Page 12 of Dybbuk's Detritus

Shaking his head, Theo answers, “No. He was an airman at the Offutt Air Force Base. He was in a building; I was unable to scent him properly.”

“Avot?” Magnus addresses Theo and I both, using the Hebrew word for “fathers”. “Chloe and I can create an opening in the protective net. Senka, send word to Bronimir for his men to stand ready. Also, we’ll need a several guards for the Aleph-Tav.”

Theo stiffens in my arms. “What? Why?” He looks between me and Magnus, worry evident in his golden eyes. His eagle is close to the surface. My otter reaches out, reassuring his eagle through our bond, but it does nothing to calm Theo.

“Aleph.” I cup his face, bringing his eyes to mine. “I am the most powerful here, it will come after me. And if it doesn’t, we need to make it. It’s the only way—”

“No!” Theo says vehemently, holding me by the shoulders and shaking me. “No, I forbid it!”

I snicker at him, “You forbid it? Baby cakes, I appreciate the loyalty, but if it isn’t me, then it is someone in our Family. As Aleph, even for only a short time, can you stomach sending one of our own to slaughter?”

He sighs, tugging me back into his hold. “No. I can’t. But I can’t send you either.”

I try to make light of it, I have to, or I’ll cry. “It’s our first real fight. How sweet.” Fighting back the tears threatening, I stand on my tiptoes to kiss my claiming bite on his neck. He nuzzles his on mine, clutching me just a bit tighter. “You will bring me back should anything happen, Aleph. I trust in you. I trust in the Fates. But, even if I should perish, know that being your tav is my greatest gift. I love you, Theodore Adler, Aleph of the Rybak Family.”

“Rurik.” He crumbles, tears wetting my shirt, “I love you so much; every decision I’ve made, every step I’ve taken, has led me to you. To my home. I’m not done with you yet, tav.” He nips my bite with a growl. I fail to suppress the shiver it causes or the slickening of my ass.

“Oh honey, don’t get slick and horny now, you need to save all your bodily fluids, so you don’t become a mummy.”

Theo leans back, turning a ferocious glare on Chloe. “Can’t we sacrifice her instead?”

Magnus hums regretfully, “Believe me, that was the first thing I looked into.”

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