CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE
I may be dirty and disgusting—and in complete awe of Poppy’s fighting skills—after our training session, but dammit, I was going to the shifters’ secret location for weapons. I clasped my hands in my lap to contain my excitement and stared out the window of Finn’s train. Godric and Poppy were in their train next to us, all four of us heading to the same location.
“Are you listening, Mina?” Finn asked, worry tingeing his tone. “This is important.”
I snapped my attention back to him. “My apologies. But I’m very excited to see all the ancient weapons you have. I’ve read so much about them. I can’t wait to see them with my own eyes.”
The white tiger lifted a brow. “I understand. But I’m trying to explain your part in the plan tonight. You really need to pay attention.”
I nodded, focusing only on my white tiger. “I’m listening now. Please start again.”
His patience with me was astounding. He didn’t even appear the least bit aggravated. The angel was sent to me to make me a better person. I could learn a few tactics he uses for use with my own students.
Finn explained, “We’ve chosen a location that’s just out of town. It’s far enough away for no one to see if we need to blow it up, but it’s still close enough that Mr. Valentine wouldn’t think it odd that you were there. The place is filled withantiques.”
My brows furrowed. “You don’t want to destroy those.”
“They’re fakes. The man who owns the building is a con artist. Most people in high society know it, but it’s doubtful a man of Mr. Valentine’s status would have a clue.”
“What about the shop owner? You don’t want him hurt.”
“He just won a wonderful weekend stay at the newest hotel in the city.”
I blinked. “Damn. You’re good.”
He nodded. “I came up with that one, actually.”
“Brilliant.”
He tipped his head down. “Thank you.”
“You’re most welcome, my white tiger.”
His lips curved, adoring my attitude. “The building will already be rigged to blow if all plans fail. Rune is taking that task since he built the building and knows it intimately. Your safety is paramount. We don’t want you captured and taken. Trust me when I say an immortal does not want to be a prisoner. You’d rather be blown up there with us nearby to bring you to safety afterward than to be whisked away by a madman and taken elsewhere.”
My head cocked. “Why doesn’t it bother you if I’m blown up?” He was possessive and protective, and this backup plan didn’t match up with those two traits of his.
“Honestly?”
“Yes.”
“Because weareimmortal. I’m of the mindset that a brief bit of pain to myself is nothing if I can save many. Am I wrong in thinking you’re the same way? I thought I understood that in you.”
“No, you’re not wrong. I feel that way too.”
He nodded, pleased he had been right. “Now, if you were attacked, my opinion would be different. So don’t get attacked unless you want to see my lovely canines come out.”
I snickered. “You are so proud.”
“When it’s deserved.” Finn continued, “Back to the point here. When you go into something willingly for the greater good, I completely understand dying for something you believe in. Especially, when you don’t stay dead.”
“I agree.”
He lifted a quick hand. “Though I might add, my opinion would change if the death were not quick. If it was some form of torture... Fuck no.”
“You are a complicated man. Perhaps you should write all your approved ways of dying for the greater good down for me. That way, I’ll have notes if a situation occurs at the last minute.”
He snorted. “Don’t be a smartass.”
