Page 88 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
He shook his head. “Everything you say just sorta makes sense.”
Suuzu murmured, “Akira already trusts you.”
“Normally, I’d be pleased.” Sinder’s faraway gaze suddenly snapped into focus. “Open the door.”
Akira was halfway there when he collided with Suuzu. The phoenix took a firm tone. “I promised we would stay behind safe boundaries.”
A light rap came, and Sinder offered a weary smile. “Open the door for Juuyu.”
Suuzu got there first. Both boys were soon clasped against Juuyu’s sides while he exclaimed over the mess and reassured himself that his chicks were unharmed. Sinder eased onto his knees and bowed until his forehead touched the floor, which brought Juuyu up short. “You are injured.”
“Hardly worth mentioning.”
And suddenly, Akira and Suuzu were standing alone by the door.
Juuyu grumbled as he fussed, thoroughly inspecting his partner’s injuries as he quizzed him in undertones. Finally, he took a seat at Sinder’s side, shoulders sinking to a disconsolate angle. “She will live,” he quietly announced to the room.
“And …?”
Juuyu shook his head. “He eluded us. Again.”
Sinder whistled a series of notes that descended sorrowfully. “Poor Boon.”
THIRTY-SIX
Poor Boon
The scent of blood had Eloquence on edge long before Lapis burst through his door, calling over his shoulder, “In here!”
“I do know my way around,” grumbled his father’s voice. Then Dad shouldered through the door with Uncle Laud, carrying the bloodied figure of Boonmar-fen between them.
Merit was at their side in an instant. “Boon, you idiot, stop struggling!”
“My quarry,” snarled the wolf. “Myteam.”
Quen had been closeted with his eldest brother all evening, listening, relaying information, and coordinating the movements of their Kith from the relative quiet of his pavilion. They had been the support for Boon’s team, who had uncovered one of the kidnapper’s hideaways.
“Your team sent for us,” Dad soothed. “Come now, you’re bleeding!”
“S’nothing.” Boon’s feet shuffled and dragged. Struggling free, he staggered, and both dogs were needed to keep the big tracker on his feet.
“Nothing,” echoed Lapis, lavish with sarcasm. “I would prefer your recklessness not rob Adoona-soh of a well-loved son. Cooperate, whelp.”
“I have more years,” muttered Boon, his eyes rolling as they struggled to focus.
Lapis got into the wolf’s face. “If you wish tokeepyour advantage, submit. You need a healer’s touch.”
“Do as you’re told, for once!” begged Merit.
Eloquence had never seen his eldest brother lose his composure. Boon had been his best friend since weanling days.
“Shut it, Penny.” But Boon’s muscles went limp.
Merit helped haul his friend onto the sprawl of furs on the inner room’s floor. Eloquence followed, and Dad signaled urgently. “Son, summon Courageous.”
“No,” Boon snapped. “Won’t have her.”
“I’m not matchmaking. Please, Boon. She’s our healer, and you’re in need.”
