Page 51 of Bite The Power That Feeds

“Thank you.”

She dismissed herself, and I was back to my loneliness.

Then a knock sounded on the door.

“Come in.”

Cobra poked his head inside, dressed casually in trousers and a black shirt. Even without his armor, he was still a big guy, his muscles stretching the fabric of his clothing. “Want to play a round?” He held out the deck of cards.

I’d probably be playing with Fang right now if he were here. “You don’t have to keep me company—”

He turned behind him. “She said yes.” He pushed the door open and made himself comfortable on the couch.

Viper came in too, holding several bottles of liquor.

I joined them and watched Cobra deal the cards. “You guys play for money?”

“Yep.” Cobra opened a box and took out a couple cigars. He handed one to me.

“No thanks,” I said. “I don’t have any money.”

“But Kingsnake does.” Cobra waggled his eyebrows. “And what’s his is yours, right?” He nodded to the dresser. “Third drawer down.”

“How do you know that?” I walked over and opened it, finding a wad of currency just sitting there. I took a couple bills and returned.

“That’s where he kept his money as a kid.” Cobra finished dealing the cards and grabbed his hand, his cigar hanging out the side of his mouth.

We played a couple rounds, both of them smoking and drinking, treating me like I was one of the guys, when I was a woman who barely knew how to play. Fang and I played a very different game, but these guys liked poker. However, I caught on quickly and earned back the money I lost and then some.

We had a silent camaraderie, like I was one of them rather than a pity invite. They embraced me as their own, took me in as the sister they never had. I feared a life without children would be lonely, but it was nothing of the sort. I’d lost my family to nightwalkers and sickness, but now I had a new one.

Cobra put down a card.

“Thank you.”

He looked up at my words. “For what?”

Viper stared at me.

“For…” I couldn’t find the words. “Being my brothers.”

12

KINGSNAKE

My horse was taken to the stables, and I was guided to my bedchambers. It was the same one I always used when I visited, and the last time I was here, Larisa shared the space with me. I dropped my bag, showered, and then told the servant I wished to speak to my father when he was ready to receive me.

Fang was on the bed, his head and neck angled up to regard me.You’re anxiousss.

Yes.

You’re never anxiousss.

Because I’m about to have a conversation I should have had fifteen hundred years ago.

You ask for his forgivenessss.

Yes.

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