Liv stood and moved to block his path. “You’re right. I’m sorry I judged all the inhabitants of your planet by the few nasty ones I’ve met so far.”
Karel smiled and leaned down so his mouth was inches from Liv’s. “I don’t know if you will believe this or not, but I love you. You are my mate.” He sealed his words with a kiss.
* * *
Karel left Liv to visit with his mother as he called Alyx again to fill him in on the latest developments. He wasn’t sure who had threatened his mate, but it wasn’t going unchallenged. “Alyx, sorry to bother you again so soon. Liv was in the garden at my mother's house and a woman threatened her.”
“What did the woman say? I assume she was smart enough not to give her name,” Alyx growled in frustration and rage. Mates were never threatened. Ever. “I left just two days ago. Why is everything happening at once.”
“She didn’t give a name; that would be too easy. She told Liv she interfered and to watch her back. Nothing that tells us anything.” Karel sat in a chair and sighed. “I can’t figure this out. Why would someone target my mother, and then threaten my mate. I don’t really have enemies.”
“There is something we are missing. I am going to cut my trip short and come back. It will take me about an hour to wrap things here and I will be there.”
“Bella is coming to visit my mother and Liv. She should be here within the hour, as a matter of fact.” Karel frowned. “I know she was well guarded at the castle, but I feel better having her here anyway.”
For the first time since Karel had contacted Alyx, he saw a smile on his king’s face. “That is perfect, I can see my mate, check on your mother, and we can discuss all that’s happened.”
Karel nodded and disconnected the call. In the space of just over a week, he was told his mother was dying, found his mate, learned his mother was going to live, and discovered his mate was threatened. It didn’t make sense. He couldn’t come up with one reason for any of this to happen. Taking out his mother served no purpose he could see. What had Tiana hoped to gain?
Karel stood and searched for his mate. He needed to reassure himself she and his mother were okay. Things were spiraling out of control and he wasn’t sure how to stop them. He walked into his mother's room and stopped. “Aayi, look at you.” Karel couldn’t believe his eyes, she was walking around the room in slow circles on her own.
“She said she was tired of laying down and needed a change. Next thing I know, she is throwing her legs over the side of the bed and standing.” Liv could barely talk through her joyous laughter.
Karel gave his mother a hug. “I knew you were a fighter, you taught me to be one, after all. Now you will definitely live to see my cubs grow and have some of their own.”
Keliana whacked him on the arm. “Cheeky buggar, aren’t you.” She did another circle before stopping in front of Liv. “We have company coming shortly. I think it’s time I got dressed in some real clothes and met her in the living room like a guest should be met. What do you think, my dear?”
Liv looked to Karel for approval before she answered. When he nodded in agreement, she turned back to Keliana. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. What can I do to help?”
Karel smiled and stepped out of the room. His life was looking up. His two favorite women adored each other and him. A knock at the door startled him out of his thoughts. With a smile, he opened the door and greeted his friend. “You are looking rather…” He looked Bella up and down and smiled when he saw the warning in her eyes. “Beautiful. Come in and have a seat. The ladies will be joining you shortly. My mother has decided she felt up to visiting in the living room, and is--as she put it—dressing in ‘some real clothes.’”
Bella smiled and smacked him in the chest with the back of her hand. “I know you well enough to know that wasn’t what you were going to say. Don’t even try to lie to me.” She reached out and grabbed his hands with both of hers. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear your mother is making a full recovery. I know how much she means to you.”
Karel squeezed her hands in return and gave a short nod. He couldn’t even begin to explain how grateful he was to know she would live.
TWENTY-EIGHT
Liv walked out with Keliana leaning on her arm for support. While feeling much better, she was still weak and as stubborn as anyone Liv had ever met. She was determined to sit and visit like proper company deserved, no matter how tired it made her.
“Keliana, you look fantastic,” Bella said as she gave her a hug. “I have been so worried.”