Page 125 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
He didn’t budge. “My place is usually with Merit. My eldest brother and I help to coordinate the movements of our pack as they patrol the city. This is especially important when they are tracking something.”
“So you need to go,” she surmised, loosening her hold.
Eloquence firmly declared, “I will not rebuff my suitor on the very night of our betrothal.”
“But it’s an emergency.”
“Then kiss me quick, Kimiko.”
Formalities. Her pledge wouldn’t be complete without the requisite kiss, and if he left without one, his clan could consider her spurned. Up on tiptoe, she brushed her lips quickly across his. Only when she tried to back away, he caught her wrists and pulled her back.
“I was in a hurry to begin the kiss, not to end it,” he chided. “Besides, I don’t think Ever was watching.”
At the sound of his name, the little boy’s ears pricked.
With both representatives looking on, Kimiko kissed Eloquence again, soft and slow.
He hummed against her mouth and even stole a tiny taste. Boots began stomping, coming from the direction of his brothers. And Rise broke into a howl that set off every other canine in the vicinity.
Pulling back, Eloquence whispered, “Do not make me wait too long for your next pledge.”
“In a hurry?” she teased.
He stole a quick kiss, then hurried over to Merit, Prospect, and Valor, who welcomed him with much back-slapping and roughing up of hair.
Kimiko was about to go see if she could help Isla calm down Inti when she realized that Anna Starmark was striding her way, talking over her shoulder at Harmonious, whose whole posture was placating.
He was saying, “… to the boys and me. There’s no need for you to ….”
“Is itthatdragon?” Anna asked sharply.
“Not specifically, my love.” Harmonious offered a slow, reluctant nod. “But he is of the same bloodline.”
Her lips thinned and she moved past Kimiko to stand before Mr. Miyabe, who still sat with Ever on his lap. She said, “If you would be so kind as to watch over my son while I take care of an unfortunate matter, I would be grateful.”
“Anna,” groaned Harmonious.
“I am a Starmark. I will protect my pack and the city we call home.”
“As is your right,” he reluctantly acknowledged.
Spinning to face Kimiko, Anna asked, “May I enter your treasury?”
It was really more of a command than a request, but it baffled Kimiko. The question must have shown on her face, for Anna Starmark wasted no time in answering.
“I must reclaim my sword.”
FORTY-EIGHT
Pocket Enclave
Tenma attempted a protest. “I can walk.”
“You cannot.” Lapis addressed the three Nightspangle wolves. “Have you been granted a secure den somewhere?”
“Yessir,” said Hanoo.
“Lead on,” the dragon implored, with a sharp chirrup for emphasis.
