Page 40 of First Offense
“I still can’t hear him,” Raven grumbled. “It’s like he’s been corrupted by Novak.”
Wrong,I thought.He just temporarily allowed you mental access to help protect Zian and Sorin. Now that I’m here, it’s no longer needed.
Clyde growled in agreement.
Yeah, I know. I owe you. But tell me more about this new section.
He gave me a general map, telling me where Auric had gone. Something about being promised a phone. I nearly rolled my eyes.
He fell for that?
Clyde essentially shrugged.
The Nora Warrior was smarter than that. Perhaps he’d used it as a chance to see more of the prison.I’m surprised he left Layla alone.
Clyde glanced at the female in question, chittering again.
She took another step back, amusing me.I think she’s afraid you might bite her.
Clyde squeaked—his version of a happy agreement. Then he gave me directions on how to locate Auric.
My gut told me that he was walking right into a trap.
Stubborn Nora Warrior.
He clearly hadn’t received the message that he was in hell with the rest of us, meaning his rights were officially revoked.
I’d pity the bastard if I weren’t so fucking annoyed. Because now I needed to go ensure his safety before he met with whatever fate lurked in wait.
I couldn’t torment him if he was dead.
Thanks, Clyde, I said.
He chirped again, his scales momentarily taking over his fur.
Layla gasped at the sight, causing me to smirk.Show-off.
I swore the little demon winked before scurrying back down my side to dart across the concrete and sand and into a little hole.
“Nice, uh, pet,” Layla said.
I looked her up and down, my lips curling at the gorgeous sight before me. “Yes. I’m rather fond of her as well,” I replied, brushing her wing to underline my taunt.
Her lips curled down, my insinuation not yet clear. Or perhaps it was my intimacy that irked her. Regardless, her frown was rather cute.
I leaned in to inhale her sweet scent. “Now be a goodpetand stay here,” I added, driving my point home, before looking at Zian. “Guard her.”
I didn’t wait for him to reply, nor did I acknowledge Raven’s commentary regarding my voice. But I did pause to glance over my shoulder at Layla after she muttered something unflattering at my back.
She didn’t like me calling her a pet.
Too bad. She hadn’t earned her title of queen yet.
Her hardened stare also told me she didn’t appreciate being lured into the yard just to be left with strangers. It seemed she’d already forgotten that I was a stranger as well.
Clyde,I called, clicking my tongue again.Watch the girl for me.
I trusted Zian to keep her safe, but I knew he would pick Raven over Layla if forced to choose. However, Clyde would protect her to his last breath if I required it. And he couldn’t easily be killed.
