Page 3 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
“I have three-hundred and eighty-three years,” he said wearily. “Look to my nieces and nephews for a Starmark representative. I know my place, and it is here.”
“None of your packmates have the qualities I require.”
And suddenly, Eloquence noticed that Hisoka wasn’t simply holding his hand, he was gently kneading his palm. A soothing gesture, to be sure, but focused on the calluses he’d developed through long years of training with Uncle Laud and with Uncle Karoo-ren.
“Youneeda tribute?” He’d overheard snatches of concerned conversations here and there, but maybe he shouldn’t jump to conclusions. There were many tasks given to a tenth child. “Because you need someone to speak for our Kith?”
Hisoka gestured to the negative.
Which really only left one sobering possibility. “You expect trouble.”
“Expectation and preparation are certainly part of my job description.” His smile was bland. “Didn’t I mention how much easier I’ll rest knowing you’re at New Saga? I’m sure I did.”
Eloquence mounted the steps to the pavilion that had been his home ever since Dad had given him over to Uncle Laud for training. He eased through the door. In the corner, a large dog raised his head, copper eyes catching the light.
Rise’s tail thumped against tatami.Welcome back.
He grunted an acknowledgment as he toed out of his boots and wriggled free of his socks. “How’s Ever?”
Peaceful.
The Kith curled protectively around Quen’s greatest responsibility. Sure, Ever still spent much of his day with Mother, but he slept here. And that madethishis den. Because even before Ever was weaned, Dad had settled matters. Eloquence was Ever’s big brother, babysitter, and bodyguard. They belonged to each other in much the way Eloquence belonged to Uncle Laud. A fosterling.
Did he change his mind?
Eloquence leaned into the big auburn dog’s flank and slid to the floor. “It’s no use. I have to go.”
Rise whined sympathetically.
Stroking his baby brother’s silky hair, Quen gently tugged at a pointed puppy ear. “Wake up, little brother. I brought you a baby.”
The ear flickered, and Ever’s head popped up, nose already twitching. “Clare!”
“Yes, Clarion is here.” He patted a place at his side. “Uncle Prospect needs us to protect her while he plays music.”
The boy crawled closer. “Baby,” he crooned. “Ours?”
“Yes, she’s our packmate.” As the boy gave her blanket an experimental poke, Quen murmured, “Gently, Ever. Mind your claws.”
“I mind,” he promised.
Born the same year as the Emergence, Ever Starmark was the most famous hybrid on the planet. His mother, Dad’s second bondmate, was human, and Ever’s very existence was considered proof that peace wasn’t just possible, it offered new possibilities for the human and inhuman races.
Eloquence slouched into Rise and smiled at Ever’s shifting expression. He knew every quirk and dip of those auburn ears, the swirl of emotion through shining eyes, and the eager thump of his stubby tail. If Quen was completely honest, Ever was the main reason he’d dragged his feet about enrollment. He couldn’t exactly bring a three-year-old to class.
How was he supposed to explain high school to Ever?
“I don’t have a choice,” he whispered.
The Kith nosed the top of his head and licked his ear.I will be here.
“Thanks.” Eloquence tangled his fingers in Rise’s fur. “I’ll be counting on you.”
But Quen’s frown deepened. Because Hisoka’s subtle request had definitely carried the weight of a command. And although Eloquence had never attended any kind of school, he’d known students, seen textbooks, and heard enough grievances about homework to strongly suspect that his immediate future would require large amounts ofeffort.
And quite possibly danger.
THREE
