"You know something? I was never mad at you. I mean, I understand why you did what you did. You brought an abomination into the world - "
"Do not ever use that word around me," No'One barked. "Not when it comes to yourself. Are we clear. "
Xhex laughed in a throaty way, putting her palms up in defense. "Okay. Okay. "
"You are a miracle. "
"More like a curse. " When No'One opened her mouth to argue, Xhex cut her off. "Look, I appreciate this whole. . . thing. I really do - I mean, it's really good of you. But I don't believe in butterflies and unicorns, and neither should you. Do you know what I've been for the last. . . God, as many years as I can remember?"
No'One frowned. "You have been working in the human world, no? I believe I overheard that at some point?"
Xhex lifted her pale hands, flexing the fingers into claws and releasing them. "I've been an assassin. I've been paid to hunt people down and kill them. There's blood all over me, No'One - and you need to know that before you go planning any kind of rosy-rosy reunion for us. Again, I'm glad that you asked me to come here, and you are more than totally forgiven for everything - but I'm not sure you have a realistic picture of me. "
No'One tucked her arms into the sleeves of her robe. "Are you. . . engaged in that practice now?"
"Not for the Brotherhood or my old boss. But with the job I have at the moment? If I had to revisit that skill set, I would without hesitation. I protect what's mine, and if anyone gets in the way, I will do what I have to. That's how I am. "
No'One studied those features, that stark expression, that tense, muscled body that was more like a male's. . . and saw what was behind the strength: There was a vulnerability to Xhex, as if she were waiting to be turned away, shut out, shoved aside.
"I think that's just fine. "
Xhex actually jumped. "What?"
No'One kicked up her chin once more. "I am surrounded by males who live by those rules. Why should it be any different for you because you are female? I'm rather of proud of you, actually. Better to be the aggressor than the aggressed upon - I should much rather have you of that mind than any other. "
Xhex took a shuddering breath. "God. . . damn. . . you have no idea how badly I need to hear that right now. "
"I shall be pleased to repeat it, if you would like?"
"I never thought. . . well, whatever. I'm glad you're here. I'm glad you called. I'm glad you. . . "
As the sentence was not finished, No'One smiled, a bright, shining light striking up within her chest. "Myself as well. Mayhap, if you have. . . how do they say, time off? We could tarry some hours away together?"
Xhex started to grin a little. "Can I ask you something?"
"Anything. "
"You ever been on a motorcycle?"
"What's that?"
"Come around to the front of the house. Let me show you. "
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Tohr came back at the end of the evening with two dirty daggers, no ammunition, and a bone bruise on his right calf that made him limp like a zombie.
Fucking tire irons. Then again, payback to that particular lesser had been kind of fun. Nothing like sanding the face off your enemy to lighten the mood.
Asphalt was his friend.
It had been a hard night fighting for all of them, a late one, too - both of which were good. The hours had sped by, and even though he stank like spoiled meat from all the black blood, and his new pair of leathers were going to have to be stitched up on one side, he felt better than he had when he'd headed out.
Fighting and fucking, as Rhage had always said. Those were the two best mood stabilizers there were.
Too bad the fact that he was more chilled out didn't mean anything was different. The same shit was waiting for him as he came home.
Stepping through the vestibule, he began the disarming ritual, undoing his chest holster, his shoulder holster, his gun belt. The scent of freshly cooked lamb with rosemary filled the foyer, and a quick glance into the dining room showed that the doggen had set everything up properly, the silver gleaming, the crystal sparkling, people already beginning to gather for Last Meal.