Page 41 of Defying the Relic Hunter

I stepped into the shower and turned the water to ice cold.

Ethan leaned against the wall. “Won’t work.”

I gave him the one fingered salute and finished brushing my teeth.

“Xenia and her family are the relic hunters who just discovered the fabled home world of the Nabateans.”

“Are they joining our hunt?” I looked around for a place to put the toothbrush.

Ethan took it from me. “Quinn and Xenia will partner up with us. Xenia’s parents are investigating the archaeological dig at Tamaulipas, Mexico.”

Shivering, I hit the instant dry and hot air blasted me. “I like Xenia. She didn’t run screaming when the ghoulies came out to play.”

“Berserkers never run.”

“But the Bjarke sure do. A couple of fireballs and Xenia had them running around the cavern screaming bloody murder.”

Ethan held out a metal belt. “Your battle armor, my lady.”

“What? Already?” I did a happy dance.

Ethan’s gaze fastened on my bouncing girls. “Zarek got Sariel to expedite the order.”

“Sariel? The Askole High Commander?”

“That’s him.”

“Cool.” I examined the belt. “How does it work?”

Ethan fastened it around my waist. “See the armor icon on your bracelet?”

“Yep.”

“Double tap it.”

I did.Snikt. Schlik.Schlik. Schlik. Schlik. Schlik.Within seconds black armor covered me from head to toe. I took a couple of experimental steps. The armor fit perfectly and was effortless to move in. The heads-up display was totally awesome. The battle computer provided an easy flow of visual data and tactical information. “How come I understand all the technical gobbledygook?”

“Our mind meld,” Ethan answered.

“Do you understand my summoning spells?”

“To open a portal, it’s miraculin sepulcrum ibidem solus novum. Domum rotundam vivtorie construxit.”

“I’m seriously impressed.” I examined my bracelet. “Is this the icon to get the helmet to retract?”

“It is.”

I touched it and the helmet shrank away. “I love it. What can I do to show my appreciation?”

Ethan picked me up. “Live to be a thousand.”

“I’ll do my damnedest.” I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I expect the same promise from you.”

“Until eternity ends.” Ethan’s mouth moved over mine, demanding, sensual and full of need.

My stomach growled loudly.

He broke the kiss with a chuckle and released me. “Guess I better feed you.” With one tap on his bracelet, his battle armor formed around him.

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