanut butter is not my thing.

Rex grinned and headed for the freezer. You love me.

Yeah, yeah.

Regis sat with them at the table, and they started to talk. The plan was coming together now that the others had all woken, including the massacre in the desert. The grieving wilding and, of course, the walking fog.

Twelve ladies were going to go, and they were just waiting for the signal. She had a date this weekend.

So, yes, while I managed to locate the pure-bred poodle, he was much happier playing with his male owner s second family and not the original owner. However, law being law, I had to turn over the information that my client had requested, along with copies of all of the vet bills that the male owner had paid, the vet assessment from the checkup before the dognapping had taken place when the owners were engaged in joint custody.

One of the grade seven kids raised their hand. But your client owned the dog.

Yes, but there are laws of livestock, and dogs and cats are considered livestock, even though they are in the city. So, the person paying the bills for the animal becomes the owner if the other person does not provide them with the care necessary to survive and thrive. Pandora smiled. But that is just one case that I had that ended happily for the dog in question. He got the yard with the kids and regular vet visits, and his previous owner got a cat and a new relationship.

She sipped from her glass of water. So, that is a summary of the kind of thing that I do as a private investigator. It is mostly quiet, trying not to be seen, and then crying when you think you are caught. Most folks don t know what to do if a woman is bawling. So anyone can do my job, you just have to have a boring car, a good attention span, and the ability to wait for anything or nothing to happen.

Ira s homeroom teacher applauded and said, Thank you, Miss Pandora. It was very informative.

She sat down, and the doctor and then the lawyer took the stage.

Pandora sat next to the vet, who leaned over. That was very discreet.

Thank you. That s what I do.

He s so happy with his other family, the woman murmured.

The dog or the guy? You and your kids look so happy with both of them.

The woman smiled. Thank you. We know you didn t have to do what you did.

I know.

They sat through the other speeches and then took their bows as the teens and Ira applauded. She was only willing to skip two grades. She said anything else would be conspicuous.

Ira was chatting with slightly older girls and boys with a bright smile on her face. When she got to the floor where Pandora was, she jumped at Pandora and hugged her. You did so good, Auntie.

Thank you, Ira. You did a remarkable version of someone paying attention.

Her goddaughter beamed.

Did you want me to pick you up today?

Auntie Rex is doing it. Um, Auntie, I looked you up on the internet, and you were a really good cheerleader. Would you show me how to do some of the acrobatics and cheers?

I was enthusiastic and could hold a smile with a sprained ankle. That was my claim to fame.

You won a lot of awards and things.

According to the internet?

Yeah. And then mention your bleached-out appearance and the Elite grabbing you after a game.

That sounds familiar. She cupped Ira s cheek. Don t think about it. I made it out alive, and your friends are waiting for you.

Ira looked over her shoulder at the young alphas. Two boys and a girl. Tamara is really settling in. Her second mom is an alpha, and they have snakes!

Excellent. I will have to chat with her mothers and alphas. Now, go. I will see you at home.

She laughed and scampered off to talk with her friends. The friends spoke with her for a moment, and Ira nodded. The three young alphas grinned at Pandora and all left.

Pandora had no idea what that was about, but she got her bag, thanked the teacher, and headed to the door.

Her brisk steps slowed when she crossed the parking area toward the guest spot she was in. Two alphas were leaning against her car.

She sighed. Don t you have a day job?

Mr. Sorrow said, Nope. I just thought you could meet our third, and we could go for something to eat.

Our... oh. You were the healer.

The other male, who was leaner and harder, jolted in surprise. Yes. I was. I think we would be better speaking about this in someplace more private.

Where? I will meet you there.

Mr. Sorrow smiled. Zhin will drive you so that you don t try and ditch us.

I wouldn t. I mean, I gave you my actual number and let you put a tracker on me. She smirked. Was even honest about my goddaughter s school.

A familiar voice rang out. Pandora, do you need any assistance?

Rex stepped closer to them, and if Pandora squinted, she could see the break blades in her hand. She had been walking from the gym, and her face was grim.

