Page 10 of The Blind Hordesman

“Nah. Nobody could, so I thought to test you out.”

I laugh.Test me out.“So they found a way to remove the scent after all.” I crush it in my hand.

“What do you want to do with it?” he asks.

“How much is there?”

“Pounds of it in pills, more still powdered.”

“Where is it?”

“In the cellar under the house.”

“Kiki’s clean,” I say.

“Yes, she is.”

Not liking his tone, I tilt my head. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He takes a few seconds to reply. “I was affirming she’s clean.”

“And how can you tell?”

“I’ve smelled her.”

I tap my claw on my thigh. “You like her.”

“I do.”

A rumble rises out of my chest, and I don’t have time to suppress it before Noslov hears the warning growl. “You know I don’t share.”

“That’s what worries me.”

“Don’t babysit me, Noslov.”

“I’m only looking out for you.”

I tap his knee, squeeze, maybe a bit too hard. “Forget her.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“What else is in the cellar?”

“Booze. Winter reserves.”

“Bought or homemade?”

“Homemade. The wine is bought.”

“What kind of winter reserves?”

“Um, pickles, peppers, cabbage, jam.” He laughs. “And marmalade.”

“Cigars?”

“A few.”

“Weapons on the walls?”

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