Luke must have overheard me, because I heard him agree, “Now that’s a sight I can’t wait to see.” He wrapped his arms around me and I leaned into him, enjoying the sparks. Zara gushed, “I just love watching you two. I can tell you already love each other.” I smiled, “We do.” Zara laughed, “This guy has loved you for most of his life. He never even wanted to date while he was in high school.” I smiled as I looked at him, “What would you have done if we weren’t mates?” He blushed, “I have no clue. I always just counted on you being my mate. If you weren’t at this ball, I would’ve come looking for you.” I chuckled, “You’re so cute.” He laughed, “Thanks, I think.” I chuckled, “It’s a good thing to be cute. Especially by me.” Zara laughed, “And your mama.” He laughed, “I will always be cute in your eyes.” Zara replied, “Of course you will.” And now it’s my turn to gush, “Aw, you guys are too cute!” Luke smiles, “Okay. Enough with the girly shit. I’m going to go sit with dad and take back my

I walk up to Luke and kiss him on the cheek. He stands up and hugs me tightly, “I missed you so much! Never do that to me again.” I giggle, “I can’t make any promises, but I will do my best to do it when you have to be busy for the day.” He smiles, “I can live with that as long as you always come home to me.” I chuckled, “I think I can do that. Now, let’s get in the house. I have other stuff that I need to put away.” He asked, “Are your dresses getting altered?” I giggled, “They didn’t need to be altered. I asked your mother to keep them at her house so you can’t peak.” He laughed, “It would seem you know me too well.” I grinned, “I have already figured you out, mister. You have no secrets that I can’t discover.” He laughed, “I’m shaking in fear.” I kissed his cheek and suggested, “Let me go change clothes. I seem to recall you wanted to take me out for pizza tonight.” He chuckled, “I did suggest that.” I went upstairs and Luke followed. I asked, “Do you need to change clothes too?” H

King Parker smiled, “I love the way you think, my daughter in law. But right now, the problem is not solved. She admitted she was not working alone. We need to find the others.” I asked, “Is she still alive?” He nodded and I suggested, “Then I would love to spend a little time with her. I can find out.” He smirked, “I have no doubt that you can do it. Do you want to do it tomorrow?” I smiled, “I would love to. In the meantime, I would appreciate it if you would withhold food and water.” Luke walked into the dining room and asked, “Who are we withholding food and water from?” I replied, “Emma. She indicated to your dad that she wasn’t working alone to kill me off.” Luke nodded, “Sounds appropriate. Let’s eat.” I moved all the food to the table and we all sat down. Zara laughed, “I don’t think I will ever get used to how we speak so casually about being so cruel to people.” I shrugged, “Our species are the opposite of two extremes at the same time. We are extremely loving and protective

I laughed as Cody continued, “This is some of the best stuff I have ever tried! You have to show Rachel how to make this.” I smiled, “I can definitely do that.” Rachel looked at me with surprise, “You would really give me the recipe for this?” I looked at her with confusion, “Why wouldn’t I share it with my friends?” She smiled, “There are a lot of women who are extra protective of their kitchen secrets.” I scoffed at the idea, “I am nowhere near protective. I am all for sharing the love.” She smiled, “Thanks!” I shrugged, “I’ll write it down for you and explain it as I go.” We finished our dessert and I was so full I could hardly move. Judging from the way Rachel was stretched out on the couch, holding her stomach and groaning, I think it’s safe to assume that she feels the same way. Luke and Cody decided they would run off the excess food and I’m beginning to think we should’ve gone with them. Either way, I really needed to move. I started cleaning the kitchen. I loaded the dishwash

Nicona continued, “Her bear is saying that she has been planning on being a princess for as long as she has had her bear. She even stopped looking for her mate because she wanted our mate.” I looked at Emma and shook my head, “Tsk, tsk, tsk. It would seem that you are quite miserable since MY mate is taken now.” Emma growled, “You’re not a princess yet. You haven’t been crowned!” Nicona then tells me, “This bitch was paid a lot of money by Ernie Ball to kill you.” I chuckled as I shook my head, “You’re nothing but an assassin. You were paid to try to kill me. I want to know who ordered the hit.” She looked at me like I sprouted three heads, “Where did you hear that?” I laughed, “You’re the one that said you aren’t working alone. I want to know who ordered it and why.” Emma scowled, “I wanted you dead. It doesn’t matter how I wanted to get it done. The money was just a bonus.” I asked, “How much money?” She smiled, “Enough that I would never have to work.” I suggested, “Four million, s