Hey, Rex. These two are mine. This is Mr. Sorrow, and this is Zhin.

Mr. Sorrow sighed. My name is Knur. Sorrow is our surname. It was fitting.

Oh. Well, this is Knur, and this is Zhin. I am still Pandora.

Rex grinned. Smartass.

Pandora grinned and looked at Knur. He chuckled. It was the word of the day.

Zhin frowned. What?

Pandora started to giggle, and Rex sighed, Pandora likes to choose a word of the day as a password. I am gathering that this morning it was smartass .

Knur nodded. Better than last night s.

Zhin raised a brow. Which was...

Pandora grinned. Micropenis.

Rex snorted. Right. Well, you ve got this. What you do with it is your problem. Home for dinner?

Yup. I can pick stuff up on the way home.

We can cook, you know. Rex crossed her arms.

Pandora smirked. Can you?

Oh, shut up. Gentlemen, send her home in one piece. She has to carry takeout.

Knur grinned. We will. Now, Pandora, hand your keys over, and come with me. Zhin is easily distracted.

She looked at Zhin. Only push the necessary buttons, and slide the seat all the way back before you get in, or you are gonna be a pretzel.

She got her fob out and handed it to him. There you go.

Rex walked away and headed for her car.

Knur held his hand to her and led her to his vehicle, opening the door for her and helping her inside, taking her bag and putting it in the back seat.

He closed her door and the back door and then walked over to the driver s side. He slid in next to her, and there was a smile on his lips.

You don t look like your name is Sorrow.

Everything changed last night.

What happened? Was there a lube and stripper collision ending in tragedy?

No. That mental image does not bear considering. He smiled and started the vehicle, pulling it slowly across the lot until they were on the road and clear of the children.

They were down the road when he said, You mentioned your goddaughter goes here?

Yes. She s hopped up a few grades but is doing really well.

She s smart?

Oh, very. She can also cook better than Rex. She chuckled as they headed for her home.

You live with them?

Yes. It was better after I was found. They helped me get identification again. Helped me remember how to drive a car and got me a license and passport. It took a few years to get it all, but we managed.

She smiled.

Okay, I am going to keep the rest of the questions until Zhin is here.

Why?

Because he needs to hear it just as much as I do. We were... not good when you fell.

I didn t just fall. I pulled the bastard with me. She was grim.

He definitely needs to hear that.

He drove past the land that would take her home to the new palace, and they went down a different lane with gated drives and large manor houses in the distance.

Fancy neighbourhood.

Dark elf families take up a lot of space. While folks are going to get used to seeing us, we need territory to make sure that you are comfortable and feel safe.

That will make an interesting change. Mind you, only you and probably Zhin can catch me in fog form.

He smiled as they passed discreet for sale signs.

Why are all these homes for sale?

He chuckled. I am guessing it was a spell or a developer who was one of us preparing homes for the newest omegas.

The houses are nice.

Glad you think so. Zhin and I picked three that we think you might like.

Wow. You didn t waste any time.

He chuckled. Our souls called out for you for centuries, and then you were gone, and now you are back. We are not wasting time.

Well, as much in a rush as you are in, I have some things I have to do in the next few weeks that you are not going to be invited to.

Like what?

I have a date.

His head whipped toward her. What?

I have a date. It s important. Me and some friends are getting together, and we have a matter of destiny to attend to.

I see. Can I be backup?

No, this is a ladies-only party. But you can pick me up when I fall out of the portal.

Fall. You are going to fall out of a portal?

Maybe. Not a clue. It s a mystery, but we have had it booked for a while.

He turned his head back toward the road and sighed.

She watched, and his chest rose and fell in agitation. Dude. Relax. As you have seen, it takes more than a casual attack to kill me.

His hands made the steering wheel squeak.

She laughed. Ease up. It will be fine.

How do you know that?

Because I am not going alone, and the ladies with me are motivated.

He exhaled slowly.

Should I get your illusion friend back? She can distract you while I am gone.

