Page 39 of Centaur Bolt

Kiko’s snoring broke off, and she flung an arm over her head. When the bell stopped, she groaned.

“Why does every day have to begin like that?” she complained. “I was having the most delicious dream. Much easier to handle a six when he isn’t real.”

I snorted a laugh, but the comment sent a tiny thrill through me, remembering my own dream. And my ownsix, which after experiencing it, was likely more.

Not real, Riley, I told myself. But it had seemed so. And he’d said,If this is the only way I can have you, then so be it.As though he didn’t expect to see me ever again.

My heart twisted. I had something important to ask the Watcher.

“I want to talk to Cara” I said.

Kiko threw her shapely legs over the edge of the bed and pushed herself upright. “Does this mean we’re going to miss breakfast?”

“You don’t have to come.”

“I want to. I don’t want to miss breakfast, either.”

“You’ll only miss breakfast if you don’t get your ass in gear.”

She stood and shed her sleeping wear with a complete lack of anything resembling modesty. I looked away.

“Is this about Marcus?” she asked, digging in a drawer for appropriate Watcher-visiting wear.

“Yes.”

She pulled on her leggings. “Your dedication to a single male is admirable.” Then she tilted her head. “Even if he is scrumptious.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to ask about her dream. But instead, I said, “I can’t believe you screwed the librarian.”

Kiko tugged her tee shirt into place and grinned at me as she ran her fingers over one of her horns. She paused at the third ring. “He was a solid three, and fun. Besides, I was on a mission.”

I shook my head. As I waited for the Satyr, I cracked the door just enough that I could see the room across the hall.

“Who are we spying on?” Her conspiratorial whisper came from right behind me, and I jumped. Fuck. She moved like a stalking cat.

“Lora disappeared into that room,” I said.

“She’s likely visiting her brother.”

“That’s his room?”

“Yeah. He’s alone, though.”

“He isn’t now. I wonder if she slept in her room last night?”

“Let’s ask Vali.” Kiko pushed past me and over to the Dragon’s door.

She only managed one rap of the knuckles before the door opened and Vali appeared. Before the Dragona could say anything, Kiko slipped past her, pulling me in with her.

Vali’s pack sat on one bed with carefully smoothed sheets, but the other appeared untouched. Kiko uttered an “ah ha” kind of sound. “Lora never turned up?” she asked the Dragona.

Vali regarded her with a raised brow. “No. It was rather nice. Peaceful.”

The Satyr’s eyes danced as she turned back to me. “Do you suppose they sleep together?”

“Who sleeps together?” Now both of Vali’s brows were up. “Oh. The twins?”

“Riley saw Lora go into Tareal’s room.” Kiko’s entire face was alight now. Apparently, nothing was as exciting as gossip.

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