“’Stoy,” Carnage said with irritation in his voice.
“Hey! What’s going on?”
“My ween Trawl!” Carnage shouted.
“You can’t win against Enthrall.”
“Cahn!” Carnage declared.
“No, you can’t,” Destroy said as he jogged toward them. “Hello, Angelle and Boon. And Daniel and Avaleigh! How niceto see you again. And Carolena! Forgive me. I am past due for a visit.”
“You certainly are,” Carolena said. “I make extra with most meals and you never come anymore. Carnage has to eat all the extra.”
“No! ‘Stoy stay ‘way,” Carnage snapped.
“Carnage! You know you don’t mean that.”
“Do,” Carnage grumbled.
Carolena laughed delightedly. She turned to Avaleigh and Daniel. “They’ve known each other for so long they don’t even know how long it’s been. They were both children when they were forced into the military guarding their king, though Carnage arrived earlier than Destroy did. Carnage was Destroy’s commander, and they’ve always taken special delight in tormenting each other. But let me tell you, the first sign of trouble and they’d be standing beside each other with no questions asked. They love to hate each other, I think, but they’d be lost without each other. There’s loyalty there, and fondness, but without the irritation, it just wouldn’t be the same.”
“We are not loyal,” Destroy said.
“You better be, or we have some issues to discuss,” a woman called out as she approached.
Destroy’s entire face lit up. “That’s my Rowan. She’s the most awesome of awesome.”
“No. Leenah mos’ ahhsuum,” Carnage said.
Destroy grabbed Rowan when she got close enough and hugged her dramatically, twisting back and forth. “This is my mate!” he exclaimed.
“You’re going to make her sick if you don’t stop swishing her back and forth,” Carolena said.
“She loves it,” Destroy said.
Rowan managed to push Destroy away and laughed as he feigned insult. “Will you stop?” she asked.
“Never!” he cried.
“Goodness!” Rowan exclaimed as she laughed. She turned her back on Destroy to greet everyone else. “Hi! Welcome. I’m Rowan, I’m Destroy’s mate.”
“Po’ ‘Wohan,” Carnage said.
“Carnage!” Carolena scolded.
Carnage snickered.
Rowan rolled her eyes. “This is an everyday thing between Carnage and Destroy. Yet they seek each other out to spend time with.”
Carnage side-eyed Destroy and reached out, shoving his shoulder so hard it sent him off balance.
“Stop it!” Destroy demanded, shoving him back.
“See?” Rowan asked. “Anyway, Destroy told me that we had some visitors in Whispers and I was hoping I’d get a chance to meet you.”
“We’re pleased to meet you. I’m Avaleigh, and this is Daniel. Angelle is our daughter.”
“Welcome,” Rowan said. She moved close to Boon and hugged him. “I’m so happy for you, Boon. I knew you’d find the right one in time.”
