Page 104 of Mortal Shift
“You two could try seducing the guards,” he said with a lecherous grin.
“Or you could invite the pair of them to a threesome,” I suggested sweetly.
“Or you two could stop arguing and work together,” Ling said, silencing the pair of us. I shared a look with Jax.
“She’s right, you know.”
“Fine. What’s your plan?”
“Again with me having to come up with a plan?”
As the three of us stood clustered in the shadows, the door swung open, and a figure emerged. It took me a moment to recognize her.
“Aw, shit. We should get out of here,” I said.
Jax squared his shoulders and notched his chin. “I don’t run from leeches.”
His voice was loud enough that it carried, and Thessalia’s head snapped round. Her eyes narrowed as she spotted the three of us.
“Who are you calling a leech, pup?” she demanded.
I stepped between the two of them before they could escalate beyond insults—probably not my smartest move, given how Thessalia felt about me.
“There’s been enough blood spilled already,” I told them both firmly, and nodded meaningfully at the guards. “And this isn’t the place.”
Thessalia narrowed her eyes. “The human speaks sense.”
“Wonders never cease,” I muttered.
“Indeed,” she agreed icily.
“We’ve got a message for your brother,” Jax said, glaring at her. She twisted to him with preternatural grace.
“Then you will have to return when he is conscious.”
My heart sank. “He’s unconscious?”
“That’s what I said, is it not?”
“I might have a way to wake him up,” Jax said, his lips parting in a menacing smile.
“If you lay a single filthy claw on my brother, pup, it will be the last thing you do.”
“Enough,” I snapped. “Both of you. Jax, you can’t beat someone into consciousness. And Thessalia, no-one is going to hurt your brother.”
“Someone already did.”
“Yes, they did,” I agreed. “And I intend to find out who. That’s why I’m here.”
“Why do you care, human?” she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.
“Because I know Cole didn’t do this, and I need to prove it.”
She drew in a breath and then inclined her head the smallest fraction. “Then I shall assist you.”
“I don’t fucking think so,” Jax said. “We don’t need any help from le—”
I planted my hand firmly on his chest and cut him a firm look. “We need all the help we can get. You know what will happen if they pin this on him, and the council already thinks it’s an open and shut case.”