He growled. No. That won t be necessary.

He turned down one drive, and the gate swung open. As they drove toward the house, she realized he was really upset.

She sighed. What s wrong?

I just found you, and now you are talking about going away.

I found you, dumbass. I did it once, and I can do it again. This time without the years of lost memory. Less than a day. Tops.

He pulled into the driveway in front of the house. He unbuckled and opened his door, but when she started to do the same, he gave her a look. She sighed and checked her nails until he came around and opened her door. She put her hands on his shoulders and stepped out and against him. She wrapped her arms around him and held him as he pressed his head to her shoulder. She stroked the soft wool of his jacket and murmured, It s okay. It s okay. I am here. You are here. Zhin is pulling up with a concerned look on his face. We are good. Do you need your Pandora puppet?

He lifted his head and stroked her hips. I do not think the puppet will be necessary.

Zhin did good work on it.

He blinked. How did you know that?

He healed me. It stands to reason that he healed you as much as he was able. That would mean telling your brain that I was still around in some capacity. Even as a doll.

He sighed. You are correct.

Right, but what you don t seem to grasp is that you two were linked through the possibility of me. The fact that your link remained whole and you didn t go completely nuts indicates that I was alive somewhere. She smiled. Some part of you knew that.

He looked at her and bent to kiss her. It wasn t an arousing kiss. He was seeking comfort and contact. She could give him that.

Pandora held tight to her mate and reached out with her senses to link into his mind and soothe him. He was an angry raw nerve and had been for a while.

She leaned back and murmured, How long have you been out?

He smiled. I m straight.

Hah. You know what I mean.

Yes. I was thrown back ten years ago.

Oh. That explains a lot.

Zhin was next to them and got a basket from the back of Knur s vehicle.

Come on, you two, let s go inside.

He swiftly got through the lockbox and opened the door. Welcome to your possible home. Here, we will have appetizers.

She smiled and kept her arm around Knur as she walked with him into the building. She stopped a few feet into the entryway. Oh, my. The space was huge. There was a fireplace, and the rest of the space was empty. Her voice echoed through the space.

Oh, this is lovely. The wood was dark and well-maintained. But sorry, Knor, I have to see the kitchen.

She let go of him and sprinted for the kitchen. She had just stopped and was looking at the tile and countertops when arms lifted her and set her on the granite. When the mouth came down on hers, she heard a low, thrumming growl. She slid her hands around his neck and met Zhin s tongue stroke for stroke.

When the urgency slowed, he lifted his head. His eyes were crimson in a midnight face. Don t run. Never run.

She chuckled. Sorry. I run everywhere. Moving as fog is way too slow. She stroked his white hair back from his forehead and ran a light finger up the curve of one ear.

He shuddered and said, I get it now.

What?

Why our omega is different from any others. You are tuned to us, to what we need.

As you are supposed to be tuned to me and what I need. She smiled. But that doesn t kick in until after the link is formed. For now, I will try to walk.

Zhin grinned. Don t try too hard. Do you need a nest?

Nope. I hate confinement. Anyone interrupting my mates and myself during a heat is going to get a lungful of cyanide. Well, chloroform, if they are lucky. For a while, cyanide was my default.

He grinned. Aren t you a deadly and gorgeous creature?

Let s hope you don t find out. Knur already saw my chloroform in action.

His voice said softly, She took out everyone but the folks in the boardroom with the door wide open. The precision is amazing.

Aw, shucks.

Knur chuckled. You are good at handling us out of a mood.

Well, I observed for a decade. I have seen far more than I wanted to, and omegas dealing with alphas was always of particular interest for some reason. She slid her arms around Zhin and leaned her head against his chest.

Zhin looked over at Knur. We are doomed.

He chuckled. We always were. Canap ?

She laughed, and they had their first picnic in front of the empty fireplace with purple flames dancing merrily. The tour that followed was interesting, and then they took some photos before heading off to the next house and the next picnic.

It was actually a fun way to spend the afternoon.