Page 94 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
While the girl began the long list of her father’s credentials, Michael Ward slipped into the room and scanned the class. Unassuming and amiable. And at the moment, overflowing with fondness for his daughter the diplomat.
Quen had spent the entire night watching over this man’s sleep from the safety of his arms. For a while, his denmates allowed the monopoly, but as dawn approached, others stole in and settled close by—Father and Laud, Hisoka and Lapis, Argent and Gingko, Kyrie and Ever, Merit and Boon. Drawn to the gentle lure of a starry, sleepy soul, trusted and trusting, warded yet whispering. Perhaps this was another kind of magic, the way Michael effortlessly bound their souls to his, yet left them free.
Somehow, Quen wanted to have this kind of pull and push with Kimiko. To bind her soul to his own and to honor her choices. Maybe then, she would develop that special breed of loyalty known as love.
THIRTY-EIGHT
Her Pursuit
After classes dismissed for the day, Quen wanted nothing more than to rush to the Kith shelter ahead of Kimiko. But Inti wrapped himself around his head and shoulders, seeking refuge from Michael, who advanced with palms upraised.
“Now, my young friend,” coaxed Michael. “I’m not anyone to fear.”
“This guy’s like family to me!” Akira gestured broadly. “Our home’s filled with crossers.”
Isla crowded close on Quen’s other side. “Come down, Inti. My Papka can be trusted.”
Fingers drummed on a point between Eloquence’s eyebrows.
He looked up into the impish crosser’s wary face. “Yes, partner?”
“Dogs trustcarefully?”
Quen patted the monkey’s throttling tail. “We trust our noses more than words.”
Inti’s nostril’s twitched.
Although he was skirting the question Inti actually wanted answered, Quen thought it best to make a few things clear. “Humans can’t hide their scent any more than reavers can hide their souls.”
“Wards!” Inti jabbed a finger at Michael.
The reaver lifted the wrist displaying a strand of heavy amethyst beads. “I’m not hiding anything, Inti. My wards are a courtesy. Otherwise I tend to become a distraction.”
“And mine keep my soul in check.” Isla wrinkled her nose. “Since I’m still in training, they’re for your protection.”
“Reasons,” muttered Inti.
Eloquence squeezed his passenger’s ankle. “My senses are keener than you might have realized. Humans can’t hide anything, and half-humans can’t hide much.”
Inti’s gaze dropped.
Point made. Quen asked, “Do you trust me?”
The monkey crosser’s grip tightened, then slowly relaxed. “Yes, yes. But Tenma is best.”
“Good.” Quen reached up to muss Inti’s hair. “Then trust me. Michael ismybest.”
“Lies!”
More amused than affronted, Quen said, “I’m not lying.”
“No, no,” agreed Inti. “You’re late.”
Had the brat had been delaying him this whole time? Growling and giving the monkey’s hair an additional roughing, he lifted. This time, Inti let go. Dumping the snickering boy in Michael’s arms, Quen strode for the door.
“Why are you in such a hurry?” Isla called sweetly.
Eloquence didn’t hesitate, didn’t look back, but he heard Inti answer for him.
