I went into the kitchen and poured myself a cup of fresh coffee. I almost dropped it, when Ben popped out of nowhere, as he often does."Damn it! I spi...led coffee! Shit that's hot," I glared at him.He grinned, obviously not contrite."Towels are in the drawer there, try not to leave a mess, or Courtney will give you what for," he responded with an evil chuckle.I snorted."Not if I tell her you did it," I laughed at him."Let me pour a cup of coffee, also. I will meet you in the living room. Just. “Your mom has had a very rough time lately. She blames herself for losing the baby, something she just admitted to Dan and me tonight. Karen was so certain that Dan would never forgive her for the miscarriage and turned against us, and herself.She’s going to need intense professional help to deal with her loss.” Wendy felt it was best not to say anything about Karen’s attempted suicide to the family, they’d find out soon enough. Wendy took the low-cut top and short skirt Cathy brought for her. ..intimacy. Sort of like maybe those hormones you're taking mighthelp energize him like they have you? You understand what I mean?"Lucas:I couldn't believe what Cheryl had just told me about Andy. That he's notquite the lover-boy she'd like him to be. I was totally shocked becausehe's always seemed to me to be so manly. He often treats me like I'm notquite up to his standards. He's never been mean to me but I can tell hethinks I'm just kind of a wimpy guy. And now I find out that he's muchmore. She struck first, shattering his spell even as it formed, then flinging him back against a wall. He’d forgotten how strong Herasis was, especially on her own ground. With the possible exception of the totems, who remained tight-lipped about their own abilities, she was the only being who’d ever wielded three magics.“Do you think to violate our laws now?” she demanded. “At this juncture? Do you remember what happened the last time we fought?”The reminder brought him up short. When they waged war.