Page 108 of Sacrifice
"Don't 'yes ma'am' me if you don't mean it."
"I mean it." Mostly. "Ready?"
She pulls on her cut, adjusting it with movements already becoming natural. "Let's go get our girl and build our fortress."
The drive to Saga's old apartment is quiet, both of us processing the changes.
Three days ago she was fighting the connection.
Now she's wearing my name, moving into my home, building a life together.
The morning traffic is light, giving me time to think about everything that's shifted.
"You're thinking loud," she observes.
"Just grateful. For you saying yes. For this chance."
"Sap." But she's smiling. "Save the sweet talk for after we survive moving day."
"You've never moved with prospects helping. It's like having professional movers who are terrified of disappointing you."
"Why would they be terrified? You're injured and recovering."
"I'm still Emil. My injury doesn't make me less dangerous."
She nods, laughing. "Fair point."
The apartment complex is busy when we arrive.
Bodul's truck is backed up to the entrance, Aren and Hakon loading boxes with military precision.
Ulf's directing traffic with surprising efficiency for a kid who usually looks half-lost.
"Morning, boss," Bodul greets. "Got most of Saga's stuff loaded. Working on Elfe's room now."
"Good work." I scan the area automatically. Nothing suspicious, but the hair on my neck prickles. We're exposed here. Too many angles, too many civilians. "How much longer?"
"Maybe an hour. Elfe's got more books than a library."
"She likes to read," Saga defends. "Nothing wrong with that."
"Not complaining, just observing." Bodul grins. "Already filled three boxes just with romance novels."
"Don't judge," Elfe calls from the doorway. "Some of us like happy endings."
"No judgment," I assure her. "But if those boxes break my prospects, you're explaining to the club why we're down some manpower."
"Emil!" Elfe appears fully in the doorway, still moving carefully but eyes bright. "Did Saga tell you about the dogs? They're perfect. A bonded trio that needs to stay together."
"She mentioned it.Severaltimes."
"Don't pretend you're not excited too." She mock-glares. "I saw your browser history. You've been researching dog breeds for days."
Saga laughs. "Busted."
"Knowledge is power," I mutter. "Need to know what we're getting into."
"Sure. That's why you bookmarked 'How to Train Your Giant Dog' and 'Best Dog Beds for Multiple Large Breeds.'"
