Chapter 157

I HELD MY HANDS AT waist height, fingers outstretched and ready as Larvaste drew close. Looking like a circus performer with the angle she leaned at, Loi feigned a throw. Laughing, she then urged Larvaste away.

'Wha-?' My question broke off in a yelp of surprise as someone grabbed me from behind. Recognizing the arms that wrapped solidly around me, I leaned back with a smile, looking up into Alek's face. 'Hello blue eyes.'

Those eyes creased in affection and he ducked to kiss my forehead. 'Hello beautiful.'

I twisted around properly so I could hug him. 'Done with errands?'

'Yes, want some lunch?'

I wouldn't have been surprised if Loushka could have heard my stomach growl from where she stood, when he said that.

'Good idea.'

Alek called out to the others, and everyone gathered their weapons and made their way to the castle. In the courtyard, he caught me as I slid down from Loushka and I laughed. 'You know, I can do it myself now.'