Disgust crawled up my throat.
He took another long pull and let the smoke curl from his lips.
He's enjoying this.
Kazimir blew out a long plume of smoke and turned to me. To my surprise, a smile spread across his face, wide and warm, like we were old friends.
Like we were the same.
My stomach turned for a different reason now.
I got close to him, stopping and keeping three feet between us.
“This is quite impressive.” Kazimir gestured back to the pyre. “I love it.”
I parted my lips in shock.
If the Lion thinks this is impressive, then maybe I did go too far.
I pushed that thought out of my head. “Good morning, Kazimir.”
The Lion nodded.
"You're a long way from home."
"Not true, my friend.”
“No?”
“Home is wherever death burns brightest." He faced the pyre and gestured toward it with his cigar. "And today, my home appears to be here."
I did my best not to growl.
This is not your damned home Lion.
Behind me, Reo shifted closer.
My Fangs spread out with their hands near their weapons.
Many of my deadliest Scales were already outside, probably due to Reo’s orders. They saw our positioning and headed over, getting close to the Lion’s men, but not too close to cause perceived disrespect.
Kazimir took a puff of his cigar. “We should talk. You and I have much to discuss."
This is going to be bullshit. I can already tell deep in my gut.
I could feel it in my bones too, the particular burden of a conversation designed to cost me something. I just hoped I was ready to know what it was.
Chapter five
A History of Burning
Kenji
What could he want?
The question didn't circle.
It clawed.
