Page 54 of Stealing Jia

“I have provided clothing for Cason, a battle harness for Pepe and jewelry for Chiara.”

“Me have harness,”Pepe barked excitedly.

Cason clapped his hands. “Ax.”

Adoz let out a mournful chirp.

Trayon produced a copper band with clan marking on it and fastened it around Adoz’s neck. “You are now a member of my clan.”

Adoz preened.

“Aren’t you a handsome boy.” I stroked his head.

Adoz tweeted happily.

“Only the Queen Mother and honored warriors are allowed to wear jewelry,” Chiara said sadly.

“You are an honored warrior. Your actions saved us all,” Trayon said.

Chiara lifted her head proudly. “I am a warrior.”

“Yes, you are. Because of you, our family is safe and those Rodan monsters will never slaughter another soul.”

A shudder shook Chiara and she looked up at me solemnly.“I give you my oath that I will serve you and Father Trayon until the Rodan have been vanquished.”

“Oh, cara, you don’t have to do that. You should discuss it with your mother first.”

“If she still lives.”

“I accept your pledge,” Trayon replied formally.

The note of satisfaction in his voice had me worried. Zarek had been trying for years to capture a Shani. How would he feel about Chiara working for the Askole? On our private link, I warned Trayon, “Don’t forget she’s a kid and part of our family. She’s not a new weapon you can play with.”

“I will protect her with my life.”There was a gleam of amusement in Trayon’s eyes.

“You think this is funny?”

“I am one of the most feared warriors in the galaxy. No one would dare disobey my orders, but you. You defied me, challenged me to combat and would have given your life to protect the children. You are a fascinating female.”

“I knew I should have done my hysterical bimbo act,”I groused.

Trayon gave me his alarming grin.“It would not have worked. You escaped Zarek. A petka could not have accomplished that feat.”

“What can I say. I’ve had a lot of experience in evading the Polizia.”I turned my attention to kids. “Let’s see what kind of goodies Father Trayon brought you.”

“I expect you on the bridge in twenty minutes,”Trayon said andwhoosh, he was gone. Along with Adoz.

I rolled my eyes. “Sure. Piece of cake. What could go wrong?”

The doors swished open and in crawled Bey with the evil twins. “You need to watch them. I am needed on the bridge.”

The kids jumped off his back and ran over to the food processor.

“No! No! No! You can’t leave them here. I have to be on the bridge in twenty minutes.”

Totally ignoring me, Bey skittered out the door.

“Hey! I’m meeting my father for the first time!” I ran after him. “Come back here you eight-legged freak!”

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