“Ah yes,” Nimai oozed, disarming and dismissive. He didn’t set Ever at ease, that was for fucking sure. “All thosescraps. I’m to understand you’re a bit of a cause célèbre among the humans. In fact, I’m told your ‘videos’ have quite the following.”
“Cool,” Bo said. “I’m not going to say no to the views. You like and subscribe too?”
Bo would’ve bet a million dollars he didn’t have a clue what they were talking about.
Nimai laughed. He sounded so fuckingwarm.“You hunt for the supernatural, do younot?”
What a fucking asshole.
“You only ask questions you know the answer to?” Bo could answer questions with questions, too, even if he felt Ever flinch at the ask. He curled his fingers into the man’s soft shirt. Reassurance. Or something.
“Aren’t you clever. Imagine what a name you would make by revealing you’d found them. A kelpieanda Gate. Such a coup.”
Boburned. Fucker ought to be a reporter for Truth!News or some shit, with his insinuations. Same lying smile, fancy words, and suit.
If the guy weren’t a fae, Bo might have been tempted to kick him in the shins. Unfortunately, he was. And Bo wasn’t the violence-loving sort anyway.
Another thing they didn’t have in common.
“That sounds like something a power-hungry prick willing to exploit their bond and ward would do.” He managed to sound light, the words tripping off his tongue with an ease he definitely didn’t feel. “Luckily, I’m not a power-hungry prick. Not big on doing shit to people against their will, either.”
Nimai continued to smile, the expression more fixed. The threat no longer hidden. And Bo was sure he was fucking this up. Fucking positive. But what could he do? Ask Ever? That’d fuck thembothup, and Bo sure as all hells didn’t want to give Nimai the satisfaction.
So, yeah, he slid his hand up Ever’s back, seeking an anchor. Bo curled his fingers in Ever’s dark hair, a gentle hold. But there. Real.
Even if Ever hadn’t told Nimai to fuck off with the “Oberon” shit, Bo still had this.
“Human mores arefascinating. So nice of you to give us a little lesson in them. It’s almost like you can’t help but share.”
“Bo’s Everil’s bond.” Talia was hugging both her knees now, glaring at Nimai over the top of them. “That’s not something he could make up for the clicks.”
“I’m sure you’re right, sweetheart,” Nimai answered, placating and patient. Just asmidgeof a sigh somewhere in there. “But I’m afraid your faith in Oberon–”
“Bo,” Talia said.
Ever didn’t open his damn mouth. Why didn’t Ever open his goddamn mouth?
Bo knew why. Nimai was an abusive fuckface. Ever’d been attached to him. That shit wasn’t easy to break from. But, fuck. Fuck.
The bastard only smiled again. “Your faith isn’t shared by the Council. There are concerns, especially given Everil’s unorthodox conduct.”
“The Council has no authority over whom I bond.” Everfinallyspeaking. Though the words remained barely more than a whisper.
“I know, love. I know.” Nimai stepped further into the room. “But they consider it a matter of security. Don’t fret so. We’ll get it all cleared up.” Another step. Ever didn’t fucking move. “I’ll take care of it. Don’t I always?”
Bo showed his teeth in something that might pass for a smile if a person didn’t know him. Anger was easy. Indignance. But whenNimaistepped in further, almost within arm’s reach, the feeling that swept away the sharp and easy anger wasfear. Bitter, throat-closing fear.
Because there’d been another human before Bo. Lawrence. Which, good for Ever; he had a type. Except that human ended up dead, and Nimai didn’t strike Bo as the sort to make things swift.
Bo’s hand tightened to a fist in Everil’s hair. Reflex. Bracing himself. Asking for something. Fuck if he knew.
“Back the fuck off,” Bo bit out, only just managing to keep the wavering thread of that bastard emotion from his voice. “You condescending prick.”
“Oh,childNimai said. He’d lost his smile. “I believe it’s your turn for a lesson in manners.”
Acid lurked under his words. Ever flinched, seeming so damned small, for all he and Nimai were the same height.
At least the fucker didn’t come any closer.
