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She thought over the boy’s offer, shrugged, and nodded. “Okay.” Take the bone? Very well. “I accept your invitation.”
—You said you’d be gentle with him.—Rathbone groaned the words.
“I tried my hardest and got nowhere,” she whispered as she motored up the dais steps. “I know you await results, so I changed course. You’re welcome.”
—Neeka. Carrot.—
“I won’t kill him, Wrath Boned. Honest!”
The punk’s irritating smirk returned as she drew near, as if he’d won a great war.
The self-proclaimed King Hotness patted his thigh, expecting her to take a seat there. Instead, she canted her head, smiled—and punched him in the face. He flew from the lounge, crashing to the dais with a heavy thud. A pained groan left him. As blood spurted from his broken nose, the chip feeder rushed off.
“Now then,” Neeka said with all the sweetness she could muster. “The bone I seek is an ilium with symbols carved throughout. You will give it to me. Your condition when we leave with it is up to you.”
“You hit me. You hit me!” The boy scrambled to his feet, his mátia wide with astonishment. “You’re going to pay so hard.”
“Will I? Because I kinda feel like I earned a reward. Maybe I should do it again.” Wings buzzing, Neeka leaped over the lounge and punched him again. Again, he flew backward, landing with a thud. She followed him over and pinned him down, pressing her knees deep into his shoulders. “Still feels like I earned a reward.”
He struggled without success.
“Look, kid. Here’s how things will progress. I’m going to breakyourbones every ten seconds you fail to hand over the one I seek.”
—I would rather you didn’t.—
“Fine!” she burst out for Rathbone’s benefit. “I’ll bruise you every twenty seconds.”
“Guards! Guards!” Maximus increased his struggles. “You will die screaming.”
“Now where have I heard that threat before?” Neeka raised her fist...
“Do not harm him,” someone commanded behind them.
She punched the kid a third time before tossing a casual glance over her shoulder. The grandmother? Beautiful, with dark hair, pale skin, and vibrant blue eyes, wearing an ivory ball gown.
—Hera.—A growl sounded inside Neeka’s head moments before Rathbone materialized at her side. Fury radiated from him.
This was Hera?
Hold up. Did he know Lore could totally pass for Hera’s sister? “Oh, baby doll,” Neeka whispered under her breath, “you really do have mommy issues that rival mine.” No wonder he’d been clinging to a future with the female so staunchly.
Maximus ceased struggling. Neeka switched her attention to him just in time to see him mouth the wordsMy father.
Her stomach churned, the urge to spank the little punk fading. Had he spent the bulk of his life wondering about his dad?
“He’s so strong,” the boy said, his expression reverent.
She sprang up, freeing him. He scrambled to his feet, his gaze remaining locked on Rathbone.
“You stole from me,” Rathbone snarled at his mother, makingNeekashudder. Never had she encountered such loathing.
Hera lifted her nose higher in the air. “I’m surprised you found us, considering you are so consumed with your own life.”
“I am so consumed?” The questions lashed from him. “Me?”
Neeka reached out to link her fingers with Rathbone’s. He squeezed her, as if holding on for survival. She squeezed him right back.
“The clues were there,” Hera said, her expression snippy. “It’s not my fault you were unable to see them. As for the bone, you’re too late. Earlier this morn, your companion’s younger sister came with your wife to collect it.”
