Page 57 of Dark Gambit Reliance

"Come to my quarters tonight," he commanded.

She turned to look at him over her shoulder. "I'll consider it, but don't stay up waiting for me."

40

TOVEN

"That wasn't what I expected." Toven lowered Mia into Yamanu's outstretched arms.

The amphibian was an old Russian navy model that looked like a tank and could only be accessed from the top. Inside, two long benches lined the sides. Six Guardians were already seated in the fetid cabin, their equipment tucked under the benches.

Military vehicles were usually kept clean, but the amphibian was old, probably decommissioned, and belonged to a drug lord or a weapons smuggler.

As Yamanu put Mia on the bench, Toven jumped down and sat next to her. "They don't even have safety belts. Is this thing even operable?"

Yamanu shrugged. "We tested it yesterday, and it did what it was supposed to do. It's not a luxury vehicle."

"Did you get Mia's harness and Kevlar suit from the van?"

"It's right here." Yamanu motioned to the large duffel bag under his seat.

"Thank you."

"No need to thank me. It's my job to ensure that we have all the necessary equipment."

Toven leaned closer to Mia, intending to whisper in her ear, but with how everyone was sitting, the others would hear him no matter how quietly he did that. "I want you to sit on my lap so I can hold you. This is going to get bumpy, and your balance isn’t as good as the others.”

"Okay," she said, surprising him.

He'd expected an argument, but for once Mia had chosen safety over pride.

"That was easy." He wrapped his arms around her, and as he lifted her and sat her on his lap, she buried her nose in the crook of his neck.

"I'd rather smell you than this cabin."

So that was why she'd agreed so readily.

"The ride is about two hours long," Yamanu said. "Try to get comfortable."

"I'm very comfortable." Mia nuzzled Toven's neck. "After the day we had yesterday, I could use a little nap." She sighed and put her head on his chest. "Shopping is exhausting."

While the Guardians had tested the amphibian and scoped the hunting grounds, William had worked on the drones, and Toven, Mia, and Sylvia had spent the day shopping and sightseeing in St. Petersburg.

"I have a question," Toven turned his gaze to Yamanu. "How did you and your Guardians manage to stay hidden from the occasional Kra-ell patrol? The purebloods can smell and hear as well as the gods, which means that they can hear and smell the Guardians before the Guardians can hear and smell them unless the patrolmen are all hybrids. It makes sense that the task would be relegated to them, but I would expect at least one pureblood to command each patrolling unit."

Yamanu grinned. "We have the advantage of technology on our side. We no longer have to rely on our senses alone."

"I see." Toven nodded. "Perhaps I should join a few of your training sessions to acquaint myself with modern warfare."

Mia sighed. "I'm too anxious to fall asleep. I've never taken part in a military operation."

"That's not true," Yamanu said. "This is your fourth time. You helped Toven twice in Safe Haven, and two days ago, you helped him interrogate a Kra-ell. You're a veteran."

She chuckled. "The two hybrids in Safe Haven don't count. I was perfectly safe there. I was a little apprehensive the day before yesterday, but I never even left the van. Today I'm going to be strapped to Toven's back as he sprints through the woods with a team of immortal warriors at his side and with danger lurking all around. That's a real adventure."

"Don't worry, Mia. You have a god and seven immortal Guardians protecting you. We won't let harm come to you."

Yamanu's sing-song voice had a soothing effect, and as he started humming a tune, Mia let out a breath, and a moment later she was asleep.

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