Page 142 of The Bond That Burns

“They’ll live,” Visha said placidly. “But I won’t. Not without Lace.”

Theo hooted. “Who is this girl exactly?”

“Some dwarven scout who has excellent stamina,” I summarized. “I assume it’s with her tongue.”

“And fingers,” Visha added. “And toes.”

Theo gaped. “Toes? You let her... stick her toes...?”

“I’d let her stick anything anywhere,” Visha drawled.

I shook my head admiringly. There was no one like Visha. “Well, in that case, I doubt you want to hear about how I’ve chosen my Second.”

“About damned time,” Visha said, eyeing me with a little bit of interest. “Who is it?’

“You,” I said. I turned to Theo. “And you.”

“Both of us?” Theo exclaimed.

“Interesting.” Visha looked me over. “Because you love us so much you just can’t choose? Or because all hell is about to break loose and you want us to clean up your mess?”

I thought for a second. “Probably both. We’re at Bloodwing after all.”

Visha cackled. “Right.”

“Besides,” I said with mock seriousness. “I can’t count on you alone. You might be off with your little dwarf girlfriend when I need you to deal with something.”

“I might be off with Vaughn.” Theo pretended to pout.

I grinned at him. “In that case, I’d deal with it myself. Wouldn’t want to upset your boyfriend.”

Theo smiled, pleased. “Very considerate.” He glanced at Visha and his eyes widened. “He’s beingnice. You know what this means, Vish.”

She nodded.

“What?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

Visha smiled slowly. “You got some.”

“Some what?” Then I groaned, realizing what was coming. “Stop it.”

“He did,” Theo crowed.

“Some of that rider ass,” Visha said, not pulling any punches.

“She’s not a piece of ass,” I grunted. “Though she does have a fucking amazing one.”

They both laughed and as the lecture started all thoughts of scales and my brother were far from my mind.

CHAPTER 36 - BLAKE

I always enjoyed my thrallguard sessions with Rodriguez. But when I pushed the door to his office open a few days later, my mood immediately soured.

Kage Tanaka was flipping through a book as he leaned against one of the tall shelves that lined the room.

“What the hell is he doing here?” I barked as I strode in.

Rodriguez sighed and turned towards me. “Good to see you, too, Blake. Come in and shut the door.”

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