Page 37 of Sacrifice
"That wasn't talking. That was like watching two lions circle before they either fight or fuck."
He's not wrong.
Every interaction with Saga is charged, electric, building toward the inevitable explosion.
She knows it, I know it, everyone watching knows it.
The only question is when she'll stop fighting it.
"Runes is going to want to chat about shit tomorrow, probably. Take a load off," Magnus says. "Make sure she gets home safe later."
"She drove herself."
"So? Los Coyotes are out there. Someone should follow her home."
I don't need to be told twice.
I head further out into the yard, noting how the crowd's thinning as families head home.
Saga's still by the fire with Soren, who looks like he's fading fast.
"—and then the TA caught him with the beaker and—" Soren yawns hugely mid-story. "Shit, I'm crashing. What time is it?"
"Almost eleven," Saga says. "You staying at Mom and Dad's?"
"Nah, they'll just fuss. Can I crash at yours? Elfe won't mind, right?"
"She's working at Bubba's tonight, but yeah, you can have the spare room."
This is too perfect. I approach them, as casual as I can manage. "You two need a ride?"
Saga's head snaps up. "We have my car."
"You've been drinking." I nod at the three empty beer bottles beside her. "Not safe to drive."
"I had three beers over four hours. I'm fine."
"I'm not." Soren stands, swaying slightly. "Definitely not fine. May have pregamed before dinner."
"Soren!"
"What? It's Saturday!" He grins at me. "I'll take that ride, man."
"I'll have one of the prospects drive your car," I tell Saga. "You can ride with me."
"I'm not?—"
"Your choice," I cut her off. "Let a prospect drive your brother home in your car while you ride with me, or explain to your parents why you let him get in a vehicle with a drunk driver."
Her jaw clenches.
She knows I'm right—can't let Soren drive, can't drive herself after drinking, can't win this argument.
"Fine," she grits out. "But?—"
"Gorm!" I call to the prospect hovering near the door. "You sober?"
"Yes, sir. DD tonight."
