Page 46 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
Sinder’s eyes popped open, and he groaned.
Ginkgo chuckled. “Rough day?”
“Worst for me. Best for those recruits.” Reluctantly pullingaway from Tenma’s warmth, he was grateful when the man didn’t let go of hishand. “Can’t really complain, since that’s the goal.”
“You should have said something,” grumbled the fox crosser,who wassucha nanny. “Are you hurt?”
“Me? I’m in heaven.” Which wasn’t really a lie. Tenma had arep for good reason.
Tenma quietly contradicted. “He’s in pain.”
Ginkgo growled. “Want me to find Colt Alpenglow?”
“No.” Easing more of his weight off Tenma, Sinder muttered,“Rather have Michaelson.”
“No kidding?” Ginkgo looked ready to tease, but the door swungopen.
Daylight was softening toward twilight, and Mikoto stooduncertainly on the threshold, eyes rimmed in red and ankles imperiled by hislittle nipper of a pup. The young man’s confusion was no different than Sinder’supon finding the house cram-packed.
“Good evening?”
Mikoto didn’t sound sure, and he looked emotionally mangled.Could be grieving, yet. Sinder didn’t know the kid well enough to say forcertain.
Waaseyaa stood and passed the napping little one to Ginkgo.Hurrying to Mikoto, he drew the young man further into the room and closed thedoor behind him. Zisa was there with soft words and tiptoe kisses, which Mikotobowed his head to accept. He outstripped these ancients, yet he seemed youngand lost and entirely overwhelmed.
Ginkgo gave them several moments, then repeated his earlierquestion. “Rough day?”
Mikoto nodded.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here. You can shore up our gap. Once Timurarrives, Sinder will have a full harem.”
Sinder couldn’t help but snort. “A harem full of males?”
“Perfect for our Damsel.” Ginkgo lowered his voice. “You’re awfullyragged for someone who’s just come off a long sleep.”
Which was true. And sobering.
A chair scraped, and Sinder lost hold of Tenma, who movedaround the table to offer his palms to Mikoto.
“Hello. My name is Tenma Subaru. May I know your name?”
With only a moment’s hesitation, the young headman returnedthe greeting. “Mikoto.”
“And your clan?”
Everyone in the room turned to stare at Tenma.
Pushing at his glasses, he asked, “I apologize. Are you …unaffiliated? Some are, I know.”
Mikoto finally found his voice. “I am Mikoto Reaver.”
“But you’re ….” Tenma glanced at Ginkgo before cautiously asking,“Are you a crosser, then?”
“No? I am a reaver.”
“Glint can vouch for his bloodlines,” said Waaseyaa. “Mikotois a Reaver among reavers.”
Tenma was staring hard and shaking his head. “But all thecolors. I’ve never seen the like. You’re positively … prismatic.”
