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“It just seems like that to you because I know more than you do. I'm sure other team leaders know as much, if not more, than what I was entrusted with.”
“Truth,” Andrew said, but he did so with less conviction than the other times.
Was he trying to be helpful? And if so, why?
Dagor let out a breath. “I should not have said that. Apologies, sir.”
The guy never called him 'sir' unless they were in the presence of higher-ranked commanders.
“Accepted.” Aru nodded.
“Do you really know more than others?” Kian asked.
“I can't answer what I don't know. I'm not privy to what everyone on the patrol ship is entrusted with.”
Andrew shrugged. “That was an Igor-style answer. Evasive. Neither truth nor lie.”
Kian cast Aru a calculating look, and there was understanding in his eyes. Perhaps he had finally realized that there were things Aru couldn't reveal in front of his teammates.
He pushed to his feet. “Join me in my old office for a few minutes.” He glanced at Gabi, who looked worried. “I won't keep him long.”
“It's okay. I'll stay to chat with Edna.” She gave him a dazzling smile. “She can examine my soul. I have nothing to hide.”
Edna cleared her throat. “Perhaps some other time. Today, I need to reserve my energy for the gods. I don't expect it will be easy to probe them.”
“That's a shame.” Gabi pouted.
The judge turned to Negal. “We can do this in your room if you're comfortable inviting me in.”
“I will be delighted to host you in my room, judge.” Negal pushed to his feet and offered Edna his hand. “I have not entertained any ladies there yet. You will be the first.”
She gave him a polite smile. “Just so there is no misunderstanding, I'm happily mated.”
Negal's eyes widened. “My apologies, judge. I did not mean it like that. I know that you are mated. I can smell him on you.”
“Gross,” Gabi muttered. “That's the one thing I don't like about gods and immortals. Talk about lack of privacy.”
Kian
As Kian led Aru and Andrew to his old office, unease churned in his gut.
There was a reason Aru had refused to be probed by Edna, and it might have nothing to do with ill intent toward the clan, but it left a void in the security blanket Kian was trying to form around his stubborn mother.
It wasn't even that he disagreed with her. She was right about refusing to live in fear, but she was a hypocrite. It was much easier to gamble with her own life than with the lives of her loved ones, which was why she insisted that Kian never leave the village without taking two bodyguards with him.
In his bachelor days, Kian had been much the same as her, and hadn't hesitated before walking into danger. Since he'd mated Syssi and they had Allegra, he was mindful of the pain and suffering his death would inflict on his mate and daughter.
There was also the memory of being helpless under Igor's control. That experience had shaved off a significant portion of Kian's bravado.
“Please, take a seat.” He motioned for Aru and Andrew to sit on the couch while he pulled out one of the chairs and turned it around to face them.
Letting out a sigh, he pinned Aru with a hard stare. “You are making it difficult for me.”
“It can't be helped. All I can say is that the information I'm protecting has nothing to do with nefarious intentions toward you or any of your people, including the gods living among you.”
“Truth,” Andrew said.
“I assume you haven't told your teammates about the gods yet.”
