Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 83933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
“Don’t thank me. I helped only myself.” He looked me over, perhaps noticing my granter of wishes outfit for the first time. A double-blink followed his examination, then a swallow. “You are nothing to me.”
At least he was honest. And no offense taken, really. He wasn’t exactly high on my list of somethings, either. Except. “You trying to tell me you came out searching for a nothing?” Bet he expected a hefty paycheck from West.
“Who says I was searching for you? I’m on the hunt for my brother. Stumbling upon you was…” He ran his tongue over his teeth, going quiet.
“A bonus?” I quipped, wrapping my arms around my middle. Wait. He really wasn’t here to drag me kicking and screaming to the Governor’s Guild? Relief chased away trepidation. Bargaining with him should be easier than anticipated.
“A surprise,” he corrected, sheathing his weapons. “If you want to remain free, you should remove your brand.” He motioned to my scarred palm. “Bounty hunters will come for you until you do.”
Remove it, as in cut it off? The bottom dropped out of my world. “Henry West released me from my contract. Shouldn’t the brand deactivate or whatever?” Maybe? Hopefully?
Confusion marred Jasher’s features. “The Wests release no one. How did you manage such a feat?” He pursed his lips. “No, it doesn’t matter. Whatever the answer, the brand is a magnet for bounty hunters.”
Under no circumstances should I slice off a hank of my hand. I was fighting for passage home and needed all the strength I could get. Blood loss would only weaken me. “I’ll handle the brand another day. Perhaps your protective services are available for purchase in the meantime? And your guide services? I’m on my way to the City of Lux.”
His eyes slitted. “You can’t afford my rates.”
Oops. Looked at him again. Trepidation returned with a vengeance. I must garner this man’s cooperation. “Surely there’s something I can do to make it worth your while.” Uh, what are you offering? I didn’t know! Just something.
“I doubt you’ve got anything worth trading.”
Ouch. “I’m an excellent nurse. Let me tend your wounds.”
“I don’t require tending.” A noise of irritation left him. “I’m too tired to decide your fate right now. We’ll talk in the morning.”
“Deal!” I’d take it. If I had one night to convince Jasher to escort me to the City of Lux, well, I’d pour on the charm and succeed. I couldn’t make the trip alone, obviously.
He turned on his heel and stalked off, ending the conversation. A travesty in itself, but he also took the light with him.
“Where are you going?” I called as the darkness swelled, attempting to choke me. “Jasher! I won’t look at you ever again, I promise.” I gave chase, but only made it four steps. I’d already lost my bearings. Which way was which?
Splashing sounds rose in the distance. Was Jasher swimming away or was something swimming closer?
To my immense relief, the executioner returned a few minutes later. Yes! He brought the light. He must have taken a dip. His face, armor and hands were now clean, and water dampened his hair. A backpack dangled from his shoulder.
He dropped the pack on a pile of flower petals, crouched, and dug inside. Out came a bundle of some kind of meat jerky, berries, and a canteen. “You’re looking.”
I cut off a mewl of desire. “Don’t flatter yourself. Just tell me you’re willing to feed me free of charge during what I hope will be our first night together, with many more to come. Otherwise you might wake up to find a carcass.”
“Fine,” he grumbled. “Eat.”
“Thank you!” I hurried over and knelt before the treasures. All but weeping with joy, I brought the metal canister to my lips. Mmmm. What sweet water. I gulped mouthful after mouthful of the cool liquid, unable to stop.
“Slow down.” He forced the container from my greedy grip and thrust a stick of jerky my way.
Starved, I tore off a big hunk with my teeth. Chewy but surprisingly tasty. Next, he offered a handful of berries.
Grateful, I accepted the succulent fruit. As I chewed the first, I moaned and settled on my haunches. “Have you come across any clues about your brother?”
“No.” He canted his head at me, as he’d done upon the dais, those sunset eyes alert. “You hail from the otherworld, yes?”
“I do.” My pulse picked up speed. I wiped the corners of my mouth, realized I was staring, and lowered my gaze. “How many of us have you met?”
“More than a few, less than a bunch. The accent and lack of protocol always gives you away. Also the determination to reach the City of Lux.”
“Have you ever helped an…otherworlder?”
“Yes. I helped a man not bring a storm.”
So more killing. “Since I’m not breaking any more laws, there’s no need to sharpen your ax.” I finished off the sweet berries, then nibbled on the meat stick rather than devour it, all while stealthily studying Jasher through the thick shield of my lashes.