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To my surprise, he laughed. “I miss you, Ellie.”
I didn’t respond.
“So do I get to go on this little adventure with you?”
“You have to promise me something first.”
“What?”
“David’s going to be with us. I need you to promise that you won’t be ugly to him. That you’ll treat him with respect.”
“You’ve got to be shitting me.”
“Unfortunately for you, no.”
He hesitated. “Ellie, I’m sure you’ve noticed, but the more we’re together, the more we’re drawn to each other. I’m not sure there’s any hiding that. For either of us.”
“I know, but I love him, Collin. I’m begging you to try.”
He took several breaths. “But I loveyou.”
“I know.” My voice broke.
He was silent for so long I was sure he’d hung up. Finally, he said, “I’ll do my best. That’s all I can promise. But I’ll only do it because I don’t want to hurtyou, Ellie. Make no mistake, I don’t give a fuck about him.”
“Thank you.”
“I think it’s a big mistake for you to be with him. He’s more of a hindrance than a help.”
“He’s more help than you could possibly know. And even if David weren’t part of my life, you and I would never work out. Not as long as you keep picking Okeus over me.”
“And what if I picked you, Ellie? What would keep us apart then?”
My breath caught. “Collin.”
“I don’t expect you to answer. All I ask is that you think about it. And the next time I ask, if you don’t give me a good answer, I’m going to break my promise.”
“What promise is that?” I asked breathless.
“My promise to myself to leave you the fuck alone.”
Chapter17
Ifound David at the kitchen table, huddled over his laptop. He looked relieved to see me. “I was getting worried about you. You were gone for over an hour.”
“I saw Tsagasi. He watched over me while I remembered what happened the night my mother was killed.”
He took off his reading glasses and put them on the table. “You remembered? How?”
“By using my power as a witness to creation. And there’s something else I need to tell you before I tell you what I remembered. I have my own quartet of protectors now.”
His eyebrows lifted. “You havewhat?”
I told him about the blood oath I’d made in the woods.
He grabbed my hand and pulled me into the chair next to him. “Are you sure that was a good idea?” There was no recrimination in his voice, only genuine concern.
“You’ve taught me to trust my instincts. So far it hasn’t let me down. I had a moment of worry when Ama—the female Nunnehi warrior—commented that my blood was more powerful than she expected, but Tsagasi said he was certain we could work together to defy the gods.” I released a heavy sigh. “That’s what we’re doing, isn’t it? Defying the gods and the plans they want to use me for?”
