Page 17 of The Warrior
Walking the last five steps with his eyes glued on me, Magni spoke, “If you’re determined to chase those motherfuckers, then I’m going with you.”
“That’s impossible,” Pearl exclaimed. “After you crossed the border, unauthorized, twice and kidnapped Athena, you have become public enemy number one. They would never allow you to pass the border.”
“They just did,” Magni argued. “I was at the ceremony when the earthquake happened.”
Khan spoke up. “You have no idea how long it took for Pearl to convince them to let you come. Both she and I had to make solemn promises that we guaranteed you would return with us to the Northlands, and that you wouldn’t be trouble while we were there.”
“Public enemy number one, huh!” Magni scrunched his face.
“I understand your frustration, brother, I know it’s against your nature to leave Laura unprotected, but you can’t leave your post now. There’s too much going on here and I need you to stay.”
Magni groaned and turned to me, his eyes expressive with deep worry. “If I can’t stop you, then at least I can make sure that you’re wearing the right protection, and that you bring solid weapons.” He held out a one-piece suit in a see-through material that I recognized as Proteco.
“Remember the video that I made for you?” he asked in a gruff voice. “The one where I promised you that I would teach you to fight if you came home?”
I nodded.
“Well, I had this made for you, so you wouldn’t get hurt while training. There’s no better protective gear than this and you can wear it under your clothes.”
I took the one-piece and looked it over. “I’ve seen vests and gloves, but never a full body suit. This must have cost you a fortune.”
“As I said,” Magni mumbled, “I had it especially made for you.”
I was touched by his thoughtfulness and for a second I wanted to reciprocate his kindness by telling him I would stay. But I knew Magni, and he hated indecisiveness and people who didn’t follow through on their promises. If I wanted his respect, I’d have to earn it the hard way. “Thank you,” I said and held the suit to my chest.
Magni gave a small nod, his brows drawn close together. “I wish you could wear leather on top, but if you want to blend in, I guess that’s out of the question.” He looked down at the weapons. “They might come in handy for you if those motherfuckers won’t cooperate.”
I was in a bubble with only Magni and me, and didn’t notice the others until Khan called out to Magni as they walked off. “Come join the rest of us in my office when you’re done. The negotiations will begin in half an hour.”
“Understood,” Magni muttered without taking his eyes off me.
“You can take Laura to the border afterward,” Khan added.
All I could see was the way my husband’s body was tensed up like a tragedy was about to happen.
“Tell me you’ll stay,” he said, low.
I lowered my gaze to the floor, summoning the strength to follow through on this insane quest I’d volunteered for.
“Laura?” His hand grabbed the back on my neck and he leaned his forehead against mine. “Why are you doing this to me?”
“Because I have to.”
“You don’t have to do shit, and you know it.” His grip tightened before he let go and moved back.
“I’m not asking you to understand, just to accept that I make my own decisions now. I’m not the child you once knew. I’m a woman.”
Magni rubbed his forehead. “Where is this coming from? When did I treat you as a child?”
“You always did. You never cared for my opinion or saw me as an equal.”
He made sounds of frustration but no real words.
“Would you prefer that I get a ride to the border from one of your men?”
“No, I’ll take you myself.”
“Then I’ll wait for you to finish the negotiations meeting with the Motherlands.” I moved toward the staircase.
