Alexia squeezed his hand. “She’ll survive and thrive in India. It will be good for her to be away from all of this. All of us.”

“Yes, but will India survive her?” the werewolf wondered legitimately.

Alexia chose to tackle his underlying concern and not his sarcasm. “She has resources and friends. That’s the best one can ask for in life. And I gave her a parasol.”

“Oh, indeed, was it the parasol?”

“No, simply a parasol. She’s not ready for the parasol… yet. I’m taking this journey as a test of worthiness.”

“You think she will be ready when she returns?” Conall drew back to look down into her face.

Alexia’s brown eyes were thoughtful. “I think this will temper her. Travel is very broadening for the mind, don’t you find? Our daughter is a sharp edge but of the kind that could grow dull, stuck here in London.”

“I hate it when you are reasonable, wife.”

“I know, but you really ought to be accustomed to it by now.”

“Never. It’s one of your many charms.” He bent and kissed her deeply, a safe thing to do, hidden from prying eyes by trees and an early hour.

Alexia blushed like a schoolgirl under her tan skin but leaned eagerly into his kiss. “Ridiculous man.” She pulled away. “Now. Don’t you think it’s time we considered your retirement?”

Conall glowered. His amber eyes, so like his daughter’s, went hard. “Are you saying we should send a summons?”

“To Scotland?” His wife was thoughtful. “Perhaps.”

“India. Kingair is billeted in India at the moment.”

Alexia turned all nose, like a hound scenting a fox. “You knew that when you let her go, didn’t you? Of course you did.”

“Why else would I have permitted it?”

Alexia was relieved but unwilling to praise his fatherly interference. She returned to the subject at hand, “Do you think Biffy is ready?”

“Oh, he’s ready. It’s only, I’m not certain that I’m ready to let go.”

Alexia cupped her husband’s cheek with her free hand. “You let go of our daughter today, next to that…” she trailed off.

“A pack is no small thing, my love. Even balanced against a daughter. And I still have a little time left, I think.”

Alexia had confidence in her adored, if frustrating, husband. “Then you must use it to reconcile yourself to our future.”

“I hate it when you’re right.”

Alexia grinned. “Almost as much as when I’m reasonable?”

He growled at her. “Possibly more.”