Then she'd wrapped her arms around my back and hugged me.
In that moment, I realized what Ayla had been trying to tell me. This was what she meant when she'd said I had to think like a woman. The trick was to use the facts we knew, twist them to support the goal I wanted, and make it sound as pious as possible. And if it made Callah hug me like this, then that was a reward all its own.
The day after, I'd finally returned to the hunter's lounge. Sylis was dead, as far as everyone else cared. That meant my squad would be getting a new leader. I was the most veteran of the group, but I wasn't sure I'd be promoted. I also really didn't want that to happen.
Yet as I scanned the posted lists of squads and teams, my name was at the top of one. Some of the men I knew - not well, but well enough to recognize them on sight. Too many wereyoung; one was fresh out of sermon and not even twenty. One stood out, but I refused to worry about him yet.
"Congratulations, Tobias." The droll voice was one I knew: Gideon's.
I turned slowly to find him standing in the middle of the room, sizing me up. Like me, he seemed uninjured after our recent hunt. I also noticed little differences now. Things I never would've before getting married - such as the wrinkles in his shirt or that his hair was a bit too long.
"Attrition seems to be the best means of promotion," I pointed out. "I have no intention of dying to those beasts."
"Good." Gideon crossed his arms. "How's your wife?"
A laugh slipped out. Of course he'd ask that. "Obedient. Seems watching her childhood roommates be punished put the fear of God in her."
"You're welcome," Gideon said, since his wife was one of those roommates. "I suppose it's too early to ask if she's expecting."
"It is," I assured him. "I can't say I mind the trying, though."
That was what I was supposed to say. It was how most men talked about the act. And yet, knowing what had happened to Meri gave me the exact amount of smugness I needed to pull this off. I didn't stammer. I didn't blush. I simply met his eyes and waited for what he'd throw at me next.
Gideon thrust out his lower lip and nodded. "Well, just make sure you keep an eye on her. I'm convinced the Devil himself raised those three. Next thing you know, she'll sneak someone into her room while you're away."
"Which is why the only man allowed in my suite was the one I couldn't refuse - my squad leader. I also never left him alone with her." I shrugged with one shoulder. "But he's dead now, so no longer a threat."
"And yet plenty of women are known to frequent your room," Gideon pointed out.
"Isn't it strange how giving a woman a hobby that helps the community can keep her mollified and amiable?" I hummed as if impressed with my own thought. "Callah's healing skills stay sharp, the women she helps can then produce more children for their husbands, and my wife thinks I'm doing her a favor."
And from one of the tables at the side, a man spoke up. "Not bad for a dumb guy, huh, Gideon?"
"Shut it, Elijah," Gideon shot back.
I looked back to see Ayla's brother sitting there with one arm draped over the back of his chair. The smugness on his face was impressive for a man who was only now healed enough to even consider returning to his duties.
But he did look healed, and whole. He also jerked his chin at me in greeting. "Squad leader," he said, acknowledging me.
"Mr. Ross," I replied.
"Thought you might enjoy having at least one reliable veteran on your squad," Gideon said. "Try not to die in the next hunt, Tobias. I'm tired of finding men who'll live long enough to lead one."
"My goal is to get another promotion, Gideon." I jerked my thumb back toward Elijah. "He might even help. I watched the Wyvern cut down Sylis Underhill. I've been attacked by one of those beasts. I havenointention of dying before I remove their evil from the world God promised tous."
"Seems you're more of a man than I realized," Gideon said, patting my bicep as he pushed past. "Training starts tomorrow. Make sure you know everyone on your team."
"Yes, Mr. Kobrick," I said, turning for the table where Elijah was sitting.
The man smiled as I approached. "So, you're the new squad lead, huh?"
"Looks like," I said.
He nodded. "You'll do. Never thought Sylis Underhill had it in him to lead. Apparently he didn't. But you?"
"I'm going to destroy the Wyvern," I growled.
"Good luck with that," Elijah told me. "Mr. Warren, he speaks English."
