Page 43 of Vameer

“You want some twine to…”

I use one hand to break and then pry open one of the links.

The metal groans as it snaps, and the excess thuds to the floor between my bare feet.

I hook the other end of the chain through the open link, then squeeze it back into the oval shape it started in.

The chain stays tight around my waist when I let go, holding my robe together.

I bend, grabbing my sword off the floor, then slide my sword between the chain and my robe against my left hip, hooking the hilt on the chain so it stays.

I give the sword a shake. “Can’t do that with twine.”

Grace pauses, halfway between us and the bar. She shakes her head, turns around, and goes back behind the bar.

Jack snorts, then puts his hands on his hips. “We can ask Trin for some shorts. So you don’t gotta worry about another slip. You’ll end up on the news if that happens in public.”

“Who is Trin?”

“Biggest guy in town and the only shot at finding you anything that might fit. Happens to live two doors down.” Jack makes a face. “But if they fit at all, they’ll be snug.”

“Would be appreciated.” I reach up and smooth down the shoulder of my robe with my left hand.

Alex points. “Where’d you get the bracelet?”

My sleeve slid up with the movement of my arm. And now someone other than me is looking at my mate’s bracelet.

The gravito that has stayed wrapped around my wrist darkens to black. And my protective instincts send out a warning pulse of power.

It’s not much. Doesn’t hurt the humans. But the bottles rattle on the shelves, and the hanging lights sway.

Alex holds his hands up.

I know I should apologize. That was probably an overreaction. But… I’m not going to. I sit on the barrel instead.

“So…” Jack clears his throat. “The sword. That’s just for looks?”

I look down at my trusty weapon.

I think about the beheaded mass murderer in Asia.

The flesh traders in Europe.

The clash on the Nile.

I look back up at the human. “Not just for looks.”

“How about we stop asking questions,” Alex offers, “and show him that press conference?”

“Sí. Show me.”

Jack takes the rectangle back out of his pocket. “After you watch, I’ll show you how to look up whatever you want to know.”

I stare at the light coming out of the internet. “How does it work?”

“How does what work?” Jack asks without looking up.

“The internet.”