Page 133 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
“My … first taste.”
Was the boy actually blushing? “Tsk. You are young.”
“Compared to some,” he murmured, showing a bit of spirit.
Argent smirked. “Are you calling me old?”
More carefully, Deece answered, “I would call you strong.”
“So you acknowledge my superiority.”
“Even among the forebears, few could rival you.” With a small sigh, he added, “I freely admit that I am no match.”
“In wits or warfare?”
“Either. Both.” Deece frowned, “But you are not my enemy.”
“No?” Argent leaned closer. “What am I?”
“A secret.”
“One widely known?”
Deece shook his head. “My uncle keeps more secrets than he tells.”
Argent relented somewhat. “Whatdoyou know about me?”
“Only that this is your den. And that I should not trouble your lady if I wish to survive my apprenticeship.”
“Michael said that?”
“Gingko did.” Deece finally met Argent’s gaze. “He was … adamant.”
“Unsurprising.”
And still, the boy showed no sign of restlessness over his subjugation. Then again, males of the cat clans were used to being dominated. All things considered, Deece would be easy to manage. But would this would-be warrior fit in with Tsumiko’s future plans?
Argent asked, “How do you feel about children?”
Deece’s brows drew together in frank confusion. “The same as anyone?”
“Tsk. You will not find refuge in generalities.”
“Children are precious to the clans. They need our affection, our protection, our attention, our guidance.” Offering a small shrug, Deece added, “This is true for Kith and Kindred alike.”
“And crossbreeds?”
Deece’s eyes widened, and their expression grew soft. “Your sons and daughters, Michael’s sons and daughters, and my sons and daughters—may they cherish one another even as we cherish them.”
Sothatwas how it would be. Argent acknowledged the pledge—and all it implied—with a burst of anticipation. One thing was essentially true for Kith and Kindred, humans and crossers.
It was not good for them to be alone.
. . .
A week passed more quickly than Tsumiko could track. The entire household seemed to revolve around the needs of their newborns, with Argent taking over the kitchen and Deece patrolling the boundaries. Gingko was available at all hours to cuddle and coddle, while Michael fielded the sudden explosion of communication from the outside world.
They had caused a good deal of trouble for Tsumiko’s solicitor. Mr. West was dealing with ruffled feathers and red tape as he worked to reclaim her personal effects from the Smythes.
