Page 12 of Blades and Bone

“Hamish,” Vivian flicked her fingers at him. “Stand and fill the bowl.”

It took him a moment to process the order from someone other than Ann.

Brodie put a hand under his elbow. “You’re a nurse; needles shouldn’t bother you.”

“They don’t when I’m doing the stabbing.” But he let Brodie drag him to his feet as it was easier than resisting. Resisting was trouble he didn’t need.

A couple of vampires laughed.

Wasn’t he hilarious?

Brodie took Hamish’s hand and reopened his wrist, making the wound bigger so blood flowed freely into the gold bowl. His thumb rubbed the vein, and Hamish tried very hard to hate his touch, but it was the only thing stopping him from doing something stupid that might result in a torn-up treaty and more fighting.

A lick and a little pressure and the blood stopped, but Brodie kept hold of his wrist as Ann and Vivian signed the document with his blood. The blood of both families was in him. He was the tenuous connection.

Both matriarchs drank from the bowl, draining it.

“What a momentous occasion. I believe this is the first treaty uniting families in Australia,” Ann said, dabbing the corner of her lip even though there was no blood there.

“Preferable to war. Shall we reconvene after dinner to tackle the Orlan problem?” Vivian asked with one hand resting on her belly.

“Yes, let’s cover as much ground as possible while we’re here.”

Vivian glanced at Brodie and him. “Take the rest of today and tomorrow to get settled.”

Brodie inclined his head. “Thank you.”

Hamish mimicked him and waited with Brodie, allowing everyone else to leave first.

“I will show you where I live,” Brodie said, giving his wrist a tug. Apparently, his leash didn’t extend to letting go of him.

“I have a room…” The words died on his tongue. This was where the Reids were staying. He was no longer a Reid. Brodie didn’t say anything, just watched him steadily as he put together the pieces of his new life. “I need to get my things.”

“They have already been moved.”

Hamish swallowed, pretending the abandonment by his family didn’t sting. “No goodbye?”

Did he just walk out?

“They will be preparing for the next meeting. If they want to see you, they know how to find you.” Brodie led him out of the room.

No one was waiting to see him off. They had already moved on without him.

“You don’t need to drag me.”

“Leash…you’re still worried about the Reids.” They walked out of the house, and Brodie adjusted his grip to hold his hand, so they looked slightly more natural, although overdressed in suits.

“Excuse me for having whiplash.” He needed to pull his shit together and pay attention to where he was being taken. “You live on-site?”

“Yes. Not far from here, though it is not as well appointed. A little less gold and marble, and no pool.”

“You can’t seriously expect me to stay in such conditions.” He smiled, but Brodie looked at him as if he were a spoiled child. Hamish sighed. “That was a joke. You’re supposed to laugh.”

“Jokes are meant to be funny.”

Hamish rolled his eyes. “You have no sense of humor.”

“What was with the bite?”