Page 23 of Arresting the Warlord

“It keeps us from using our psychic abilities,”Jake answered.

“Huh? It didn’t work on me.”

“Your shaman powers must cancel out its effects,”Zarek said and removed the little dude’s ring.“Hopefully, it’s something Elder Tsosie and you can teach us.”

Relief flooded me. I knew in that moment Zarek wouldn’t harm my father.

“Neither of you were ever in any danger of being harmed. You and your father are part of the Coletti family now. We take care of our own,”Zarek stated.

Alarm flared to life. “But, we’re not Coletti.”

“You soon will be,” Zarek replied and vanished.

A squawk of horror broke from me. “No!”

“It’s time you explained the facts of life to her, Jake.” General Jones picked up the little dude and teleported.

I stomped over to Jake. “You bastard! Your blood did change me.”

“It makes you stronger, harder to kill, and if you’re injured, you’ll heal faster.”

Little bolts of lightning crackled around me. “Does it make me your unwilling mate?”

“It makes you my partner,” Jake responded cautiously.

I bared my teeth in a snarl. “With benefits?”

“Maybe. Down the road. We’ll see how it goes.”

“Touch me and I’ll fry your ass.”

Jake held up his hands. “I think you need some chocolate.”

“Arrrgh! You’re such a jackass.” A tiny lightning bolt zapped his boot.

“Yeow!” Jake jumped back. “The only way we catch the murderer is by working together, or had you forgotten that?”

“It’s the only reason I haven’t incinerated you.”

Father’s voice echoed in my head.“Do not allow your anger to control you.”

I closed my eyes and fought for control. Whether I liked it or not, Jake was now a permanent part of my life and being a raging bitch wasn’t going to help matters. I’d make nice until I figured out a way to stop the bonding process.

Jake let out a martyred sigh. “Still want that shower and some clean clothes?”

“I do, and chocolate would be nice too.”

“Would it now?” Jake eyed me warily and held out his hand. “Truce?”

“Truce.” I placed my hand on his callused palm.

Chapter Five

Poof! We were standing in a room with a large glass shower. Jake pointed to a black tunic, leggings and underwear on a narrow mental bench. “Those are for you to wear. When you’re done, holler and I’ll come get you.”

I nodded.

Jake teleported away.

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