“Not most powerful for long.” Talon didn’t seem to be threatening her, but giving her information she would be best to mine.
“Says who?”
He shrugged. “Everyone lycan or furry when the moon is full is saying that. The Wildridge pack are making a play for power, Riley. You know it, and I know it.”
“Yeah, but they’ll lose.”
“Not if they have an item that can create berserkers.”
She stared. “What?”
“So again, I ask, what’s it worth to you?”
She needed his information. Beating it out of him would burn a few bridges she needed to keep. “Okay, what do you want?”
“Oh, that’s not a great question for you to be asking, my lovely.” Talon gave her a leer that would have made her laugh if she hadn’t thought he might seriously want to trade sex for his help.
“Talon.”
“Riley.” He winked, his eyes bright when they met hers after giving her another onceover. “This deal is just between you and me. You owe me one favor.”
“I’m not having sex with you.”
“Sweetheart, having sex would be a favor foryou.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Seriously. You grant me one favor—that will have no negative impact on your pack or allies—at a future date and time of my choosing.”
“That’s it?”
“Yep.”
“That’s way too broad. I’m not stupid.”
“You’re going to be unpleasant about this, aren’t you?”
“Talon, seriously. This favor needs to be specific. Because if it isn’t, I could owe you my first child. A lifetime of servitude. My blood and fur for a spell of some kind. Or—”
“Jesus. Fine. I might need you for protection in the future. That’s it. That’s the favor I have in mind,” he growled.
“Well, that’s better. I’m not out to be anyone’s bitch forever.”
His lips twitched. “Aptly put. Fine.” He held out a hand. “For protection or offense against my enemies. You agree to protect me and I’ll give you what you need to know.”
“For no more than a week.”
He blew out a breath. “Are you sure you’re not a gremlin? You and your conditions.”
“Say it.”
“Fine. For protection or offense against my enemies for the duration of one week. And nothing you do will put you against your pack or your pack’s allies.”
“Done.” They shook hands, and he whispered a debtor’s spell, binding them to the agreement unless both of them agreed the debt had been paid in full.
She dragged her hand back, frowning at the dark mark of a talon on the back of her hand. “I—”
“Talon, come quick,” one of his friends yelled. “Vampire in the bazaar!”
