Page 67 of Rifted Hearts
Remi wasn’t much use battling dragons, but he knew something about negotiation, even if he was stuck in a livestock chute with two stone lions guarding him like whatever trophy cowboys got when they won the rodeo.
“We have a few conditions to discuss first.” Remi caught Lyall’s gaze and gave him a quick nod. The hellhound had sworn an oath to not interfere in the duel, but now that it was over, some added muscle couldn’t hurt. “Don’t we, Kaveh?”
Lyall and Kat both stood up, and the vet assistant accepted Garreth’s duster and hat from the ranch owner before the two of them strode out into the arena. Kat helped Kaveh pull the long coat around him and plopped the matching black cowboy hat on his head. Lyall transformed into his hellhound shape, which barely caused a ripple of surprise from the overwhelmed crowd. He put a huge paw on Rhys’s chest.
“Yes, we do.” Kaveh turned to flash Remi a relieved smile. That, and accepting that the two of them were a “we”set Remi’s heart fluttering. “Let’s start with agreeing that Remi Gatti is no longer anyone’s prisoner.”
Xiang Jao gave Remi an appraising look then inclined her head to Kaveh. “I accept the judgment of the Matchmaker, and everyone in my clan will do the same.” She didn’t mention Rhys by name, but she didn’t have to. “The guardians will release Remigio Gatti to your custody.”
Remi was all for getting out of his tacky green jail, but there were larger issues to discuss. “There’s also the little matter of Moon Star Ranch, Cactus Flower Estates, and a good chunk of Tucson being inside the drakone riftland.”
“We don’t have the control object.” The matriarch’s tone held an edge to it, so Lyall put more pressure on Rhys’s chest, eliciting a yelp. She let out her breath in a huff. “When we locate it, we will restore the borders.”
“I want your word the Saguaro Rift clan will continue its protection of the monstertown and pledge to defend the ranch.” Kaveh was getting the hang of this. “During and after this crisis you and the clan created.”
“That includes maintaining the water rights to both locations,” Remi added. “As well as recognizing the sovereign rights of all relevant local governments and respecting the rights of all sentient species clans, including the ones you don’t like.”
He was referring to Amanita, Flutterberry, Snow, and even Bug, but he didn’t want any of his ratkind relatives left out of this deal either. Hell, he’d throw in the phantoms if they backed off trying to eat everyone.
Xiang Jao stood straighter, her scales gleaming in the sun and her voice echoing with power. “You have my word.”
Kaveh exhaled and turned his back to her. He bent down to the ground, ignoring Rhys’s panting gasps as he searched for something in the dust. Then he strode over to thelivestock chute, the duster flapping around his heels, Remi’s very own cowboy doctor hero.
Raion and Kaida both bowed, and Kaveh bowed back. He threw the gate open wide and pulled Remi into a bear hug. Then he put the Matchmaker Rolex on Remi’s wrist and kissed him.
27
“Are you hurt?” Kaveh pulled back from embracing Remi, as if he was worried his touch might be unwelcome—frightening, even.
There was no sign of the Azdaha drakone who had burst out of the earth spewing poisonous fire. There was only the Kaveh Remi knew, wearing a concerned expression and worrying about everyone else’s feelings.
“I’d say only my pride.” Remi looked down at his ripped living leathers, unsure where the blood and damage to the creature ended and his injuries began. His face must look even worse. “But that would be a lie even I couldn’t pull off. Better than being dead though, which I would be if it wasn’t for you.”
“Rhys had no right to touch you.” Kaveh’s voice was low and hoarse, the fury he had unleashed upon his ex simmering in his words. At least his hands weren’t glowing with the green fire of summ. He already had better control over that dangerous weapon, and he had succeeded in changing into his terrifying Azdaha earth form before he was more than thirty Earth years old.
Remi bet that pissed off Kaveh’s nasty ex as much as getting his ass kicked in the duel.
Then a thought struck him, and he gave his forehead a whack. Which hurt, a lot. How could it have taken him so long to figure this out?
“You need medical attention and rest.” Kaveh reached for his hand, probably worried Remi might try to add to his own bruises again.
“I’m fine.” Remi interlaced his fingers into Kaveh’s, the touch setting off the same spark of connection he had felt the first time they met, only now he understood it was more than a physical attraction. The warmth and comfort of Kaveh’s skin against his was there too. It felt so good to touch Kaveh and to know he was okay and worried about Remi despite all the absolute shit Remi had put the man through. But the two of them had work to do. “Walk with me.”
The entire clan of drakones had gathered around the matriarch. Rhys was back on his feet, dusting off his ren faire warrior outfit and not looking nearly battered and cut up enough for Remi’s taste.
All of the clan fell silent as Remi approached. He squeezed Kaveh’s hand for courage.
Then he pulled his hand loose, went up to Rhys, and poked a finger into the drakone’s chest. That produced a few gasps, which was quite gratifying.
“So.” Remi adopted the most suggestive and inappropriate tone he could manage. No psychic boost to it though. That would be icky. “Is that a dildo on your belt, or are you happy to see me?”
Rhys jerked back and shot a quick glance at Tarasque and Xiang Jao for support, who both responded with weary expressions. Even Rhys’s wife and fellow husband were sick ofhis shit at this point. “As the matriarch said, we all now accept the Matchmaker’s decision. I’m planning to leave immediately for the keep, and you can save your puerile jokes for Kaveh.”
“You’re not leaving until you show both me and Kaveh what you’re carrying on your belt.” Remi felt a spurt of panic that he was way off with his guess.
But Rhys’s eyes widened in fear and shock.
Remi knew he had him.
