Page 24 of The Demon's Fire
“Of course. It doesn’t hurt you are the legendary ylven warrior commandant who saved my life on more than one occasion.”
“Such flattery. Be careful or your feet will be cold tonight, my soulmate and chancellor.” Caleth wrapped her arms around Laegon’s waist, squeezing. “Besides, I don’t recall you having to look for company. The females seemed to find you.”
“See,” said Laegon, “a mate is wonderful. She strokes my ego along with other places.”
Kole studied the two ylves, part of him envying their bond. “I’m not mate material, but if I were, the female with Thannor would be my last choice.” As he said this, Skyler peeked over her shoulder, a small smile curling her lips, her blue eyes brightening. When she caught herself, her icy expression returned.
Shaking off the moment, Kole changed the subject to something he was more comfortable with. “Tell me about the Isolationists outside your temple. Are they becoming a problem?”
Laegon deferred to his commandant. “They are less often law-abiding than in the past. We are told they are divided. A small faction wants to maintain peaceful protest. The larger faction believes the non-violent actions no longer work. They favor changing tactics.”
“How so?”
“They want to up the hostility. We hear the pacifist ylve Simon, who started the group, has lost control of it. Other breeds are joining, spouting purist lingo.”
Caleth adjusted the folds of her transparent robe. “They kidnapped an ylve from North Shelters. Faeth. Her mate used to be one of yours, I believe. Lobo. For de-programming, they claim.”
Kole tugged on the blade harness across his chest. “I heard. Didn’t realize she was Lobo’s. Bigoted ugliness is on the rise again even though laws preventing interbreed mating no longer exist.”
“Yes.” Laegon brushed a palm along Caleth’s hip.
“Commander Jarek is negotiating with the Isolationists,” said Caleth.
Kole tightened his brows. Another problem to add to a mounting number of shit-shows.
Laegon and his mate dropped the topic. A smiling Caleth slipped her hand through the crook of Kole’s arm to lead him toward the open bar. “It’s time to sample our local wine.”
“Just what I’ve been waiting to hear.”
After nearly three hours of meeting ylves, making small talk, and drinking ylven wine, Kole approached the group gathered around Skyler. Apologizing, he led her aside.
“We’re due at the Scion Firebrand stronghold in North Shelters before nightfall. It’s time to leave.” Since she’d snapped at him the last time, Kole hesitated before he charged ahead. “Tomorrow would be a good time to consider a clothing change and a different ceremony in Knife’s Edge.”
Skyler glared at him, her arms folded. “You spend an inordinate amount of time, Commander, worrying about where I want to go and how I dress. These are not your decisions. My clothing choices are always professional. As far as the ceremony in the demon region tomorrow, it remains my choice.”
“Right, then. On to North Shelters where we’ll spend the night. Your bag with inappropriate clothing is already there.” Kole knew he was being petty, butoh well. He stomped ahead, letting Skyler say her farewells before she maneuvered alone down the path to the portal. Whenever he heard her mutter or stumble on the rocks, laughter rumbled from his chest.
Yeah. Petty. But rewarding.
By the time they trekked to the bottom, traveled through the portal, and had a meet with Nace, commander of the Northern Stronghold, Skyler nearly face-planted in her late-night dinner before tottering off to her quarters.
In his own room, Kole tapped his wrist to call Bounty.She still insists on the demon Genesis Rite in Knife’s Edge. I’ve tried to talk her out of it, but she won’t even let me explain why. Hand goes up. Frown comes on. So, fuck it. Besides, if things get out of control, I’ll deal. Tell them it’s a go.
Do you think the chief knows what it is?
Kole flopped onto the bed, stretching out his legs.Damned if I know. I can’t remember the last time a human visitor participated in the demon rite. Apparently, her father did. Which is why she’s hellbent to keep it on her list.
I would love to be in the audience. Damn. It would be so worth it. I don’t suppose you’d take pictures.
Kole grunted, disconnecting. “Yeah. I can hardly wait,” he muttered.
ChapterSeven
Fromher accommodations in the Northern Stronghold the next day, Skyler took a break after the early morning tour to join a video conference.
Technology expert Sarah Jenkins, Siri to her friends, led the session from a TelePresence room at the Alliance, complete with monitors, cameras, and speakers. State of the art. Cal, Anna, and Laurie sat on the same side of the table facing the camera and monitor while taking notes or doodling on their own tablets.
With her laptop in front of her, Sarah cleared her throat. “TheBigReveal sent a password—MonsterMash. So let’s look at their e-lingo. Right now, they’re protected, but heads up. If they remove the security, the whole world gets an eyeful.”
