Page 130 of Feral

I drew in a sharp breath. That was one of the most elusive and dangerous artifacts in the history of the Archive. And considering how long we’d been around, that was saying something.

“Ya know it then?” Fraser asked me.

“Only by reputation. Half the agents that went looking for that artifact either never came back or wished they hadn’t. No one knows the extent of its powers. Or even if Jack made the knives or the knives made Jack. I hope the director is sending you with a partner on this one.”

James’ eyebrow quirked up and he gave me a crooked grin.

“Don’t think I can handle it, huh?”

The tone may have been playful but I saw what was underneath it. I had heard about James from Fraser and knew that he’d been with the Archive for a very long time. He was well aware of the dangers, and very good at masking his worry.

I put a hand on his arm and squeezed.

“From what Fraser tells me, I know you can. Just be careful.”

For just a moment I saw the weariness in James’ eyes, and a hint of fear. But then it was gone, replaced by a wider grin and a pat on my hand.

“This is far too somber a conversation for a wedding,” James said, getting to his feet. “Let me be the first to get the two of you a drink.”

As he walked up to the bar, Fraser shifted uneasily under me.

“I hope he comes back alright,” he said. “James hasn’t been back in the states for over a decade. Something to do with his last partner.”

“He seems to know what he’s doing. But I’ll keep tabs on him if I can.”

Fraser licked my lips and then kissed me deep, stealing all thoughts of work for several minutes.

Just as his lips popped off mine the opening strains of a very familiar song began to play. My eyes widened and I leaned back, taking in Fraser’s wide grin.

“I thought you said this was the whipped man’s national anthem,” I teased.

“Och, lass, that’s was before I understood it.”

He stood and set me on my feet before extending a hand to me.

“Will ya dance me, Mrs. MacDonald?”

A thrill shot through me at the name and I placed my hand in his furry one.

“I’d be happy to, Mr. MacDonald.”

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