“We want this,” Kaja pressed. “And you’re obligated to let me because we’re besties.”
“I need this.” Reyna peered into my eyes, her expression filled with anguish. “I’m so …lost. Please?”
Her begging broke me.
Nodding, I forced a swallow and then said, “Okay.”
Kaja pumped her fist in the air. “Female shield squad!”
Reyna bopped her on the back of the head, and we all laughed again.
I wiped my eyes and told Reyna and Kaja not to say anything to Rage or the Midnight brothers until I could have a talk with them.
With that, we finished our breakfast, and then the Harvest girls ran off to offer themselves as shields to the new high mages. I promised to meet up with Kaja and Reyna later after I’d talked to the Midnight brothers and cut them loose.
As I marched out of the camp of wolves in search of Jakko, away from my tent, I tried to shake off my worry and focus on my plans for the attack.
‘Nai.’
Honor’s voice startled me. I spun to see him right behind me, looking at me with a solemn expression.
I gulped. “Hey.”
He cocked his head to the side.‘I overheard everything you discussed with the Harvest girls. I wasn’t eavesdropping. You just didn’t notice I was there.’
Crap. He heard? ‘I’m pretty sure that is the definition of eavesdropping.’
He gave me a wolfish grin.‘I think your solution is for the best. If Rage or Justice were to…’
My breath came out in a rush.‘Oh good.’
He agreed, which would make this so much easier.
He stepped closer and nuzzled my leg. ‘But I want to stay with you. Let Noble, Justice, and Rage go, but keep me. Please?’
My heart pinched at his words.Threeshields? I mean, I had four currently, so three was still downsizing, but … I crouched and pulled his face into my hands, looking into his hazel eyes.
‘Why?’I asked.
He dropped his chin, looking down.‘I … I don’t fit in with my brothers, not now. If I can still be your shield, it will bring me … honor.’He raised his chin, but there was no humor with the pun.‘I need a purpose. Please? This will make me useful.’
Oh, Honor.
I pulled him to me, holding him to my chest, and squeezed tightly.
“Honor, you will always beuseful.” My voice broke, and tears spilled from my eyes as I embraced him.
‘Is that a yes? Please tell me that’s a yes, and then let me go. I can’t breathe.’He croaked into my head.
I chuckled, the sound equal parts laughter and sorrow, and let him go.‘It’s a yes. You want to be with me when I tell Rage and the others?’
He backed away, his eyes wide.‘No way. Rage will spit fire. Best if I’m not there.’
“All right. Well, I still need to go find Jakko. Want to come?”
He nodded, and together, we went on a mage hunt.
I found the young male mage in a little workshop inside the selkie king’s castle. I was surprised because King Ozark had said the mage would be in the hole for a month after he’d tried to kill the selkie king, but apparently, the king had shown the dude yetanotherkindness. Hopefully, this would mean he’d be humble and helpful.
