Witt moved into view, his expression stony as he made it clear he had Buck's back.
Warin sneered. "You think I'm scared of you and your pet throwaway? Hardly. If I were you, I'd reconsider your loyalties. Your ties to that woman won't protect you out here."
"I think it's you who'd better reconsider your stance. My connections have been pretty good to me so far." Buck leaned forward. "And that's Battle Queen to you, Lion."
The tension from before materialized full force. The seconds ticked by, the possibility of violence increasing with each moment that passed.
"Isn't this funny, Ghost? Warin doesn't even realize the woman he just insulted is the most important person here." Roscoe's voice came from the side.
"It's hilarious." Ghost's smile was a thing of nightmare. "I particularly like that the Kyren who is her best friend is standing behind him."
Warin stiffened, his face slightly panicked as he registered the breathing on the back of his neck.
She had to give it to Sebastian. For such a big, flashy creature who drew notice wherever he went, he was adept at sneaking.
He took that last step that would allow him to bump his chest into Warin's back. A strand of bloody drool escaped Sebastian's mouth to drip onto the other man's shoulder.
Warin flinched but didn't move. He knew in the same way Eva had earlier that fleeing would only hasten his death.
Instead, he remained motionless, hoping if he held still nothing would happen.
Good luck with that. Sebastian might not kill him, but her friend loved taking arrogant Trateri down a peg or two.
Warin had just made himself his next target.
"Shall we make a bet?" Ghost asked in a cheerful tone. "How many bites does it take to bring down a Lion?"
Roscoe and Ghost ambled closer. There were playful smiles on their faces as they watched Warin with an avarice that said they'd found a toy they looked forward to breaking.
Eva almost felt sorry for the man. Maybe if he wasn't so rude and objectionable, she would have.
One thing was clear—he was in for a rough time if prior experience with Roscoe and Ghost was anything to judge by.
Caden gave Van an amused look.
The clan leader scowled but also relaxed, assured that his clan member wouldn't die at Caden's hands. At least not tonight.
"Why bet when we already know the outcome?" Roscoe asked.
"Ah, but we don't know how many bones Sebastian will break in the process."
Roscoe pretended to think it over. "Alright, I bet two ribs and at least one broken limb."
Warin's expression got even more freaked out. "Alright! I get it. I was wrong. Are you done?"
Ghost gave Roscoe a quizzical look. "I don't know, Roscoe. Are we done?"
"Naw. We're having too much fun." Roscoe propped a foot on a small bit of debris and leaned his elbow on his knee. "Besides, the Kyren's Caller is sure to appreciate our defense, don't you think?"
Ghost had a thoughtful look on his face. "I see your point. I've been waiting to ride a Kyren again. Think this means she'll put in a good word for us?"
Ghost gave Eva a playful wink to show his words were a joke. Mostly.
"What did I tell you two about causing more work for me?" Fiona looked tired as she joined the small crowd.
Roscoe and Ghost straightened, losing their playful attitudes as they snapped to attention.
Fiona paused to shake her head in resignation before her sharp gaze swept over the scene. Her eyes paused on the red back before moving to finally land on Warin, Sebastian still hovering over him like a nightmare specter.
