Dancer furrowed his brow. “What?”

“Having a family,” she said in a tiny voice.

Darling hugged her. “I guess Hauk forgot to tell you that he doesn’t come solo. We’re a package deal.”

She laughed. “Actually, he did warn me. Thia, too. I… just didn’t expect all this. May the gods love all of you for it.”

They felt the ship land and all the humor left her face and was replaced by a fear that made Hauk’s gut tighten.

He took her hand into his and locked gazes with her. “No one and I mean no one is going to harm you, Sumi. They’ll have to get through me first and no one gets through me.”

“I can testify to that,” Nykyrian said drily. “I’m still scraping the remains of the last fool who tried off the bottom of my boots.”

When Syn moved to unlock the bed, Hauk stopped him. “I’ll walk.”

“You’re…” His voice trailed off at the grisly look on Hauk’s face. “Going to walk out of here. What was I thinking? Apparently, I’m an idiot.” Syn unhooked the monitors. “I’ll have the MT unit take Bastien to the local hospital.” He spoke into his link to place the order.

Hauk stood and braced himself for the coming hell that was about to be unleashed.

CHAPTER 25

Sumi wasn’t sure what to expect. She’d never been around this many Andarions in her life. It was one thing to see one or two or even a unit, but this…

Yeah. Anyone who attacked the Andarions was a flaming moron. Aside from the sheer size of them, they stood as if they were made of stone. Their combined ferocity alone could kill someone.

Nykyrian took her trembling hand and tucked it into the crook of his elbow. “Sumi Antaxas no longer exists. You’re an eton Anatole now, kisa. Princess Sumi. Breathe and remember we’ll gut anyone who glances askance at you. As will every Andarion wearing a red-and-black uniform. You are among family.”

She offered him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

Darice went running down the ramp first and flew into the arms of a tall, fierce female. Unbelievably beautiful, Dariana appeared able to kick the snot out of anything. Male, beast… nuclear device.

And that was just with the power of her ferocious sneer.

Holy gods.

But the moment her son embraced her she stiffened and shoved him back. “What manner of human behavior is this?”

Hurt flickered across his face before Darice regained his composure. “Forgive me, Matarra.”

She narrowed her gaze on his feather necklace that he’d been so proud of. Picking it up, she sneered even more. “Not very large, is it? What a puny trophy.”

Darice deflated instantly.