Page 62 of Crossing Quinn

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Papa’s and Wulf’s grins. They thought it was funny? “I need a new communications bracelet.”

Quinn demanded, “Why didn’t you ask me?”

Was that a flash of hurt in Quinn’s eyes? “Ah, well, I didn’t think you would get me one.”

“It is my duty to provide for you,” Quinn stated grimly.

Duty? My temper flared to life. “I’m not a simpering female who needs to be cared for. If I want a new bracelet, I’m quite capable of getting it. Besides, you would have said no.”

“What type of communications bracelet do you want?”

“I want a duplicate of the one you are wearing.”

“Only Coletti warriors are permitted to wear them,” Quinn replied.

I threw up my hands. “I’m a warrior, and in another few weeks, a Coletti.”

Quinn studied me for a long moment. “Zarek will insist you wait until you have been converted, but if we are going to stop the Tai-Kok from taking the Shebu, you will need the proper equipment. I’ll get you a communications bracelet. Deal?”

“Deal. The Goddess in all her infinite wisdom put us together for a reason.” I went up on my tiptoes and kissed Quinn’s cheek.

He brushed his lips across mine. “She knew you are the other half of my soul.”

A poetic warlord? How did I get so lucky? What should I say back to him? The truth? “I’m falling in love with you.” I knew I was grinning like an idiot, but he made me happy.

“About time.” Quinn gently stroked the side of my face with his thumb. “I’m a forever kinda guy. Once you’re mine, I’m never letting you go.”

Every word out of Quinn’s mouth made me want him more. “Even if I want to keep on being a relic hunter?”

“My uncle was an archaeologist, and I used to spend summers on his dig sites. I knew then I wanted to search for the world’s lost cities, but my studies were interrupted by the Tai-Kok. I became a warrior instead.”

“Once we exterminate the Tai-Kok, we will search for those lost civilizations together.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Quinn nibbled on my lower lip.

My father growled, “No kissing.”

“He’s nibbling, not kissing, Papa.”

“All touching must cease until you are twenty-one,” Papa grumbled.

Wulf snorted. “Never happening. Yakira couldn’t keep her hands off me.”

Adan made a retching noise. “I do not understand you humanoids’ need to press your mouths together. It is revolting.”

“How do Katanic shapeshifters show affection?” I really wanted to know.

“With food.”

“What kind of food?”

“The still living kind.”

I eyed Adan warily. Were people the Katanic version of chocolate? “You didn’t answer my question.”

The image of thousands of slithering red snakes with crocodile heads flashed into my mind. “Avestians, but they are difficult to catch. Females also find Askole very tasty.”

“You’re joking, right?”

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