Gazing unseeing out the jet’s window as they taxied down the runway, memories cascaded through Lola’s mind. The look on Maddie’s face when Roan had dropped the two-ton revelation. The possessiveness on Roan’s face as he’d spoken. There was more going on than the shaman explained. Not that he’d had time. In a blur, Lyra and Taras had announced they were leaving, and Roan and Maddie would be going off on their own little mission. Now Lola was taxing down a runway in the pride’s plane. It all happened so fast.
There was a complicated mix of relief and frustration that Maddie hadn’t come along to the bayou. Keeping her safe from the dangers ahead was Lola’s top priority. Damn, she really wanted to talk through this startling news about her friend’s new status. And other things. Because she was quite sure there was some sizzle between Maddie and Roan. Lola huffed a quiet laugh under her breath. Her friend was full of surprises.
Across the aisle, Nico had his phone to his ear, his boots propped casually atop the polished mahogany table. Lola only caught snatches of his conversation over the jet’s noise.
“…already happened, so quit grumbling… Yes, obviously I was there with Talbot for the claiming… You think I’d let our boy meet his mate without backup?” Nico’s gravelly laugh followed. “Lighten up, Link… I said you worry too much.”
Lola’s brows rose with interest. She hadn’t gotten many details yet about this destined mate of Talbot’s that Nico had located. She nudged her mate.
Callon looked down at her, his brow rose in question.
She nodded her head toward Nico. “The woman at the Kingdom of Venom, Talbot’s mate, that you all found at the Kingdom of Silk. Did she want to go?”
“Do you honestly think I would have allowed Nico to force her?”
“Of course not.” She huffed. “You just didn’t say much about her.”
“That’s because I don’t know much about her. I was ready to get home to you. Nico took the female to New Orleans. That’s all I know.”
She watched the Chaos Shaman’s expressive face as he talked, fascinated by the genuine affection that came into his silver eyes when discussing Talbot. Who knew that under that erratic, wisecracking exterior lay such a tender heart? Though she supposed a kingdom of misfits would inspire protectiveness in their shaman guide.
Across from Lola, Lyra smiled knowingly. “It is something to see, is it not? He attempts to cover himself in armor to hide his true nature, but he has a tender heart.”
Lola nodded slowly. “I’ll admit, I’m surprised. Nico hides it well under all the bravado.”
Lyra chuckled. “Much like a certain Lion Prince I know. Though he has a different sort of bravado.” She shot an amused look at Callon in the seat beside Lola. “Nico has many layers, as do most who have lived through difficult times. But his loyalty runs deep, and not to just those in the Kingdom of Chaos.”
A pang of guilt hit Lola as she realized she had judged the unusual shaman too quickly, especially because of his affiliation with the demon. She didn’t know much about his history and demons, only what Taras explained. Perhaps she should reserve assessment until seeing more of how he treated this Talbot and the other members of hisownkingdom. Actions spoke louder than words.
Beside her, Callon shifted restlessly. Lola turned to see his gaze fixed on Raphael across the aisle. The demon appeared relaxed, eyes closed and head tilted back. But her mate’s corded forearms and clenched jaw revealed his tension. Otto sat a good three feet away from the demon and kept giving him a look that made Lola shiver.
Lola placed a gentle hand on Callon’s wrist. “You doing okay?”
He glanced down at her touch, eyes still simmering with distrust. “I don’t like having that silver tongue so close to you.” Callon kept his voice low, no doubt conscious of preternatural hearing all around them.
Lola offered a teasing smile, hoping to ease his worry. “Aw, and here I thought you wanted him up close and personal so you could keep an eye on him.”
The corner of Callon’s mouth quirked reluctantly. “Perhaps. But I’d prefer an ocean between you and any demon, especially an incubus.”
“I’ll just sit here by you so you can keep me demon-free,” she told him in a dramatic stage whisper.
Callon’s lips twitched higher. He lifted her hand, brushing a kiss to her knuckles. “Have I told you today how glad I am that you’re mine?”
Lola grinned. “I do like when your inner-cave lion comes out.” Her smile faded as she stared down at their joined hands. Softly, she said, “But you don’t need to worry about me. We’re in this together now.”
Just then, Otto scurried over and plopped down in the empty seat beside her.
“Too much man stink over there,” he declared with a disgruntled swish of his tail. “You smell better.”
Lola bit back a laugh. “Thanks, I think?” Though odd-looking, she’d come to appreciate Katy’s little protector and his candor. Having him along brought her friend closer somehow.
Otto nodded firmly, settling in like he belonged beside her. His large eyes were serious when they met hers. “I keep you and the Maddie safe. I promises Katy. Now the Maddie gone. Now just you.”
Lola’s amusement softened. Reaching over to pat his clawed hand, she said gently, “We’ll look out for each other. Katy has enough to worry about.” At Otto’s low hiss, she added, “But I know she’d be grateful you’re here watching over us.”
That seemed to mollify the prickly lizard. He gave her a toothy grin. “We make good team. You no hurt while Otto’s around.” He folded his small arms and gave a serious nod.
Callon exchanged an amused glance with Lola over Otto’s head. “Well, that’s fortunate. Since we clearly need your protection from impending doom.”
