Page 50 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
The wolf laid back her ears and bared her teeth.
Radiance bowed her head. “Snow is camera shy. When it’spicture time, she doesn’t want to be included.”
Kyrie’s mother avoided cameras, as well. It was one of UncleArgent’s strictest rules. But why would a Kith have the same rule? Was Snow someoneimportant or hiding … or maybe both? Lilya was curious but asking felt like thewrong place to begin. Papka would start with trust.
Getting to her feet, Lilya showed her hands to Snow. “May Ipet you?”
Vividly copper eyes narrowed.
“May she?” asked Radiance.
Everyone held still for several moments, waiting for somesign. Even the tiniest wag of Snow’s tail would be good. But she was utterlystill.
Radiance laughed. “Really? Well, then. Snowmightallowit if you’ll let her have her way with the young sir.”
“What does that mean?” asked Kyrie.
“She wants to sniffen you, merciful dragon.”
“I do not mind.” He stood and spread his arms wide. “Please,do.”
Radiance rose and urged Lilya to get out of the way. Snowsoon had Kyrie sprawled in the straw while she snuffled and growled to herself.Kyrie’s expression remained peaceful, and he began petting Snow’s muzzlewhenever it was in reach.
“You’re very patient,” remarked Radiance.
“I have many, many younger brothers and sisters, and theyare always curious.” Almost as an afterthought, he added, “Once they are notafraid anymore.”
Snow jerked back and looked to Radiance, who asked, “Whywould they be afraid?”
Kyrie pressed his lips together.
Lilya tried to distract them. “Once they get to know him, Kyrie’stheir favorite.”
Radiance touched Lilya’s cheek and promised, “And you shallbe mine, my angel. But Snow and I would still like to know why.”
To Lilya’s surprise, Kyrie told the truth. “The little onesdo not know, and the bigger ones will not say.”
TWENTY
Bonds of Blood
Timur needn’t have worried about whether or not hecould cut it as an instructor. Managing a bunch of reaver kids was hardly anydifferent than playing with a houseful of crossers back home. They’d test hisendurance more than his patience.
Every one of them was eager to improve, to distinguishthemselves, to impress him. It was almost too easy. Suggest a game. Explain therules. Play to win. Timur honestly felt like he’d spent the day goofing off.
Very different from the tension-inducing challenge presentedby working with Naroo-soh’s recruits. He was glad he’d have both. They’d givehis summer some balance. But right now, all Timur wanted was a shower, somesoft clothes, and his son.
Well, maybe notallhe wanted. But these were thingshe could have.
Running his hand through the tangled mess of his hair, Timurstumbled into memories that weren’t quite regrets, even though they made himsadder than anything.
Fend butted his broad forehead against Timur’s hip.
“I know.” He found one of his Kith’s ears and scratched. “Iknow, but I can’t help wondering. In a few years, they could be in classes justlike these. Would I know them?”
With a growl, Fend pushed him off the path. Backing him upto a tree, the big cat reared up, planting velveted paws on Timur’s shouldersand looming over him. Then he nosed his forehead and began to purr.
Fend only ever did this sort of thing when they were alone. Timurgrabbed hold with both hands, grateful for this reminder that Fend knew. Andeven if he didn’t fully understand, he cared.
