Callon didn’t think someone who’d lived with Azure so closely, and been exposed to his twisted, poisonous thinking, would be able to see anything rational anymore. But then, he was known to be overly cynical.
“I hope she can.” Lola’s brow wrinkled as her eyes opened wide. “Because if not, then how is there hope for any of us if redemption is unattainable?”
And that right there was why she was made forhim. She balanced Callon. In all his cynicism, she was the voice of hope and reason.
Lyra gave Lola a nod. “I agree. We should give her the chance to face her mate, and maybe she won’t be the only one who can change.”
Callon helped his mate gather up the scattered contents of her bag, which was now covered in mirror glass thanks to his theatrics. She caught his eye and shrugged. “No sense in crying over spilled milk.”
“Tell that to a lion cub.”
Lyra’s comment made Callon smile. One day, he and Lola would have a lion cub, and she’d get to see just how upset a young one could get over spilled milk.
As soon as her bag was repacked, he put it over his shoulder and took her hand as they followed his mother out the door.
Lola glanced over her shoulder as they exited the now destroyed bathroom. She felt bad that they were leaving it in such a state.
“Don’t look so forlorn, Lola.” Lyra motioned her forward. “I will pay for the damages.”
Lola had no idea how the Prima would make that happen, but she had no doubt she would. Lyra wasn’t the type of person to say she’d do something and not follow through. So Lola put the matter of the damaged restroom out of her head and went back to formulating a plan to help stall their trip without tipping off Nico or Raphael that something was up.
Suddenly, a stroke of genius hit her. Well, at least she thought it was genius. Lola leaned heavily on Callon as they walked toward where Captain Jack waited by the boat, letting out an exaggerated groan. Time for Emergency Plan C.
As they drew closer to the ramshackle vessel, Lola turned pleading eyes on Lyra. “I am so sorry to be high maintenance, but I don’t think what you gave me is going to work for myparticular body. I’m going to need to pick up some feminine products that Iknowwill work before we shove off.”
Understanding dawned on Lyra’s face as she glanced toward the boat uncertainly. “Ah, I see. Yes, well, everyone’s bodies are different when it comes to the … cycle.”
Callon choked on a cough and leaned his head toward her. “What are you doing, Sazzi?” he whispered.
“Improvising,” she whispered back.
Lola nodded, injecting distress into her voice. “I use a very, veryspecific brand, and I have terrible cramps and bloating. Is there somewhere nearby we can pick some up quickly?”
Lyra’s brow furrowed. “I’m not familiar with what brands are out there. Soon your cycle will change to be that of a Damarian female’s…”
“Bloody hell,” Callon muttered, almost causing Lola to laugh. “Could we please not have this conversation around my mother?”
She ignored her mate “Oh, they’re very particular!” Lola exclaimed loudly. The males in their party suddenly seemed extremely interested in their shoes or the cloudless sky. “Like this one with wings that conform perfectly to your shape,” she continued at the same volume. “The stores here may not have what I need. It might take a few stops to find the brand. They’re also safe for the environment once thrown out.”
“Can’t you just burn them?” someone muttered. The voice sounded disgusted, which again almost made Lola laugh.
Callon shifted uncomfortably but made no more comments. Jack, however, peered at Lola curiously. “Begging your pardon, Miss, but having ladies aboard during their bleeding brings terrible luck. The scent draws predators, you see.”
“Okay, that’s quite enough?—”
“Oh, no!” Lola interrupted Callon, seizing on the captain’s superstitious nature. Pressing the back of her wrist to herforehead, she slumped against Callon. “You know, I am feeling a little faint. These premenstrual cramps are just brutal.” She grimaced dramatically. “But I’ve not actually begun my cycle.”
“Sazzi,” Callon warned, his tone growing even more desperate.
“I won’t for another day, but I like to be prepared, especially if we’re going out into croc-infested waters where we might have a run-in with a witch. I mean, that would be a complete mess, in more ways than one, to be stuck without my products. You see?”
Jack seemed unsure of what to say to her candidness.
Nico, however, didn’t seem to be the least bit uncomfortable when he spoke. “I can procure any necessary items. I’m quite knowledgeable about such things, as I have many lady …friends.” His eyebrows jumped suggestively. “Do you prefer pads, tampons, or both? Cotton or synthetic? And what’s your flow? Do you need the overnight ones, even for during the day, or some of each?”
Lola’s mouth almost dropped open at the shaman’s depth of knowledge concerning feminine hygiene products. “That’s just not right,” she muttered.
“Make a list,” Nico continued. “And be specific. Me and Raphael will take care of it and meet you back here.” He shot Lola a conspiratorial grin. “No need to delay our important task any further than the hour or so that it takes to get whatMy Ladyneeds.” The words were used as a title, not an endearment, but Lola’s mate wasn’t having it.
