Page 16 of Dark Princess Ascending

She winced. "I don't. That's why I'm so conflicted. Perhaps the best thing would be to send one of the doctors to Safe Haven. Do you think Julian would mind?"

"He would, but I can ask him. The other option is to get someone else to manage them." Kian raked his fingers through his hair. "That's a lot of effort for people who are not likely to benefit our community. They are already in relationships, so they are going to become someone's truelove mate, and their talents are negligible. I wish there was a simpler solution."

"Perhaps there is," Emmett said. "If you gift us a helicopter, we could just airlift the transitioning Dormant when the time comes. That way, we don't need to move them anywhere, and you don't need to send us one of your doctors."

"It's too far away for a helicopter," Kian said. "You would need a small jet, and I'm not too keen on lending you one of ours, but it's an option. I need to sleep on it."

Eleanor let out a breath. "We don't have a lot of time."

"What about Andy?" Emmett asked. "He's so young..."

"Thanks for reminding me. We need to send him home," Kian said. "We'll wait until he's of age and then make him an offer."

8

MARINA

Marina tried to keep her expression amiable as she pushed open Alfie's former bedroom door. "I hope you'll be comfortable here," she said, stepping aside to let Catrina enter.

The tension radiating from Peter behind them was palpable. Something had happened during their drive from the airport—something that had put that tight, controlled expression on his handsome face.

What had his mother said about her?

"It's nice," Catrina said, scrunching her nose as if she smelled something foul.

Marina tried to ignore that.

After Lusha's comment about harsh cleaning product smells, she'd opened the window and aired the room. If Catrina still had a problem with that, well, too bad.

"The bathroom is through here," Marina said, proud that her voice was remaining steady. "Fresh towels are in the tall cabinet next to the vanity."

Catrina nodded, then turned to her son. "Can you bring my luggage in?"

As Peter moved to comply, his mother's attention shifted back to Marina. "I think I'll unpack and shower. Will you need help setting up for dinner?"

The offer caught Marina completely off guard. "I...thank you, but I have everything under control."

"Are you sure? It's no trouble."

Was this some kind of test? And if it was, what was the required answer?

"I'm sure," she said. "Please, make yourself comfortable. You must be tired after such a long flight."

Catrina smiled indulgently. "I flew first class and had a lie-flat seat. I slept my standard four hours, and I'm good to go. I'll just shower and put on a fresh outfit for dinner. After all, I'm about to meet my in-laws. I want to look presentable." She gave Marina a subtle once-over, her gaze stopping for a moment on the piercing in her left brow.

The female was a master at acting polite and friendly while delivering dozens of subtle but perfectly aimed paper cuts.

"Very well." Marina forced a smile. "I'll leave you to it. I need to run to meet my parents and my best friend at the parking garage."

"How exciting," Catrina drawled. "I can't wait to meet them."

The moment Marina closed the bedroom door behind her, she shook her head and let out a breath. "I'm going to meet my family," she told Peter. "They should be arriving any minute now."

His expression was apologetic as he touched her cheek. "I'm sorry about?—"

"We'll talk about it later," she cut him off. "I really need to run. Do you want to come with me?"

"I wish I could, but I need to stay in case my mother needs anything. I can't just leave her alone. Not yet."