Kira wasn’t too worried. Odin had already told her yesterday the handoff didn’t take place. Elena had likely stayed in a safehouse Odin procured last night.
Nonetheless, the fact she’d passed information to Tommie pointed to the fact she was still safe.
The kid lifted his chin at her before sauntering after the girl.
"You should try the chai," the boy called over his shoulder. "I hear it's to die for."
When Kira looked up, she found the children on the balcony already gone.
"That girl wasn't human," Finn said.
Kira turned, resuming her walk. "No."
"She wasn't Tuann either."
This time Kira didn't answer.
They'd reached their destination, a cafe situated next to a burbling brook that snaked its way through and around the outdoor seating area. The jixy trees provided a colorful backdrop for the cafe goers to drink and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Kira didn't bother with the hostess, instead crossing the little bridge and taking a seat in the far corner of the patio.
Finn waited as Kira settled into her seat.
He hovered over her, his tense energy interfering with her as she perused the menu.
She jerked her chin at the seat across from her. "Take a seat."
"I cannot protect you from there."
Kira considered him with irritation. Why wasn't she surprised about that response?
His reluctance was understandable. In his mind, she was his responsibility. For him, there was no greater purpose than serving as his sword's shield.
Kira understood. She really did.
But they couldn't continue in the same vein they had. Finn needed to bend and adapt.
Whether he knew it or not, he'd already begun the process. The human clothes he wore instead of his synth armor was the first step. She needed to see how far he could go.
He'd stuck with her through a lot. It was why she was considering letting him peek behind the curtain.
If there was one thing she'd learned over the past few months, it was that people were precious. Once gone, they couldn't be replaced.
Raider had taught her that.
She didn't want to be on the other end of a friend looking at her like she'd betrayed them. Finn didn't have the same history, but he'd shown he could be as stalwart as any of her Curs.
"I hate to break it to you, but I've never been in need of your protection," she informed him.
"Everyone needs someone watching their back."
"True."
Finn watched her carefully, not trusting her easy agreement.
"But if you continue hovering like that, I won't answer your questions.” Kira nodded at the chair again. "You'll want to try the chai. The kid was right; it's world-changing."
Finn's hesitance was clear, but he reached for the chair anyway.
