3 “It’s not fancy, but it’s clean and far enough away from the heathens that you should have a modest amount of peace.” Heidi smiled at her pack mate and friend. “What are you talking about? It’s every bit as nice as the room at the inn. I had credit built up for several more weeks, so I was happy to let Katarina have it. Poor thing fell asleep as soon as she hit the bed. I appreciate you and Gareth letting me stay with you for a while.” Brandi waved the thanks away. “It’s no problem having you here and we have plenty of room. The kids have their own barracks now—I mean, wing of the house.” Heidi giggled at Brandi’s slip. “Is being a mother harder than being an agent?” “Only by a factor of a hundred. Lately it’s been made worse by my absentee mate who has to periodically get personal

