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“Well, I said I’d keep an eye on you, didn’t I? So, here I am.”
Before Ax can say anything, I stand and step forward, looking at Crow levelly.
“Why are you here?” I say, my voice strong and firm. His grin only grows despite the implied threat in my voice and I’m taken aback when he laughs.
“You two are fucking perfect for each other! How about a drink for the lady here too?”
I shake my head at his oddness and the drink.
“None for me,” I say, holding my belly which has a slight bump now. Crow catches the gesture and turns to Ax with a wink.
“Good on ya, man.”
Ax clenches his teeth just as the door to the tavern opens once more and Ethan steps in with Sammi on his arm. He had a nicer cane made for himself and though there’s still a considerable limp, his leg is apparently healing well.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Ethan bolsters, stepping forward to grasp Crows hand.
“Ahh, had to check in on you fucksticks here. And the lovely Sammi, how are you my dear? You look much improved from the last time I saw you.”
“Thanks in part to you,” Sammi says graciously, nodding her head to him before looking at me. “Ana, can I talk to you for a second?”
Leaving Ethan and Ax to interrogate Crow and his unusual timing, I let Sammi lead me away to a private alcove.
“Everything okay?” I ask, looking at her face to try to discern what she needs.
“More than,” she whispers, pulling something out of her pocket. “Ethan proposed!” She holds out a small silver ring, a symbol I don’t recognize on the top.
“Congratulations!” I tell her honestly. “I’m so happy for you.”
Sammi smiles and flushes. “I never thought I’d get married. I mean, a whore from Tekir? I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I wanted to tell you first.”
I take her hand in mine. “I’m honored. When are you going to tell everyone else?”
“Tonight, I think. I just wanted to keep it to myself a bit longer but couldn’t resist telling you. What about you and Ax? You think he’s going to?”
I shrug and try to act nonchalant. “He knows I don’t need such things.”
Sammi gives me a wry look. “Uh-huh, sure.”
I give her a look but say nothing, considering the truth of my words as we make our way back over to the men whose conversation seems to have taken a more serious turn. Ax and Ethan are both frowning as we approach.
“What’s going on?” I ask, taking my seat next to Ax.
Crow turns to me. “As I said, it seems you attract attention wherever you go. I heard about the local Watch.”
I look to Ax who shrugs. “It was unavoidable.”
“So? Are they sending a new Watch for the region or what? Do we need to leave?”
Crow shakes his head. “Oh, you’ve caught more attention than that I’m afraid. If you had listened to my man, Ciaran, earlier you might have known Tahar’s connections and the risks of taking him down.”
“How the fuck did you know about—” Ax begins.
“I know many things,” Crow replies vaguely. “It’s only whispers, but my sources tell me that the so-called Messiah has taken an interest in you. It’s gotten out that you two were the ones who freed D1217 and now Tekir. I guess you’ve killed one too many militia to let them pass you by.”
I feel my heart pick up as I listen to his words, a small kick from my belly reminding me unnecessarily of how much there is now to lose.
“Fuck,” Ethan says succinctly.
