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ONCE IT HAD BEEN DECIDED that only Ryane and I were going to the Senate to see my father and make the marriage announcement, there was no real reason to wait to leave. Everything was pretty much packed so Sig and I spent the better part of an hour loading up the Jeep while Ryane checked and double checked the townhouse, as if she hasn’t left it mostly abandoned all summer long. Aella was very quiet, but helpful as she passed the bags to us when Ryane set them outside.
“She doesn’t say much, does she?” I forced down the cargo door with a shove, why women pack so much I will never understand.
Sig just shrugged with a smile. “I don’t know; I’m still learning about her. I get the sense she talks when she has something to say.”
“Or when people talk to me.” Aella leaned up against the side of the Jeep with her arms across her ample chest. I couldn’t help but wonder what she’d look like trussed up. Sig spotted me staring with a wondering smile and shoved me hard.
“Seriously?” he snapped. “NO!”
“Sorry, the mind wanders.” I gibed.
“Um... Do I wanna know?”
“Just his Highness here and his fucked up mind at play.”
“Uh, huh. Yeah, I’ve heard all about you and your crazy level, just keep it way... Way over there... Okay!” She chuckled, pushing at the air between us playfully as Ryane came outside, locking the door finally.
“Did I miss something?”
“Nah, babe, just the breaking of the ice, I think.” I kissed her forehead, grabbing her ass firmly in both hands. “You ready for this? It’s a long drive.”
She stretched like a kitten after a long nap, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I can handle it; we’ll play strip I spy.” She nipped at my chin, turning around to face Sig and Aella. “You two, be careful, no heroics, just recon and go to your classes for Christ’s sake. We gotta keep up appearances.
“Preaching to the choir.” Sig nodded. “You guys need anything, you let me know, I can be there in no time flat. Keep your GPS on at all times, please. I don’t like leaving you to go without a Guardian.”
“What the Hell am I? Chopped liver? Last I checked, I’m not only a Guardian, but I’m a Hunter too. I’ve got weapons and everything!” Ryane stomped her foot, the silver and titanium of her boots, clanking on the ground. They had been made by Sam for her before she had been turned to give her an advantage, now with her speed and agility heightened they would be ever more deadly.
“You are young and inexperienced, my love.” I hugged her, but she huffed, pulling away smugly and going around the Jeep.
“Whatever. Fuck you both very much for the vote of confidence.”
I shook my head with a sigh. “Sig, Aella. I will see you in a few days. Try not to burn it down while I’m gone.”
Sig just lowered his head, while Aella laughed. If she only knew I wasn’t joking.”