Alien in the Family

excited, too. When I realized it was up to me to make sure the people knew we had another royal elsewhere who might be able to take the crown, the Poofs mated. That’s how we got the other six.”
    “How did you get them out of the palace, let alone here with you?”
    He shrugged. “I told you, they wanted to come. Only the person they’re attached to can control them, so if they want to go somewhere, they go. The other Poof, Tenley, stayed at home.”
    “Protecting your great-uncle?”
    “No, my mother. They seem more attached to females than males. Tenley has been my mother’s since her marriage was announced.”
    “Can we trust them?” Chuckie asked.
    “Been helping us so far. But, to be sure, who did Harlie belong to?”
    Alexander shrugged and shook his head.
    Martini coughed. “My father.” He sounded embarrassed.
    “I’d call that a big yes, then.” I pulled the Poofs out. They looked at me and purred. Then, one by one, they jumped. Harlie went to Martini, and the one I’d called Poofikins stayed with me. The others went to Christopher, Gower, Reader, Alexander, and Chuckie.
    “Why is one with Reynolds and not, say, me?” Michael asked. He didn’t sound upset or jealous, just curious, which I considered massive personal growth.
    “Because they’re going to be gunning for the seven of us. Not that they will ignore the rest of you, but they want to take the seven of us out.”
    “Why?” Tim asked.
    “Because we’re the power pieces on the chessboard.” I figured Alexander had replaced Kevin because he was a legitimate threat to King Adolphus’ plan. With Reader back in action, we had two spare rooks. I hoped I wasn’t going to have to pull Tito or Kevin in, though.
    “I hate being a pawn,” Tim grumbled. “Pawns get sacrificed.”
    “Not my pawns.” Martini looked at the Poof. “Do me a favor and hide in my pocket.” Harlie purred at him and hid as requested. The other Poofs did the same, going into the men’s pockets. Poofikins hopped into my purse.
    “Break down their side of the board,” Chuckie said to me.
    “Knights are Kyrellis and Moira. Bishops are Gregory and Lenore. I know everyone thought she was clueless, but I’m betting she had some emotional overlay on her to block Jeff. After all, she said she was related to the now-deceased ruler of Alpha Five, so figure she’s in on it, too. Plus, Alexander didn’t trust her, so when in doubt, go with your gut. Their rooks will be the two imageers who infiltrated us, the guys I spotted in Vegas. I’m betting only two, by the way.”
    “Why?” Christopher asked.
    “There’s not enough distraction and destabilization of our side for too many more to be likely,” Chuckie answered. “It’s possible there are more of them, but I’m with Kitty, probably safe to assume just the two.”
    “I practiced with Christopher and Queen Renata,” Serene said. “I can tell who’s who if I’ve ever seen them before, even if they’re shapeshifted or have an image overlaid.”
    “Great work, Serene! You’re going to have a tough job, though, no matter what. I want Tim, Tito, Kevin, and Brian protecting Serene, by the way. The moment they realize she can figure out who’s who, she’ll be target number one.”
    “Who’s their queen?” Chuckie asked.
    “Uma.”
    “You’re kidding.” Martini snorted.
    “Bitch Leader is the queen. Trust me.”
    Queen Renata nodded slowly. “Yes. If I understand your meaning. She was influencing Gregory. It was subtle, but now that I can see the whole web, it was she who drove more decisions, though Gregory would tell you it was him.”
    Willem and Felicia nodded as well. “Renata is correct,” Felicia said. “But we are more than pawns.”
    “Not in this game. Your death or survival is meaningless to Kitler. In that sense, it’s meaningless to us. The difference is, we know you, have fought with you, and so are attached to you. He knows this about us—they’ve been watching, after all. But if you look at it from the point of a game of strategy, unless you can affect the outcome of this battle, you are not involved.”
    “We are good fighters,” Willem said. “Why would you think we would not be able to assist, even turn the tide?”
    “Because,” Martini snapped, “I want you guarding the queen.”
    “Jeff, I’m going to have to fight.”
    “Not if I can help it.” He looked at all of Animal Planet. “Seriously. You want to help? Keep her safe, and keep her out of