50. Kami

50

Kami

B efore I can move, the vampire is in front of me, pinning me in place with his hands on my shoulders.

He's so freaking strong.

I wonder if Oz could take him.

Oz, who isn't here.

Damn it, I need to focus on protecting myself, not counting on anyone else.

Then I hear Malkar shouting my name.

"Just hold on, Death's Daughter," Serl murmurs. "You and I need to have a talk."

I blink at him, wondering if he's going to murder me to collect Beyrthnel's boon.

Serl chuckles, and I'm glad I can't see the smile that is no doubt showing his fangs. For all that he's a creep, he's a vampire—a preternaturally handsome jackass.

In a whisper, I snap, "What are you talking about?"

"Come on, Kami. You're a necromancer. It's obvious."

"If I was, don't you think I'd have sucked you dry already?"

"Ah, now you're talking. "

I can tell by his tone he's perverted my meaning into something sexual, but I don't respond.

"Can't blame a vampire for dreaming."

"Look, just kill me and save us both a lot of wasted time." Maybe now I'll get to see Ahza again.

"I bet you'd like that. And it's not a bad idea. But I need something from you."

"No."

"A favor for a favor."

"What favor are you doing me?"

He snorts. "Letting you live, duh."

I wish I could say that's not a big deal, but it is. "What do you want from me?"

"The next time you talk to Caethybdue, tell her I'm in; I'll do it. I tried telling her myself, but she's angry and ignoring me."

"What?" My heart races at mention of her name.

Caethybdue—Goddess of Death.

"Just tell her."

"I…okay." I'm not an idiot. I'll tell him whatever he wants to hear just to get him off me. But no way I'm reaching out to my supposed patron deity. She's never answered me before.

Just my luck she'd answer now and kill everyone I've ever met.

"I'll know if you're lying," he says, not as stupid as I wish. "Look, this trial, all this war god bullshit, it's bigger than you or me."

He sounds intelligent, and I'm intrigued despite myself.

"Beyrthnel and the elves aren't going to stop with Sacred Lakes. This is just the beginning. We have to stop him here, now. Because if he gets past us, he'll take the rest of the coast and Ventura City and Paradise. "

Two major cities to the west of us. I hadn't been to Paradise before, but I'd been through Ventura City.

Ahza and I had quickly fled once we realized how many religious zealots saturated the place.

"So you want to stop the war god?" Just saying that brings back the memory of that—whatever—saying that to me. That Ever, I think Malkar called him.

"Yeah."

I can't see him, but I'd swear he's giving me a funny look.

"Just tell Caethybdue." He says her name with reverence then sighs. "Tell her I'm sorry. And Kami?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't die unless you mean it."

What the hell?

He's gone. I think. I blink but still can't see through the stygian darkness around me, only the light of the path we came from.

"Serl?"

Nothing.

Malkar's voice grows louder. He must be nearing.

I cautiously step out of the alcove after spotting an absence of Nyte Guards and see Malkar, followed by Crash and Ries, who looks even worse.

I wave.

Malkar speeds up. When he reaches me, he drags me close before taking me by the hand and marching to catch up with the others.

"Hey, slow down."

"No. I'm not letting you out of my sight," Malkar snaps.

Crash appears downright cheerful. "We killed more guards. They're down to six now, I think."

I wonder if Serl killed the ones who'd dragged me away.

Ries frowns. "Where are the Nyte Guard who got you? "

"Serl."

They all stare at me.

I shrug. "I have no idea if he killed them, ate them, buried them. Nothing. I only know we need to get out of here before worse happens."

"No shit." Ries groans. "They hit my leg again. I'm worried it might be broken. Hurts. A lot."

He does look paler than usual.

"Would an apple help?" Crash asks, looking from Ries to me and back.

Ries shrugs. "Maybe."

Malkar raises a brow. "Or Kami could help in another way."

Now they're all looking at me with speculation. And sexual intent.

"No way. I'm not having sex here, in the open, where anyone can find us." I don't hear the crowd, but that doesn't mean much. I lower my voice. "And not if the audience of fae crazies can see us!"

"Yeah, but notice how quiet it's been lately? I think we're in a part they can't see." Malkar glances at the alcove I just left. "I couldn't sense you in there."

"Where?" Crash looks around.

"Yeah, where?" Ries glances right past the alcove.

I point at the darkness blending into the shrubs. I only know it's there because I've been inside that small spot.

We all investigate, and I realize it's bigger than the tiny area surrounding the bench. Malkar and Crash find a larger space to the left of it.

"I could use a recharge as well," Malkar says.

I feel nervous, which is silly. I've already slept with all three of them. "But he's hurt."

And my arm, though no longer blistering, is still tender.

"You'll have to do all the work." I can't see Ries, but he sounds happy about that fact. "I don't know that my leg for sure is broken, but you can only help, Kami."

"Yeah, fuck him for medicinal purposes." Crash snickers.

"Whatever," Ries murmurs. "I need this. Please?"

I made a deal with them I won't break. And it's not a hardship to be with Ries. But it feels odd doing it while we're in such a dangerous place.

"Before they come back," Malkar murmurs. "We can't see you. It's too dark for that. But I'm pretty sure this spot is protected against sound and detection."

"Well, Serl wanted me to keep quiet. But you didn't hear me?"

"No."

I waver. "Okay, but just to be on the safe side, you should be quiet, Ries."

"As quiet as a brownie at teatime."

I've never understood the popular expression, but you can't get much quieter than that.

"Fine. But no running commentary," I whisper in a harsh voice. "I'm talking to you, Crash. And no insults after."

"None. We so swear." Malkar sounds eager.

"Yeah, yeah. Just do it," Crash says.

Ries grabs my hand and makes me jump.

"Okay," I concede. "I'll be careful, Ries."

"I know you will." He pulls me into his lap and kisses me.

All thought but pleasure leaves my mind.

He pushes my hand down between us and wraps my fingers around his swollen shaft, free from his trousers.

"Don't worry, Kami," he murmurs. "I won't take long."