“That’s the plan,” Lola said. “Well, first he’s coming back here tomorrow to go over the actual plan. Then we will head off after the snake king.”
“Why don’t you wait on Callon to get back from his visit to the Kingdom of Silk?”
“Because, Katy, apparently, it’s rude to rush the arachnids.” Maddie’s voice came through the phone. “Roan said the king and queen are easily offended. And if they want their cooperation, then they neednotoffend them. I asked Callon why on earth they took Roan if that was the case. That dude offends the air simply by having the gall to breathe it in.”
Once again, Otto had to bite back his laughter. Maddie wasn’t wrong. Shaman Roan was quite a grump.
“You two better not get your asses lost in a swamp or eaten by a crocodile,” Katy warned. “I will be ticked the hell off if you do.”
Otto saw his opportunity and scurried under the window and into the room. He hurried down the wall, across the floor, andthen launched himself into the air, landing on the bed next to Katy. She was so used to him popping up like that she didn’t even jump.
“I go.” Otto pointed to himself. “I go with the Lola and the Maddie, Mistress. I keep them safe.”
Katy’s eyes widened. She appeared to be considering his offer.
“What if you get eaten?”
“I bite.” He snapped his sharp teeth at Katy. “Everything die.”
“Have I mentioned that your new friend is a little creepy?” Lola asked through the phone.
“He’s not lying,” Katy said. “His venom is apparently dangerous to everyone except Gage and me, because of the Dire Wolf in us.”
“So is Otto saying that if a croc takes a nibble, he could kill it?”
Otto nodded vigorously at Maddie. “I not goin’ die,” he told Katy. “I protect the Lola and the Maddie.”
Katy stared at him for several heartbeats, her eyes softening as she held his gaze. “Okay.” She nodded. “Okay, you go and keep my friends safe, butyoustay safe, too.”
He smiled and resisted rubbing his hands together. His plan was coming together, and soon his Katy would be free of her bonds.
“He can use the pack jet,” Gage said from the doorway.
“Lurker.” Katy looked over at her mate, a small smile forming.
Gage shrugged. “You’re mine. I can lurk if I want.”
Otto chuckled. These two were perfect for each other.
“Okay, send your lizard A.S.A.P. Raphael will be here tomorrow mid-morning. I don’t know exactly the time frame on when we will leave, but I don’t want to wait if we don’t have to.”
Katy hung up the phone and looked at Otto. “Swear to me that you won’t let anything happen to you.”
Otto held up his clawed hand. “I swears.”
She opened her arms, and Otto didn’t hesitate to give her a hug. It was like embracing the sun after the coldest winter. Otto had never experienced such affection, and he thrived from it, feeling more alive than he ever had.
“Okay, Otto,” Gage growled, though there was no heat in it. “That’s enough flirting with my female. Let’s get you on the plane.”
Otto gave Katy’s hand a final pat and then jumped from the bed, heading for the doorway. Gage passed him on his way to his female.
“Can I get you anything before I take him?” Gage’s voice was full of concern.
“I’m good,” Katy said, a little breathlessly. “Just be safe.”
“Always am.”
“Liar.” She chuckled. “Love you, Otto.”
