Page 29 of Promise & Artem

“Ew,” Isolde said.

Promise grinned and whispered, “I’m game.”

“Wait,” Isolde said. “How about you and me get lunch in town? There’s a super cute diner that has amazing chicken salad and fresh croissants.”

“That sounds amazing.”

“Fine,” Artem said. He put his fork down and put his arm around Promise. “But I’ll keep you busy before and after lunch.”

“Again with that!” Isolde said, making a face.

Everyone laughed and Artem playfully flipped his sister off. While they finished eating, they talked about working at the campground and what Promise might do once she moved up there and, of course, after they took time off for their mating.

While he’d love to take a few months off to get to know his sweetheart and enjoy their mating, he knew he’d have to go back to work in a week. No matter how much time they took off to spend together, he knew he’d never get enough of being with her.

Artem stood on his parents’ front porch with Promise while his parents were nearby, his dad already in his truck. It was just after six, and the fights wouldn’t start until nine, so he would be able to catch Nero in the B&B that he was using for his home base.

“I don’t like this,” Promise said. “I just have a really bad feeling.”

“I’m sorry sweetheart, but I have to do this. I can’t just walk away without saying anything, he could come after me.”

“I hadn’t thought of that,” she said, pursing her lips. “Damn it. I know you’re strong and can fight, just come back to me, okay?” She hugged him tightly, a shudder weaving through her.

He put his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. “I will, I swear. See you soon.”

With a last kiss goodbye, he left Promise on the front porch, said goodbye to his mom, and got in the passenger seat of his dad’s pickup.

His dad looked at him. “Ready?”

“Yeah. The sooner I cut ties with Nero, the better.”

His dad put the truck into gear and Artem watched Promise in the side mirror until he couldn’t see her anymore.

“She said she had a bad feeling,” Artem said, sinking down in the seat. “I hope she’s not prophetic.”

“I have a stop to make first,” his dad said as he pulled over in front of Angel and her mates’ cabin.

“Why are you stopping here?”

The door opened and Ian walked out. “He used to fight for the guy I worked for in the underground league before I met your mom. I told him what we were doing and he wanted to come along. For support and extra muscle.”

Artem opened the door and scooted to the center of the bench seat.

“Hey guys,” Ian said.

“Thanks for coming,” Artem said. “I didn’t know you used to fight.”

“Well, it’s a great way to let off steam but the guys who run these things are notoriously unpredictable. You probably won’t need me or your dad, but if you do, we’re here.”

Artem felt a little bit of tension seep away.

It was good to have friends and family.

“Thanks. I appreciate it so much.”

“That’s what family’s for, kid,” his dad said.

They pulled away, leaving the campground behind and heading out of Little Hope toward the industrial town of Trumble, and—he hoped—the very last time he’d ever see Nero again.

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