Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 134898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 674(@200wpm)___ 540(@250wpm)___ 450(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 134898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 674(@200wpm)___ 540(@250wpm)___ 450(@300wpm)
“Maybe not,” Arrod says slowly, rubbing the stubble on his chin. “But it seems Hemmen spent a lot of time at the library. I suppose we can ask if he met any suspicious characters there.”
“It’s as good a guess as any,” says Raptor from his spot on “our” bed. “You two should check it out. I’ll stay here with Gwenna.”
I shoot him a look.
Raptor just winks at me.
Kipp makes that weird lizardy coughing laugh.
“I assume we’re going to study,” I say in a tart voice as Arrod puts his shoes on and Kipp pulls his beaten-up shell onto his back and gives it a loving pat.
“So much studying,” Raptor agrees, tracing a finger on the coverlet.
“Oh gods, we need to get out of here quick, Kipp.” Arrod makes a gagging sound like he’s a twelve-year-old and not twenty-seven. Kipp races for the double doors, and Arrod is two steps behind him.
I arch a brow at Raptor. I’m not sure why he’s implying that we’re going to fuck, because there’s no time alone. Marta is sweeping the hall, and Master Jay is moping in his study. I haven’t felt neglected, though. He holds me close every night, stroking my arm and snuggling me against his larger form. He constantly reassures me that he won’t let anything happen to me.
“I’ll burn the city down myself before I let them touch a hair on your head,” he told me last night as he caressed my cheek.
I don’t know how I managed to resist him for so long. Pure foolishness, I suppose. Now he’s my own personal obsession. I’m starting to crave his knot, and I ache inside every time he looks at me.
When the others are gone, I sit on the edge of the bed and give him a curious look. “You were quick to get rid of them.”
He grins up at me. “They don’t need to go where we’re going today.”
He has a plan. Interesting. “And where are we going today, hmm?”
“You and I are heading to visit a friend.” He sits up on the bed, swinging his legs over the side.
I’m a little disappointed we aren’t going to take this moment to indulge in horny fantasies. I suppose it’s not appropriate, but it doesn’t mean I don’t want it. “What sort of friend?”
“A potion maker.”
Of all the things I thought he’d say, that isn’t one. “What do you mean, a potion maker?”
“I mean she makes potions.”
I wrinkle my nose. Potion makers are charlatans who pop up in every town and village, peddling herbal remedies that never do what they claim. “Why would we do that?”
Raptor eyes me curiously. “I thought you’d be interested in how she manages her magic.”
Now he’s got me. “She has magic?”
“Well, aye. What kind of potion maker did you think we were going to visit?”
“I don’t know, some old coot who tells you to drink a bottle of stagnant water with an herb floating in it or tells you to rub lemon rinds on your feet and charges you out the arse for their expertise. That kind.”
He waves a hand at that. “Those are fakes. This one makes real potions.”
“How, exactly?”
“That’s what we’re going to find out. You want to go or not?”
“I want to go. Absolutely. This person freely works as a mancer?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t say freely. She’s quite expensive.” He chuckles. “I’ve been known to imbibe a few of her potions. They’re all that’s kept me sane over the last few years.”
“Potions? You? What for?” I’m surprised. Raptor seems to be brimming with health. He’s the most virile male I’ve ever met.
He grins at my incredulousness. “Such flattery. You know what it’s for.”
And he pats his groin.
Oh.
“For your knot?” Why is that so scandalous? Why am I so titillated?
“Aye. It keeps me in a…heightened state, which is not beneficial during longer digs. I get cranky and impulsive and moody to be around. So…potions. I’ve been a customer of hers for many years.”
“What happens if you take one of her potions?”
“Nothing…which is exactly what I wanted. But I haven’t taken one in quite some time. Not since you and I started getting serious.”
I blush fiercely. Hannai’s rocky bosom, this male makes me act all girlish and giddy with a single look. “Well, just so you know, if you need help with anything”—I twirl a finger at his groin—“I’m more than happy to assist.”
“I’m going to take you up on that,” he tells me in a silky voice. There’s a scrape of furniture from the back of the house—Master Jay’s quarters—and then Raptor grimaces. “As soon as we get time alone, that is.”
I don’t say anything. Time alone is going to be a big problem that’s going to get worse. Once Master Jay officially files with the guild that we’ve been disqualified, we’ll be sent back with the repeaters (and me with the nestmaids), and those long rooms with endless rows of beds are even less private than our quarters here. It’ll be another half a year (and then some) before I get the chance to be a student again, and the more times you repeat, the worse you look.