Alexis squeezed Katie. “I have a lot to protect, and I will, I promise you.”

Katie grasped Alexis’s hair lightly to pull her in for a kiss. “I know you will. You are the Debrek Duca and the woman I love and trust with all my heart.”

Byron’s voice took on a more serious tone when she said, “This may be the last time we are able to celebrate like this together for a while. As you know, our world is in flux, and there are dangers to us growing in number, so let us enjoy this happy time while we have it. A toast to Alexis and Katie, our new baby, and the clan we are a part of. Et sanguinem familiae—blood and family.”

Those in the Debrek clan repeated her words. Then a cry of pain interrupted them. Katie turned quickly and saw Daisy grasping her neck and doubling over in pain. She rushed over to her and was met by Amelia.

“What’s wrong, Daisy?” Katie asked.

“I’m dizzy, it hurts. It hurts!”

Alexis shouted, “Get back, give her room to breathe.”

In an instant Byron, Amelia, and Sera were around Daisy.

“Is she all right?” Amelia kneeled down and took Daisy’s hand.

Byron shouted, “Where is Dr. McKenzie?”

Dr. Tyler McKenzie came pushing through the crowd. “I’m here. Let me take a look.” Tyler took Daisy’s wrist in her hand. “Her pulse is too fast.”

Then Daisy grasped her neck and said in a pleading voice, “Victorija.”

About the Author

Jenny Frame is from the small town of Motherwell in Scotland, where she lives with her partner, Lou, and their well-loved and very spoiled dog.

She has a diverse range of qualifications, including a BA in public management and a diploma in acting and performance. Nowadays, she likes to put her creative energies into writing rather than treading the boards.

When not writing or reading, Jenny loves cheering on her local football team, cooking, and spending time with her family.

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