Page 137 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“When Nasume fell, all the lichen exploded into dust,” Drayden said. “I think it’s finally over.”
While Maseo had heard Kizoshi confirm Ishibiya had transferred to another skeleton, he didn’t want to betray the Ariake clan’s trust in him by divulging that fact.
Sudryl shrugged. “And if it’s not, then we’ll keep fighting until we defeat him once and for all.”
“Exactly,” Drayden agreed. “Whatever comes next, you won’t face it alone.”
“I’ll be right beside you, watching your back.” Bitris’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “And your front. And all the parts in between. I’mverythorough in my protection services.”
“I’m sure you are,” Maseo said, feeling his cheeks warm despite himself. Bitris’s relentless flirtation made everything feel normal again, even with his body battered and his future uncertain.
Bitris draped an arm around Maseo’s shoulders, mindful of his injuries. “We’re with you to the end, pup. Though I’d appreciate a bit of recovery time before the next apocalyptic battle.” He leaned in, his lips brushing Maseo’s ear. “I have so many things I want to show you, and most of them require privacy and stamina.”
Before Maseo could respond, the door swung open to reveal Lieutenant Rylan Norkon. The man’s eyes lit up when he saw Maseo. “I thought I might find you here.”
“Seeking our wounded hero while he’s vulnerable?” Bitris challenged, refusing to move from his position pressed against Maseo’s side. “How predictably opportunistic of you, Lieutenant.”
“Says the man practically sitting in his lap,” Rylan retorted. “I see your subtlety is refined as ever, Bitris.”
“Subtlety is for people who don’t know what they want. And I know what and who I want.” He ran his fingers through Maseo’s hair.
“Funny, I didn’t realize the king had granted you permission to handle his personal interests,” Rylan replied. “Or did I miss that announcement while we were busy winning a war?”
Bitris’s eyes narrowed at the implied challenge. “Sharing is caring, Lieutenant. I’d be happy to demonstrate my caring nature with you as well. I have plenty of affection to go around.”
“Yes, I’m sure your ‘affection’ has circulated plenty already,” Rylan countered with a smirk. “General Jaega has requested Maseo’s presence.”
Bitris pouted, tightening his hold on Maseo. “You’re taking him away? He just got here! We were about to break out the celebratory whiskey, and I was going to offer him a full-body massage to ease his pain.”
“Is that what you’re calling it these days?” Rylan joked. “I’m sure your healing techniques are legendary, but the general’s summons takes precedence over your sex therapy session.”
“Fine,” Bitris sighed as he released Maseo. “But I expect him returned in the same condition you found him, with noadditional damage and no sampling the goods yourself. His lips are reserved for my personal attention once he’s healed.”
“Something tells me Maseo has a different opinion about that arrangement he never agreed to,” Rylan said, offering the half-wolf shifter a hand up. “Don’t feel bad. It’s not your fault he has higher standards than you’re accustomed to.”
Bitris gasped in mock offense. “You wound me, Lieutenant!”
“Save me some of the whiskey,” Maseo requested as he pushed himself to his feet with Rylan’s help.
“We’ll be waiting,” Drayden assured him. “Try not to get into any more life-threatening situations between here and wherever you’re going.”
“With my luck lately? No promises,” Maseo joked.
“Don’t worry,” Bitris called as they headed for the door. “If you’re not back in an hour, I’ll come rescue you myself. I look stunning in hero’s armor. Or naked, if you prefer.”
Once they were alone in the corridor, Rylan surprised him by stopping and pulling him into a gentle hug that avoided his worst injuries. “I’m so glad you survived. When I heard what happened, I feared we’d lost you.”
Rylan pulled away but kept his hands on Maseo’s shoulders. “You know, Bitris isn’t wrong. The eye patch gives you a roguish charm.” His smile turned playful. “If I didn’t value my position and my life, I’d show you how attractive I find it.”
A warm flush crept up Maseo’s neck. “It’s strange being thanked for patricide with flirtation.”
“When your father is that awful of a ruler and parent? You deserve all the praise and admiration in the three realms. Besides, flirting with handsome heroes is how I show I care.” His expression softened. “And I do care, Maseo. We all do, though some of us are more sexually harassing about it than others.”
As they walked, Rylan’s steady presence beside Maseo comforted him. “Is General Jaega really here? I thought he was staying in Norello to help with the Claim of Conquest.”
“Now that arrangements have been made for Kisano to become the new king of Kunushi, our general felt the situation had stabilized enough to leave another one of the lieutenants there to oversee the final preparation for Kisano’s arrival. His need to see his mate was too strong to stay any longer.”
“I’m surprised he didn’t pick you to stay in his place.”
