“The Dominion Sect is after the Morrígan’s staff, and we need all the help we can get to find it. Don’t take Gerard out of this fight, lady,” Jono said.
“Cú Chulainn knows the cost. If he wants my help stealing the Summer Lady back from his brother, then he will pay it.”
A troubled look crossed Gerard’s face. “Ferdiad is working with the Dominion Sect?”
One gnarled blue hand lifted to touch Gerard’s cheek, his skin going white from the icy touch. “How else do you think they knew how to reach the Seelie Court? Mortals can never find the way without guidance. You have been gone a long, long time from these lands, Cú Chulainn. The old stories do not sustain us as they once did. Are you surprised Ferdiad is trying to write a new one for himself?”
“He’ll lose his godhead,” Patrick said flatly. “Whatever he thinks Ethan will give him, it’s a fucking lie.”
“Then do not give him a chance to live it.” The Cailleach Bheur patted Gerard gently on the side of his face before letting him go. “What will it be? Your life or your lover’s?”
“Gerard.”
“Everything has a price, Patrick,” Gerard said, never looking away from the Cailleach Bheur’s face.
“Iknowyou, Gerard. You can bargain better than this.”
“Here I thought you didn’t want to know me at all anymore.”
Patrick scowled, taking a step closer, but Jono reached out to grab him by the elbow. Jono didn’t want him anywhere near the immortal currently bending another god to her will. Fenrir growled approvingly of his choice of action.
Jono wondered just how powerful the Cailleach Bheur was that his own patron was wary enough to stay silent when Fenrir had been more than willing to chat to all the others of the Celtic pantheon.
“I’m allowed to be angry,” Patrick said after a tense pause.
Gerard shrugged. “And I’m allowed to want to save the woman I love and intend to marry. If Jono was in her place, wouldn’t you do anything to save him?”
“What makes you think he hasn’t already?” Jono asked in a low voice.
Gerard’s silver eyes snapped up to meet Jono’s gaze. “Patrick’s soul debt is to Persephone, not to you or your patron.”
Jono’s lips curled. “And your fiancée isn’t the only one who’s ever been at Ethan’s mercy. I was supposed to be the final sacrifice back in June, but Patrick saved me before Ethan could kill me and steal Zeus’ godhead. Whatever is in that bloody dagger of Patrick’s tied our souls together. Maybe you never saw that bond because you didn’t put your blood or prayers into its making.”
“What the fuck?” Sage bit out, staring at them in shock.
“Jono,” Patrick said, shoulders gone tight beneath his leather jacket.
“You…what?” Gerard asked weakly. “Patrick, that’s—”
“A death sentence if anyone found out. Iknow.”
“We both know,” Jono said quietly.
Gerard barked out a short, harsh laugh. “And you have the fucking nerve to be mad atmefor keeping secrets?”
“Lying about what the gods did is a bit different than lying about being one, mate.”
After a moment, Gerard tipped his head their way in silent acknowledgment of that careful distinction. “I apologized for that.”
“I’m still mad,” Patrick muttered.
“You always were a stubborn asshole.” Gerard sighed. “And now you’re soulbound.”
“Yeah. I can tap a ley line again through Jono’s soul.” Patrick’s mouth twisted in a sick parody of a smile as he looked at Jono. “The gods gave me another fucking weapon I never asked for, but he’s mine now, and I’m keeping him.”
The words warmed Jono from the inside out. He took Patrick’s hand in his and raised it to his mouth, pressing a kiss over gloved knuckles. The leather was cold against his lips, but Jono didn’t care.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Jono promised.
