Page 3 of Golden Eagle

“What? Oh.” He took a deep breath, and let it out as a sigh. He turned his head, trying to glance back over his shoulder even as Sasha took the reins, pulling him now, deeper into the rows of fragrant trees. “We should turn back. Follow them.”

“Why?” Sasha sounded like he was trying not to laugh.

“Well, because…” He didn’t want to say it when he glanced at Sasha, and found him guileless, unconcerned. “You didn’t like them either,” he said, more than a little defensive.

“I didn’t like them because you didn’t like them,” Sasha said, patiently. “But I don’t have any real problems with them. I’ll always back you up. But I’m not worried about them.”

You could take the Cheka out of the USSR, he supposed…

“You weren’t?”

“No.”

“I’m…overreacting.” It caused a physical tightness in his chest to admit that. Nikita frowned to himself, and reached to massage the spot. He swayed a little; hereallyneeded to eat.

Sasha moved in a little closer; his own personal scent smelled a lot like the needles of the trees around them, but sharper, wilder. He smelled like the Siberia that had birthed him. “I know you worry,” he said, his fond smile taking any bite or hint of condescension out of the words. “And you have good reason. We’ve seen more evil things than most. But not every vampire is evil, Nik. I’m sure there are plenty like you.” He rubbed both hands down Nik’s shoulders and upper arms, a fast, affectionate stroke.

Nikita snorted to cover the way he wanted to lean into the gesture. Sasha was so free with touch, always ready with his physical affection. He never wanted to take advantage of that; to impose. “God, I hope they’re not like me. They’re miserable and stupid if they are.”

Sasha grinned, but said, “Don’t say that. Come on.” He turned and looped his arm through Nikita’s and started forward again. “Let me show you the tree.”

“Fine, fine.”

“And if Gustav and Hannah everarea problem,” he said, softer, “then we’ll take care of it.”

Nikita bumped their shoulders together in silent thanks. “I just like to leave my options open.”

“I know.” And in the dazzle of lights and gently falling snow, Sasha beamed at him, glorious as a winter angel.

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