“There’s enough fuel to make three more trips to the inner worlds,” he continued, smiling down at her. “We’re planning only one more after t...is, to close all of your projects on Earth. We will be returning to pick you and your lifemate up in about twenty years, so don’t get lost.” ‘The Carte Blanche will be easy to find,' the Praetor spoke into all their minds, 'for I shall accompany her to the surface of her world.’“What?” Béla demanded. “I didn’t ask for your company! What will I tell people?. I am into Martial Arts, you know, karate and that kind of stuff. I need sparring partners, and chance brought me you. Strip to your knickers” When I did, I was going to keep my word, it was a bit embarrassing. Sure, I admit, I had a hard on. I mean, I was walking behind this great creature, this lovely Lady, and she had showed me heaven. “well, don’t bother about that. I fight men more often, they always start like that, but believe me, will not last too long”. And then she attacked me, I had. Lukas feinted right, but Kiefer was prepared, and slashed at him, his blade drawing the first blood on Lukas’ arm. Clara gasped in horror, then reminded herself that she must be quiet and wait for her opportunity without drawing attention to herself. The wound on Lukas’ arm was shallow, and she could have it healed in a moment once she was able to lay hands on him. Keifer hit the ground in a rolling dive as Lukas lunged at him, coming up with a bleeding ear. Clara had not even seen Lukas make. Nobody who makes jokes like that ever died on me."I gritted my teeth. Though it wasn't a good time to laugh, I hiccuped a chuckle. Side hurt. Oh, shit! I recognize THAT pain. At least I could still see out of both eyes.I was ceremoniously deposited onto a table in the trauma center and had a day's worth of good clothes cut off me. Somebody with a clipboard showed up along with real medical people. "Can he talk?" I can talk," I said. I noted the look. Turned my head. Do you know that turning.