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He cleared his throat. “I’ll assign a mentor for you,” he replied. She raised a brow and huffed, and he held up a hand, requesting her patience. “Just someone who can assist you with navigating local protocols so you can achieve your and your benefactor’s goals within the dictates of our city charter.”
She opened her mouth to speak and then appeared to think better of it.
“Please, ask me anything.” He should be focused on corralling this wilding, but Blaine couldn’t help himself. The strategist in him needed to know what made Erin tick.
She set down her bottle and purse on his desk and crossed to the windows, taking in his office’s expansive views.
Blaine rose and followed her. He couldn’t take his eyes off her and the grape-vine sigils that covered her shoulders and her entire upper back. A chill ran down his spine. He’d seen no god-touched markings this extensive. Ever.
Just how powerful had Dionysos made this devotee?
“After Daniel’s behavior, I’d expected a battle with you.”
And you still might get it, wildling. “My apologies. He will be dealt with accordingly. The devotees of Ares aren’t known for their tact.”
Erin burst out laughing, a melodious sound he could listen to all day long. “I tried to beat some into him, but I don’t think that’s how that works.”
Blaine shook his head. “I can assure you, your message landed squarely within his vocabulary.”
She laughed harder.
“There are certain protocols. All god-touched follow. As you lacked a mentor to explain things, I’ll hit the highlights for you.”
“I’d be much obliged, but I have to warn you, I’m not one for rules.”
“I understand the call of your god is a powerful force. However, we need to work in harmony for the good of the city.”
She raised a brow. “You mean for the good of the corporate profits?”
“We could quibble about definitions all night,” he replied, although he could think of other activities he’d prefer to engage her time with. “Now that you’re one of us, you need to know the expectations your peers will hold you to. And if you refuse to abide by the protocols, be aware the city council can choose to expel you.”
She harrumphed. “I’m quaking in my heels.”
“First, you need to swear fealty to the mayor.”
“You mean swear fealty to you?”
“Indeed,” he replied.
Erin pursed her lips, her appraising gaze turning to him. “I mean, we just met. Can you give me a day to think about it?”
Blaine inclined his head. “I’ll give you an entire week. If at the end of that week you refuse, then I will expect you to find another city to call home.”
She arched a brow as she considered. “Fair enough. What other protocols?”
“I will not abide unsanctioned fighting. If you continue to brawl, then you won’t be allowed to stay in Denver.”
“You have sanctioned brawls?” she teased.
“I wouldn’t say brawls, but there are circumstances when I approve of specific actions. For instance, when I sent Daniel out to find you tonight. He was authorized to use minimal force.”
“I can assure you he didn’t use any force,” Erin replied.
Blaine liked her sense of humor, despite her coy irreverence.
“Anything else?” she asked.
“Your mentor will fill you in on the rest,” he replied.
