“Again, you have no proof.”
“You took advantage of a desperate woman, repeatedly putting Meera in danger for your own greed,” Atlas added.
“First, that’s not a crime. Second, as you pointed out, she’s a woman. Not a child. No one forced her hand.”
Meera’s nostrils flared, her cheeks turning red. “As much as I wouldlovefor you to be locked up, I concede to your point. I make my own choices, stupid as they may be at times.”
I groaned, frustrated that this was even a conversation. “You’re responsible for Damon’s abduction. That’s more than enough.”
“Ah, see, I didn’t take anyone. That was Meera. Again.”
True to his form, Corvo chose to stop playing in the stew and comment. “Yeah, but you aren’t a beautiful redhead he’s fucking, so you’re out of luck.”
Several of Meera’s brothers made a choking noise. Cadoc paused what he was doing to stare me down like he wanted, and planned, on killing me.
Meanwhile Meera reached out to give Corvo ear scratches and coo at him like he was a baby. “Aw, you think I’m beautiful.”
Fearghal snorted. “Of course.That’syour takeaway.”
“Jealous no one calls you pretty?” she asked, raising a brow at him in challenge. The entire Wylde family groaned as she and Fearghal traded insults.
“You may not have taken my nephew with your own two hands, leprechaun, but you orchestrated it. Conspiracy to kidnap royalty is also a crime.” Lucian’s expression changed, dual lines creasing between his brows. He was cornered, and he knew it. I turned back to Drayden. “No torture. Dungeon only. Corvo, go with them.”
My familiar slowly narrowed his golden eyes. “Why I gotta be the babysitter?”
“How is the cat going to protect me?” Lucian demanded at the same time.
“Excuse me, sir, I am agod,” Corvo scoffed.
I rolled my eyes. “The cat isn’t for protection.”
“Again. Who are you calling a cat?” Corvo sneered. He flicked his tail in my direction, added, “You’re the only pussy I see here.”
Meera snorted, then slapped a hand over her mouth, like that could somehow take it back.
I grabbed my familiar by the scruff and lifted him until we were eye level. “I know you aren’t hangry since you’ve been eating stew for the last half an hour. Go take a nap and quit being an asshole.”
“Animal abuse!” he cried out, pawing at me with his eyes closed. “I feel violated!”
Was he serious right now?
“Vareck!” Meera plucked him from me and cradled him against her chest. “You can’t grab him like that. You’ll hurt him,” she scolded.
Scolded me. Not the cat that tripped her out my bedroom window. Me.
“He’s fine. He’s a god, remember?”
“He’s a fucking cat. What’s wrong with you? Don’t grab him by the neck,” she snapped. To add insult to injury, Corvo started purring against her breasts, snuggling closer before flashing a sly grin over his shoulder at me. Fucker.
“Have your lover’s quarrel later,” Drayden said, then he looked at Lucian and snapped his fingers. “You. Up. I don’t have all day.”
“I’m not a dog,” the leprechaun replied distastefully.
“No shit,” Meera said, still petting Corvo and holding him to her chest. “Dogs are loyal.”
Drayden glanced at Meera, and while his mouth remained pressed in a firm line, the corners around his eyes crinkled. “I like her.”
“Glad I have your approval,” I deadpanned.
