Page 89 of Grulen

“Thanks,” she mumbled.

“We got drunk with the other women last night,” Emmy said.“It seems to be the fastest way to bond.So, we know some background on Rain, Kara, and Abby, but you weren’t there.”

“Emmy, leave her alone.She doesn’t have to satisfy your curiosity during our first meeting.”Lin frowned at the woman.

“Aw, come on.You know it makes me itch when I don’t know what makes people tick.”

“Milara, please do not make our guests uncomfortable.”Tolvex tugged on one of her curls.

“It’s okay.”Morgan drew in a breath.“How much did they tell you?”Grulen’s tail moved up to her waist and gave her an encouraging squeeze.

“Only you’d been kidnapped by Durelians, enslaved, rescued, captured by the Zuvgran, and rescued again.Oh, and you’re very talented on the aerial silks and thankfully you cook better than one of the Jalaxians.”Emmy smirked.“But I’m more curious about before all that.”

“Um, okay.How far back should I go?”

“Hit the highlights.I can wait for more detailed stories.”

Rivezt rubbed his mate’s back absently.Lin shook her head in exasperation.

“You don’t have to tell her anything.She’s like a little nosy child sometimes.”

“I’m from Oklahoma City.My mom raised me but became ill with cancer while I was in college.I quit school and worked as an exotic dancer for a high-end club to pay the bills while I cared for her.After she died, the job paid for me to get my degree.In fact, the Durelians kidnapped me when I was on my way to my new job in Portland, Oregon.”

“That sucks.”Emmy’s nose wrinkled.“What did you study?”

“Education.”

“You’re a teacher?”Lin leaned forward.“What grades?”

“I wanted to teach elementary school, but my training involved teaching older children, too.”

Lin glanced first at Emmy, then the Svesti.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“Bataavi, we don’t know what Jevax’s plans may be once he regains his memories.”

“His plans shouldn’t take priority over hers.Not offering her the opportunity does a disservice to both of them.”

“What are you talking about?”Grulen’s tail left Morgan and flicked behind him.

Tolvex stared at each other for a long moment before nodding.

“Are you willing to take a short trip?”

“Where?”

“There’s a new group home on Costonia with Zuvgran hybrids.We’d like to show it to both of you.”

“Zuvgran on Costonia?”Grulen’s tail flicked again.

“Only one pure blood.The rest are hybrids with other species.King Sovex offered them refuge here.They are no threat to Svesti.”Tolvex pinned Grulen with a look.

“Actually, I’m more concerned about Morgan.Zuvgran experimented on her.”Lin bit her lower lip.

Morgan inhaled deeply.

“I think I’ll be fine, but I guess we won’t know until we try.”She looked to Grulen for his opinion.