"You got insulted," Ghost said, raising his eyebrows as if to ask if he was really so stupid he didn't realize that.
Van sent him a fulminating look. "I know that. I'm not an idiot."
The clan leader stalked away before Ghost could respond. With his departure, the rest of the Trateri dispersed, filtering back into camp. Gawain and the others who'd been watching from the sidelines followed. Only a few brave souls remained, the direction of their gazes telling Eva they wouldn't leave until Sebastian did.
Ghost made a disgusted sound and gave a full-bodied shiver as he watched Van go. "I don't know how Caden does it. These people are awful. If it was up to me, I'd murder them and be done with it."
That's all she needed. For Ghost to go on a rampage and earn her more enemies.
"What?" Ghost asked at her stare.
"If that's how you feel, I am grateful you found it in yourself to refrain."
Ghost's smile was sharp. "Anything for you, Lady Tagalong. I live to fulfill expectations and make your life easier."
See. This was why people underestimated Ghost. His crazy was well hidden.
"Thanks," Eva said in a dry voice.
"Anytime." Ghost nudged Eva with his shoulder, sending her a roguish look. "You could always repay me by putting in a good word with the chestnut Kyren."
"Is that all?"
"Never thought when I courted someone, they'd have four legs and wings," Ghost mused. "Always thought they'd have a pretty smile and a dirty mind."
Theo was right. His brain is broken.
"I'm with you there," Eva told Sebastian, not taking her gaze off Ghost.
Then again, sometimes crazy was exactly what you needed. The Kyren were a stubborn lot. Nearly as stubborn as the Trateri. If anyone could batter their defenses into rubble, it would be Ghost.
"I'm not sure any word I put in for you will help," Eva told Ghost.
He shrugged, ambling toward camp. "No matter. I've got my ways. I'll wear him down, eventually."
"You do that."
Theo is never going to choose him as a rider,Sebastian said.
Caia chose that second to stick her nose against the back of Eva's neck. The sudden cold, slightly wet, sensation made Eva jump before she reached up to smooth her hand down Caia's soft nose.
"Maybe so," Eva said with a sly grin. "But it'll certainly be fun to watch him try."
It was what she was counting on. Sometimes you had to take your entertainment where you could find it.
An aggravated rumble came from Sebastian.I can't take this anymore. I'm off.
"You'll be back though, right?" The question slipped out before Eva could stop it.
She pressed her lips together, not liking how vulnerable the question made her sound.
Sebastian's expression softened. I'm not going far. I won't abandon you again. Not like last time.
Eva's nod was forced. As much as she wanted to believe him, it was hard. His actions had hurt the nascent bond they'd been forming. It was hard to trust he wouldn't simply disappear for weeks or months.
Still, he was trying. She needed to meet him halfway. It was the only way to regain what they'd lost.
"See you soon." Her smile wasn't as heartfelt as usual, but it was a start.
