The word hung in the air between them. Akira cocked her head, studying the woman in front of her. If this was truly Anwen Wolfe in front of her, she could see why so many talked of their resemblance. Akira was still studying the woman when a man appeared beside her. Kira’s eyes widened even as her brows furrowed in confusion. The man was the spitting image of Alisdair McAlistair. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t hear the others speaking to her.

“Hello, earth to Kira!” Asena said poking her forehead.

Akira gave her a playful glare as she rubbed the spot Asena had poked.

“Sorry, I was thinking,” she told them.

They all raised their brows at her. She returned their looks with a deadpan look of her own as she went to speak. Before she could even get a word out arms snaked around her waist and lifted her into the air. They spun her around, making her squeal like a child.

“Put me down!” she shrieked.

A chuckled sounded in her ear, which caused her to freeze. She’d know that laugh anywhere. Keir Xanthior had returned.

Keir finally set her down and she immediately retreated to a spot between Mavi and Asena. Levi stayed where he was, which was now in front of Akira, and growled menacingly at Keir. Akira let him growl and even bare his teeth.

“What do you want, Keir?” Akira asked stiffly.

“I want what I wanted a year ago, you,” he replied taking a small step forward.

Levi moved closer to him and growled even lower. He knashed his teeth, ready to bite if the need arose.

“Did you not understand me last year?” she snapped. “Was I not speaking English?”

“No you were perfectly clear but so was I,” he growled. “I told you I wouldn’t give up without a fight.”

“Bloody fucking hell, do you never listen or learn for that matter?”