"That makes sense," Cortin said. "It's not what I'd choose, but I've been frightened and embarrassed before, without a Family for support. I suppose I'll learn to live with it—I'll have to, since I don't have any choice."
"You also have the support of the rest of us who are Sealed," Illyanov said, leaning over to kiss her. "Would you like me—or us—to spend the night?"
"Either or both, any time—which you know. But what about your families?"
"Mine went directly to Archangel and is busy moving in, with Delia's help. Brad's, I believe, is preparing for the move."
"They are," Bradford said, "so I can't stay past Communion—I have to help, as long as I'm in town."
Cortin grinned, her mood lightening. "Too bad for you, Brad; that means Sara'll have to wait for unity with you. Though not with Ivan, if he's willing."
Both men bowed in the historian's direction, and Bradford spoke first. "I'm sorry to have to postpone something so delightful, but hopefully it won't have to be for long."
"I, on the other hand, will be pleased to join you as soon as you wish," Illyanov said, smiling.
Bain grinned. "Don't waste any time, Sara; grab him right after Communion."
Blackfeather was definitely attracted to the handsome Inquisitor-Colonel, but she wasn't used to such openness about sex yet; though she remembered the previous evening's post-Communion lovemaking clearly, it didn't seem quite real. Now she was being urged to make love to a man she'd barely met … at least she'd known the Family men, if only briefly …