Page 119 of Sacrifice
The women handle it naturally, already adapting to our new normal.
"Bed?" Saga suggests once everything's secured.
"Please. This day felt like a week."
In our room—our room, still getting used to that—she helps me change, careful of my still-healing arm.
"Thank you," she says as we settle into bed.
"For?"
"Not shutting me out. Telling me about the new threat instead of trying to protect me from the knowledge."
"You're my partner. You deserve to know what we're facing."
"Partners," she repeats. "I like that."
"Equal but different. You don't need to carry a gun or ride with the club. But you need to know what's happening, be prepared."
"Remember, I want to learn to shoot. Properly. Not just point and pray."
"Tomorrow. We'll start with basics."
"And the dogs? They need training too."
"Already on it. I know a guy, ex-military dog handler. He'll work with them and us."
She curls against me, careful of my arm. "You really have thought of everything."
"I try. Sleep now. Tomorrow's going to be busy."
But sleep doesn't come easy.
I lie awake listening—to Saga's breathing, to the dogs moving through the loft, to the city beyond our walls.
Somewhere out there, El Martillo is planning.
Someone might be feeding him information.
The war we thought we'd won has just entered a new phase.
Rex appears in the doorway, massive head tilted in question.
"Come on," I whisper.
He jumps on the bed carefully, settling at our feet.
Soon Luna and Odin follow, the bed becoming crowded with protective bodies.
"So much for no dogs on the bed," Saga murmurs sleepily.
"Security assets," I correct. "They're guarding us."
"Sure they are." She pats Rex's head. "Good security asset."
His tail thumps against the mattress.
My phone lights up—message from Magnus.
