Page 31 of Swamp Kings 1

“A most elaborate one,” Fin said, turning his clear gaze on him. “That I willnotshare with any of you.”

Their laughter subsided as four of the Marsh Kings headed their way, leader front and center. “Uh-oh. Somebody’s in trouble again,” Kult muttered.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“We’re headed back to the main house before too many of the wrong women get suspicious,” the Bishop leader said.

“Do your women also complicate simple things?” Fin asked.

Their expressions answeredonethousandpercentas the one with heterochromia locked gazes with Handy. “The women are the life force of these swamps. Our blood, our breaths, and our every waking moment is under their control.”

Fin’s gaze snapped to his brothers. “Our women are normal.”

Handy chuckled. “Pretty sure it’s not the women causing that. It’s all you horny obsessed bastards. I should know.”

“What’s wrong with you?” the heterochromia dude asked, his head angled.

You see it?Kaphas asked.

I do now.

What is he asking about?

“What do you mean?” Handy asked.

“You’re talking different.”

How does he know?Kaphas wondered.

Find out.

Kaphas sent power into his gaze and immediately drew back out.

“Leaving so soon?” the man asked. “I don’t mind sharing.”

Sharing. “What are you sharing?” Handy asked.

“His condition allows him to absorb the powers of others while imparting a boost to theirs,” the man on his left said, reaching a hand out to them. “I’m Lesion, the swamp’s alchemist.”

Handy shook it, regarding said oddity now.Interesting.“What kind of boost?”

“Let me bite you and I’ll show you.”

“Bite?” Handy wondered, ever the more curious.

“Nitro was attacked by bats,” Lesion said. “I developed a serum of specific proteins and compounds found in bat saliva and combined it with synthetic bioenergetic amplifiers that respond to an individual’s unique bioenergy signature, which fluctuates with emotional, cognitive, and physical states. Nitro’s wife—”

“Dude,” Nitro lightly warned.

Lesion paused a few seconds before continuing. “Nitro was accidentally overdosed which resulted in heightened aggression, extreme sensitivityto sensory stimuli, and altered states of consciousness, proving the serum’s potent effects on both physiological and psychological levels. The serum has permanently modified the composition of Nitro’s saliva, endowing it with identical biochemical properties. His bite transfers the same bioenergetic amplifiers and genetic material capable of integrating into the host’s cells, temporarily enhancing their abilities. And Nitro temporarily gains access to their unique gifts due to the interaction of the serum with his bioenergy field. This interaction allows him to absorb and replicate the gifts of others.”

“Hooooly shit,” Handy marveled, regarding his own brothers before opening his arms. “Where you wanna bite me?”

The leader put his hand on the man’s chest, mumbling, “Now’s not the time or place,” in French.

“Dis-moi quand et où,” Handy said back in their tongue, smiling at their surprise before answering his first question. “I’m Handy. Kaphas is my better half.” He flashed his proudest grin. “For now, we share a body. Soon, I will have my own and you can bite itanywhereyou like.”

“We’re considering using his gift to upgrade our men,” Lesion informed.

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