Logan tapped my chest and looked up at me. “And you?”

“I’m still getting used to the idea that I get to have an opinion on that.” I laughed softly even though it hurt my ribs. “I’m notin any position to offer commentary on someone lusting after anyone when they shouldn’t.”

Caden’s words rolled around in my head a little more, stumbling onto a moment of clarity.

“Hey, Caden.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you have a crush on Yelena?”

“What thefuckkind of question is that?” he snapped, but his cheeks held a faint hint of color.

“Hey, you’re the one talking about herenergy, not me.”

Logan giggled between us and tipped her head to look at Caden. “Just to clear up anything for the future, if I’m allowed to kiss people who aren’t you, you’re allowed to kiss people who aren’t me.”

Caden growled, but his cheeks were still flushed. “That’s not an issue.”

“Not right this second,” she said, “but I don’t want you to feel like you can’t if it ever comes up. Just keep me posted.”

He growled low again and didn’t respond so she turned back to me.

“Same applies for you. But for right now you’re both mine and I desperately need a nap and cuddles.”

A giant grin spread across my face at her words. I’d grown pretty damn fond of the idea of being hers. Years of pining and now I got to have her stretched out half on top of me as she drifted to sleep. My purr rumbled quietly and her lips quirked at the corners, though I could tell by her breathing that she’d passed out almost as soon as she’d closed her eyes.

I dipped in and out of consciousness, waking finally to a gentle hand on my chest and Haru looking down at me.How are you feeling?

I lifted one hand, moving it in a so-so gesture.

We’ve found clothing and toiletries that should work for everyone. The dresser is on its way up, along with a mattress and bedding. No bed frame with the lockdown, but everyone should be comfortable enough.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

Logan stirred, her hand reaching out blindly and locking around Haru’s wrist where his palm rested against my chest. We both froze, watching her come into full wakefulness with slow blinks and a yawn. “Oh, Haru, hi.”

Haru nodded, acknowledging her greeting.

“Where’s Yelena?”

“Right here, precious.” Yelena emerged from the en suite with her mane of curls corralled under a brightly patterned scarf, every trace of makeup removed from her face. She still had that aura of power, but looked much softer now. “How’re you all settling in?”

Caden snorted, fully awake now. “As well as can be expected.”

Someone knocked on the door and Haru let whoever it was in, two shifters dropping off the dresser, mattress, and bedding that had been promised. They left without another word, eyes to the floor as they backed out of the room. That was some real monarch shit right there.

Yelena sat down on the foot of the bed, thoroughly ignoring Caden, one hand on Logan’s knee, her gaze focused on me. “Dr. Atling tells me you’re stable, but that I should keep you in here and avoid stress this week.”

“Can’t argue with that.” I wasn’t feeling up to going anywhere anyway.

“Once you’re well enough, I’ll have Haru take you around the nest so you can get acquainted with your new home.”

I nodded.

Haru returned to my side, crouching down to rest their chin on the edge of the bed guard rail. Yelena’s whole face softened as she looked at him. We needed more Protectors who actually gave a shit. Power went to their heads too often.

“Mistress.” Logan drew her attention and Yelena gave her knee a squeeze.