she and her bond mate were moving here and wanted to know if it was suitable for a family.
“The best,” Amelie assured. “Everyone really has been kind and there’s a strong community feel no matter which neighborhood you choose.”
“That’s exactly what we’re looking for. Friendly people and an open community.”
Garik snorted but didn’t turn toward them. Saedra rolled her eyes. “Don’t mind him. This is a new experience, plus he’s worried about the baby.”
The man at her window who looked like he’d rip someone’s head off hardly appeared worried. Deadly? Yes. But Saedra would know him best. Amelie focused on the other part of her statement. “How far are you?”
“Three months, soon to be four.” Her brown eyes practically glimmered with happiness driving her average appearance straight into pretty.
“Have you felt movement?” Amelie asked, plating up a small portion of food and passing it to Fleur, who sat spinning on a stool.
Saedra’s gaze shifted to Fleur. “Yes. Just recently.”
“You have?!” Garik left his post and stormed over. His hand went to Saedra’s flat stomach, face a studied look of concentration.
Saedra muffled a laughed and arched a brow at Amelie, mouth twitching.
“I like babies,” Fleur announced, happily chewing her food and rocking in her seat.
Saedra reached up and cupped Garik’s jaw. “I don’t think you’ll feel anything. They’re just tiny flutters right now.”
His mouth pressed tight, then he sighed and returned to his vigil by the window. Amelie shrugged. He’d declined her offer of breakfast but Saedra had taken her up on the offer and commenced to demolish two helpings.
The buzzing of her comm caused all of them to go silent. Garik’s attention locked on Amelie as she answered.
“I’m on my way over. I have something you need to see.” Scarlett’s voice was rushed and sounded as if she was running.
Amelie’s heart began to beat faster. “Are you alright? What’s wrong, Scarlett?”
“It’s not me. It’s that man you won’t let me stab.”
Roan. Amelie’s breath caught in her throat. “What is it?”
Pounding at her front door prevented an answer. Garik whipped out his blaster and yanked the door open. Scarlett screamed, throwing her hands up in front of her face and dropping her comm.
Amelie disconnected hers and ran over. “Wait! She’s my friend. Don’t shoot her.”
After picking up her comm, Amelie tugged Scarlett inside and Garik slammed the door closed with a growl. He kept his weapon out but at least wasn’t pointing it at Scarlett.
“Who is he?” Scarlett asked, regaining her composure.
“Auntie Scarlett!” Fleur shouted, sliding from the stool and running over to hug her legs.
Saedra got out of her seat more gracefully and performed introductions. “Sorry about that. I’m Saedra and this is my mate, Garik. We’re friends of Sulen’s and soon to be Amelie’s.”
“Ooo-kaaay.” Scarlett eyed them both in suspicion. “Why are they here, Amelie?”
Not wanting her daughter to hear, Amelie picked Fleur up. “I think it’s time for you to wash your hands and play in your room.”
“Bye, auntie!” Fleur waved over Amelie’s shoulder as they made their way down the hall.
A disposable wipe took care of sticky fingers and then Amelie set Fleur up with her favorite drawing tools. “You stay here while I discuss some things with my friends.”
Fleur didn’t glance up, already entranced with her artwork. “Okay.”
Amelie shook her head. Moments like this still amazed her. Fleur was a bundle of contradictions but her mood today worked in Amelie’s favor. She returned to her living room area to find Scarlett in Fleur’s seat with a full plate of food. Saedra was seated beside her and the two were chatting as if they’d known each other for longer than five minutes.
Garik stood close to both of them, his weapon holstered thankfully. Amelie propped her hands on her hips at the center of the room. “Tell me what happened, Scarlett.”
Scarlett paused, her gaze going to Garik and Saedra.
“It’s okay,” Amelie assured. “They’re Sulen’s friends and can here this.”
Doubt remained but Scarlett shared her news. “A legal notice came in today from the ambassador’s team. Roan is demanding a test to prove Fleur’s parentage.”
Amelie’s hands fell to her side, her throat locked and it took a moment to form words. “H-h-he what?!”
Scarlett pushed her half-eaten food away and propped her elbows on the counter to groan. “This is all my fault.”
Saedra leaned over and patted Scarlett’s shoulders while speaking to Amelie. “Can he do that? And how can Garik and I help?”
One day when she wasn’t frantic and choked with fear, Amelie would marvel at Saedra’s inherent kindness.
“I’m