Page 28 of Second Shooter

Win smiled. “You get used to it. I certainly have had more time for hobbies.”

Cori snorted. “Photography isn’t a proper hobby.”

“I like it. It’s fun.” She kissed the top of Cori’s head. “So, what did they fish out of your brain? A five-year-old’s version of events?”

Ymer narrowed his eyes. “How did you know?”

“She’s my sister. You think she isn’t warded nine ways from Sunday? If they had grabbed her, they would have been fine until they tore at her clothing. Then,fwoosh. Up in flames.”

Cori blinked. “Seriously?”

“Yup. I warded Maggie, too, but I have removed the protection. She wants to fuck around; she can find out.”

Oren walked in, saw her, and straightened his shoulders. “Lady Win, may I get details of what happened to you?”

She grinned slowly. “Oh, honey, you don’t want that.”

“Your mates are also interested in learning about you.”

Win stared at him. “Are you kidding? You are a telepath. You can shield yourself when shit hits the fan in my mind. Are they trained?”

A deep, rumbling voice said, “We are willing to take the chance to help ease your burden.”

She looked at him. “Dude, I don’t even know your name.”

He smiled. “Wellyn. Our third is Atil. I don’t know why the light Elite is here.”

Win sighed. “I know why he’s here. He’s for me. Our connection is complicated.”

“What is his name?”

“No clue. The Elite sent him in to clean me up and heal me. It extended the torture but kept me alive.”

Oren said, “I would still like to understand.”

“Fine. Let’s go outside and do it there. That way, you can hose the patio off.”

Iris paused. “Barf bucket?”

Win nodded. “Oh, yeah. Come on, sport. You two as well if you are dying to know.”

She walked out and told Oren, “Have a seat. I will kneel nearby.”

“Why?”

“It is more comfortable for me. I can meditate for days if necessary.”

She grabbed a pillow and sat next to one of the chairs. Wellyn and Atil sat nearby, but when Iris brought the buckets, they accepted them.

Oren nodded. “I have already seen your wounds. I am braced for it.”

“Oh, buddy, that is the least of the issues.” She closed her eyes and smiled. “Whenever you want to get started, boss.”

The hand settled on her head, and she let Oren take a tour through the events of more than a dozen years ago.

Win looked at him as he went to an ashy blue-grey. The sound of vomiting filled the patio area, and Ymer watched from the door with shock. There were two younger boys behind him, and Brexel eased them back from the doorway.

She got up and went inside to get some cold compresses. She nodded to Iris, and they went outside to take care of the guys. Oren was shuddering as his brain was stuck replaying some of the things she obscured, even for herself.

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