Page 62 of Curse of the Wolf
“I doubt he’s going to be up there when we get there.” Ihopedhe would be, but that seemed a lot to ask. The guy was more nomadic than a homeless man living out of a shopping cart.
“We could guard it while making espresso-martini mocktails.” Jasmine smiled at Bolin again.
He straightened. “Yes, we could. We wouldn’t even be drunk.”
“Sugar high, maybe,” I murmured, watching as Jasmine clasped Bolin’s hand. More to facilitate a potential budding relationship than to secure the artifact, I said, “Okay, go ahead. Keep an eye on it for me. I’ll bring you a souvenir back from Maple Falls.”
“We were just up there,” Jasmine said. “I got a splinter in my tail in that cabin.”
“I’ll bring you abettersouvenir,” I assured her.
“Just get your sword back,” Jasmine said. “And fix Duncan. He looks…”
“Peaked,” I said.
“Yeah.” Jasmine shrugged. “Sorry, Duncan.”
“No worries,” he said. “It’ll play into our plan.”
“Our plan?” I asked.
“I’m still ready and willing to faint on your enemies while you take them from behind.”
“With a plan like that, how can we lose?”
19
Duncanand I headed north in his van, to-go cups of Americanos in the drink holders. He’d intended to drive, but, after witnessing him pass out once that day, I’d talked him out of it by saying I knew the area where we were going better than he, so it would be best for me to take the wheel. He’d given me a knowing look but allowed it and now sat in the passenger seat, his knees scrunched to his chest, the way I usually had to ride due to all the junk in the foot space.
Between us rested bags that we’d packed. I didn’t know what his held, but I’d tucked the potions and druid bath bombs I’d collected these past weeks into mine. Also chocolate. One had to be well-provisioned for an adventure, after all.
“Are you sure those two will assiduously guard the artifact?” he asked as we navigated highway traffic on the way north. We’d left Bolin and Jasmine climbing into the G-Wagon as we departed. “They looked like they were having romantic inklings.”
“He did save her life, or at least leap nobly to her defense and keep her car from being smashed to pieces.”
“I’ve leaped to your defense a number of times, and it’s yet to send you into my arms with smooches on your lips.”
“I’m old, divorced, and jaded. It takes more to prompt smooch desires in me.”
“You’re notold, my lady. You’re strong, vibrant, and delightful.”
“Words like that might make my lips twitch in your direction.”
“I do get excited by the prospect of twitching lips.”
“In your current condition, I’m not sure we should get you excited.”
“If there’s to be no moreexcitementin my life, I might as well die now.”
“If Radomir and Abrams are at that address when we arrive, things could get exciting.”
“Probably not in the lip-twitching sort of way though.” Duncan sighed. “Unless going into battle with vile nemeses rouses you more than I believe.”
“Survivingsuch battles and lifting curses can get me pretty revved up.”
“Ah.” He rested his hand over his heart. “A reason to live.”
“To live and kick some ass.”
