Page 16 of A Single Thread Of Hope

I laughed, because intense was an understatement. Badb took her position as the most fearsome creature on a battlefield very seriously. Her favor could win or lose wars. “Intense is putting it lightly.”

I watched her with Wren, looking for any sign of treachery or ill intent, despite what Badb had sworn. I knew words were easy. But her posture was relaxed, and she didn’t look like she was plotting. I remembered her plotting face well; it wasn’t something you could easily forget.

Fuck me.This was a disaster. One thing I knew, though, was that neither Badb nor Clio were staying within the walls of the compound. I’d talk to Demke or Teron about alternative accommodations, but no way was my ex-wife sleeping down the hall from the woman I loved.

Wren and Milo led everyone out to the grape trellis, and I wasn’t surprised to see Demke there, reclining like he didn’t have a care in the world, not even the sudden appearance of another Mythic who rivaled him in power. I was also unsurprised to see the Gryphon lying beside him, almost like a pet. If a pet could pop your head from your neck in an instant.

It was a subtle show of force.

Cliona squealed as a whole bunch of the dogs yawned and stretched, some coming over warily to check out the newcomers. “Oh my goddess, puppies!” No one liked a squealing banshee, but she gushed as she fell to her knees and was ferociously licked by a bunch of dogs, who probably had terrible breath and more than a few parasites.

Wren chuckled, and as Cy sidled up to her in his dog form, she buried her fingers in his soft coat. She definitely forgot he was a man at times, and he took full advantage of that fact. But the adoring way he looked up at her had me holding my tongue and leaving my ax by my side.

While I’d been distracted by the spectacle the pack were making, Badb and Demke had been having a stare-off. Milo had an arm wrapped around Wren’s waist, like he was ready to throw himself between her and dueling Gods at any moment. Wren was smart enough to recognize a volatile situation when she saw one, so she didn’t seem to protest being shielded.

Finally, whatever pecking-order bullshit was over, and Badb inclined her head. “I am the Morrigan. I have come to pledge my allegiance to the Mother of Fate.”

Wren’s head snapped to me.Mother of Fate?she mouthed silently, and I shrugged.

Demke looked past Badb to me, and it was probably the first time in centuries that she’d been so easily dismissed. “Is her word good?”

Well, fuck.The Badb I’d known would have murdered him where he stood for insinuating her word meant nothing. Despite the faint pulse of her jaw, she didn’t seem angry at Demke’s words. Everyone was looking at me now, and I knew that Demke was leaving it in my hands.

Did I trust Badb’s word? She’d been known to lie, but I didn’t think she was at this moment. Maybe that was naive of me, but still, I nodded.

Clio let out a sigh of relief, and I shot her a pissed expression. Dropping her gaze, she went back to stroking one of the dogs that had hair like a boar-bristle brush.

Erus appeared with glasses and a huge pitcher of iced lemonade. And a bottle of rakí.I didn’t know where their supply was from, but the clear alcohol seemed to be more plentiful thanwater in this town. “Well, if that’s sorted, please sit. Have a drink.”

Clio came over to sit at the table, and soon enough, Badb sat beside her. I sat as far away as possible, while Milo led Wren to sit beside me. I wrapped an arm around her, an obvious show of where my loyalties lay—not with my ex-wife.

Throwing me slightly guilt-ridden looks, Clio smiled at Wren. “You’re looking radiant. Huge, but radiant.”

I rolled my eyes at my old friend. “You can’t tell a pregnant woman that she looks huge, Cliona, for fuck’s sake.”

Wren, proving once again why I loved her, just laughed. “I think it’s safe to call someone huge if they can't sit up in bed without the help of at least two mystical creatures.” She shook her head. “I can’t wait until they’re here, but at the same time, I’m terrified of them being out in the world. It’s like a sword of Damocles hanging over my head.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Milo run his fingers up and down her spine soothingly. I hadn’t ever imagined that I could be happy sharing her, but I was beginning to realize that I was.

Nodding solemnly, Clio’s face folded into one I knew well. Her business face. I might know her as my fun, lighthearted friend, but it didn’t negate the fact she was the representative and key negotiator of our Pantheon in the States. “You aren’t wrong. It’s why I’m here. And it’s why I brought Morrigan.” She sucked in a deep breath. “There’s a war brewing, and people are gathering armies. Some will stand behind the new Fates, and some will try to maintain the status quo. It’s spread beyond the Greek Mythics now. You should expect more people like us to arrive soon. The time to hide is almost over.”

Ice ran through my veins at her words. It might not be the cry of thebean-sidhe,but for our little group, it may as well be.

Chapter 9

CYDON

Ilooked at the large hound in front of me. Attie was a loyal, steadfast canine. He’d never had a home, had been born on the streets of Heraklion, and knew nothing but survival. Wiry and a dirty dishwater color, he wasn’t a dog that would be rescued by well-meaning tourists. He was big, scary, and one hundred percent mutt, but he’d been the first to answer my call, and even now, he was the first to volunteer for missions.

The street dogs say there’s a weird energy on the island, but they don’t know if it’s the new Mystics still here, or intruders.

Talking to the dogs was less coherent than communicating with humans—more single words, body language, images and sounds—but when you’d been doing it forever, it was like a second language. I let out a low growl in my chest to express my disgruntlement about strangers on our turf, and Attie yipped agreement.

Keep an eye out. And be careful. Where Mythics might have ignored the pack before, after the latest attack, they’ll be watching for you now. Keep low. Stay safe.

Attie made a grumble of agreement.I have enlisted the help of—he made a hacking noise, like he was going to puke up rancidmeat—the cats. No one is watching for them, and they owe me one.

Communicating with cats was different than communicating with dogs, and I couldn’t say I’d been friendly with many of them over the years. But we could communicate, and if they were willing to help, I’d take it.

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