Page 29 of Claiming Sarah

“The contra,” the girl said, with her brown eyes downcast. “I am here for her.” Then, she pulled her sleeve back, revealing a tattoo. It was a circle with two evenly spaced parallel lines.

I had seen that mark before and my entire body tensed. “Why did the Terians send you?”

“I am not permitted to say more, until I meet the contra.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Then you’ll never meet her.”

But Omen said, “She should get to decide for herself. I will ask if she would like to meet you. May I have your name?”

“No.”

“Fine.” Omen left forAllegiant.

I eyed the female intentionally. “What makes you think you should be able to come here and demand an audience with the contra, girl?”

“It is my job.”

“You some kind of courier? A mercenary?” I knew she wasn’t that, but I needed to gauge her reaction to the question.

She laughed, covering her mouth. Her eyes were still cast downward. “No, sir. If you would like, you may check my rucksack and you may strip search me for weapons. Or for fun.”

“I’ll take the bag, thanks.” I grabbed the rucksack and all I found inside were clothes and some food. Nothing to indicate any kind of threat.

Sarah, Deacon, and Omen came from his ship, and as soon as the girl saw my consort, she ran to her. Deacon and Omen threw themselves in front of Sarah, bone knives ready, but the girl dropped to her knees and bowed her head to the ground. Her tail fell to submission.

“Great Contra, I am in your service.”

I walked over to join the rest of the confused people.

Sarah frowned. “Huh? What is going on?”

Staying in position, she said, “I am here to serve you, in whatever ways you would like to be served. Tell me, how may I serve you now?”

Sarah glanced around at the rest of us, but we had no clue either. “Uh, you can tell me who you are and why are you on the ground.”

The girl remained with her head bowed. “I am Leda, and I am here to serve you.”

“You have a normal-ish human name?” Sarah was astonished.

“My former master enjoys the mythology of your people.”

“Who is your former master?” Sarah asked.

“Rex Terian.”

Me and Deacon shared a knowing glance.

“I don’t know who that is, and please get on your feet,” Sarah said. The girl stood, but Deacon and Omen stayed in front of Sarah. “You two, you mind? We’re talking.”

Omen’s lips pursed. “We don’t know anything about her, Sarah. She could be dangerous.”

“Yes, she could be,” Sarah said, her tone annoyed. “But I have the three of you right here, and I’m not helpless, so scoot.”

Omen looked to Deacon, who nodded. They parted, giving Leda access to Sarah and making me nervous as fuck. So, I moved behind Leda, with my hand on my bone knife, poised and ready for an attack if need be.

“That’s better,” Sarah said with a smile the girl did not deserve. “Now, Leda, can you explain what you’re doing here?”

Leda clasped her hands in front of her. “I am a gift from Rex Terian.”

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