had cared when she was out at night in Ailill Ridge.
No one there had cared about her at all.
“I used to think that once I escaped the Scythe, my world would be safe.” Darcy’s lips twisted. “Wrong.”
“I know. I had so many dreams of how wonderful life would be if I was free. Talk about mistaken.” Her entire time in Rainier Territory had crushed most of her dreams.
But what about being with Donal and Tynan on Gathering night? “Then again, some daydreams fell completely short of reality.”
Although Patrin and Fell looked confused, all three females snickered.
Oh, she did love having friends. “Much as I’d like to visit, I didn’t come to the tavern to socialize. I need to talk to the Cosantir.”
“Banfasa business?” Emma asked.
Margery nodded.
“We need to get you a car.” Vicki tapped her fingertips on the table. “Donal hates vehicles but knows he has to use one. You should have one, too, for urgent stuff and so you’re not walking around at night.”
A car? “I don’t even know how to drive.”
“Someone can teach you. Only don’t pick Donal.” Vicki grinned. “The first time you run over a curb, he’ll have a hissy-kitty fit.”
Emma burst out laughing. “He will.”
Donal and his ranting. Margery snorted at the thought.
“I’ll ask Tynan to teach you.” Vicki nodded to herself. “Superb driver, patient teacher. And he’ll be easier on your nerves.”
“Not as much fun for the rest of us, though,” Darcy said. “I’ve picked up some great insults from listening to Donal.”
That set them off, comparing the best insults. Arguing over fecal matter versus sexual imagery in insults.
Margery noticed Vicki had turned to stare at the bar. At the Cosantir.
After a minute, the Cosantir looked directly at his mate and raised an eyebrow.
Vicki pointed to Calum, held her arm out, and moved her hand forward several times. Then she pointed to Margery.
He tilted his head in acknowledgment.
“There. He should join us in a minute.”
As the recipient of puzzled stares, Vicki added, “Alec had me teach the cahirs some tactical hand signals from the military. Of course, Calum decided to learn them, too.”
“I noticed he turned around without you doing anything,” Patrin said slowly.
“Well, you know how you can feel someone watching you when you’re making a covert approach?” Vicki asked.
Both males nodded.
“I think it’s a Cosantir thing, but Calum can feel if someone stares at him, even in a crowded room.”
Emma glanced at the bar. “Cosantirs are scary.”
When Margery nodded soberly, Vicki grinned. “Or he’s tended bar so long he can sense when someone needs a drink.”
“Who’s cubsitting for you while you’re down here?” Emma asked.
“Alec and Jamie. Thorson planned to join them. He takes being a caomhnor very seriously.” Vicki’s smile faded. “So does Wells, although I haven’t seen him for a while. Patrin, Fell, do you know what he’s been up to?”
Fell shrugged. The male sure wasn’t into speaking.
“He just got back from the Mideast. He said the new unrest over there was instigated by the Scythe,” Patrin said.
Margery shivered. Although the Daonain had destroyed the Scythe compound in Seattle, the Director had escaped and their network of rich, influential humans was intact.
Whenever she thought about the Scythe, she wanted to hide.
From the shifter-soldiers’ deadly expressions, hiding wasn’t in their plans. Patrin leaned forward. “Don’t worry, Margery. We won’t let anyone hurt you.”
A corner of Fell’s mouth turned up as he looked at her, then Patrin. “Anyone?”
“Good point.” Patrin grinned at him and turned to her, his dark gaze dancing. “We’re the only ones who get to hurt you.”
She blinked. Was that a threat or was he flirting with her? “Ahhh…”
“Did Shay tell you that he’d asked us to teach you how to fight?”
“You?” She stared. “But Jody is—”
“Her, too. I think we’ll have the whole wolf pack there.” Patrin’s smile deepened. “We were hoping to have a smaller class. Of one.”
They’d wanted to give her…personal…lessons?
“Banfasa.” The Cosantir’s deep voice interrupted. He set a drink in front of her and handed one to Emma.
Next to him was Tynan.
Everything inside her reacted, as if she was hearing bone-shaking thunder, feeling a storm approach through her whole body. She licked her lips, and her voice came out husky. “Tynan.”
He smiled down at her and tugged a strand of her hair. “Meggie mine.”
Oh, she knew that “mine” was merely part of the common phrase. She shouldn’t want it to be true.
When she smiled up at him, he traced the backs of his fingers down her cheek. And her whole body blossomed with desire.