I’m pissed. No bad bitch is going to play around with me and I sure as hell am not going to bow at her feet—
“Agreed.”
What? I look up at him. “What did you say?”
He ignores me. “I agree that Maneshha has use for this female; however, she is not up for bargaining.”
Oh. I relax, feeling silly. Gam puts a hand on my back and drives me forward so the men can get a better view. “As you can see, she is my prisoner, and I will not entertain bargaining her life until after I am done with her.”
Okay, what the hell? I don’t get the chance to ask because I pushed behind Gam’s huge body and completely blocked from view. Until after he is done with me? My anger grows by increments and unlike Gam, I am not adept at controlling it. Normally, I shrink away from uncomfortable emotions. But of course, Assassin Krunch has to take on everything like a rock star. She wants to face her fears and her anger and get right in the face of whatever tickes her off.
Right now, I’d love to be the old Fern and go hide in my room with my face in a comic book.
Instead, I’m itching for my chance to read Gam the Riot Act and demand to know what’s going on in his big, sexy head.
The men seem satisfied with his answer.
“We will return.”
They turn their elephant horses and gallop away. The ground shakes from the weight of their beasts. A crowd had formed at some point and most of them are now looking at me, pointing and talking in low voices. The old me would never want to know what someone is saying about me behind my back, but this new version of me wishes she could hear everything.
I’ve been so careful not to disturb my handcuffs and get an unintentional shock that I forgot they were on my wrists. No wonder everyone is looking at me. I’m dressed like a prisoner. Am I still a prisoner? I don’t think that little wrinkle has been worked out yet.
Gam watches the men until they disappear into the horizon before gesturing to the palace.
“Darkness will soon be here. You look weary. Come.”
Darkness? It’s bright and scorching out here. Time has no meaning since the portal and I’ve no idea how long I’ve been here. One day, two? I’ve been fighting brain numbing fatigue because I’ve been taking everything in, and honestly, I’m afraid of what might happen if I go to sleep. The implanted a communications device in my head after I’d passed out from being stabbed. What else might they do?
Gam’s hand slides over my shoulder. It startles me. I thought he’d already walked well ahead of me.
“Come with me. I will take care of you.”
The gentle words touch me deeply. It’s silly. It’s so silly. But I welcome the comfort because I’m suddenly so very tired.
“Why would you do that?”
It’s an honest question. He thought I was here to kill him and now he wants to make sure I’m comfy and cozy. I’m getting whip lash from all the back and forth.
His brow falls. “It is my job as Priest to see to the energy needs of the people. Your energy is depleted, and I sense you need sleep to allow your brain to refresh itself.”
“Don’t you sleep?”
We enter the palace and the coolness inside brings immediate relief.
“Yes, but not often. Our brains do not require sleep to repair and energize.”
My knowledge of science, aside from how medications work, is embarrassingly limited. I have no idea why one species can go without sleep while others are so dependent on it. How would it feel to go days without rest? Considering how tired I am right now; I think I have a good idea.
The power of suggestion is a strange thing. My fatigue began to grow and my thigh muscles tremble with each step. Running a hand over my eyes, I try and walk faster to keep up with Gam, but I can’t. The adrenaline I’ve been running on since getting sucked into the portal has crashed, leaving me running on fumes.
My eyelids flutter as my brain-body connection fails. Knees buckling, arms flailing, I have enough sense to wince in preparation of hitting the floor. My body suddenly levels, strong arms lifting me, cradling me against a hard chest. A soft moan works from my throat as I sink into the embrace. Gam’s scent fills my nose, his body heat comforting me. His strong, smooth gait lulls me.
“So tired.” The words feel like a sob. I hope I’m not crying again.
“I have got you, human.”
“Mmmmm.”
