“Thanks.” Tis sets the fourth drink on the tray and moves to the next person waiting.
Zuri leans against me a little. “Is there a reason we’re waiting?”
“Ursa will motion us back when she wants us there.” At Zuri’s questioning look, I elaborate. “She and Malone are both territory leaders. That means sometimes they’re talking as friends, and sometimes they’re talking business. When they’re friends, Ursa doesn’t care if we hang around. Business is different.”
Zuri frowns. “But if you’re her partner, shouldn’t you be looped in?”
I almost laugh. Only the fact that it’s an earnest question makes me wrestle back the impulse. “Zuri, honey, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but my track record shows that I am shit when it comes to being in charge of my own life, let alone any others’. I have things I’m good at, but playing official second-in-command to a territory leader isn’t one of them.”
The line between her brows makes me want to smooth it away with my thumb. “So you want to be a…kept man?”
“Something like that.” Truth be told, we’re still figuring out the dynamics of our relationship, and this week hasn’t allowed for much in the way of talking about it. But I know where I stand. “Ursa has stood alone for decades at this point. She’s kept people at a distance because she can’t afford to let anyone close who might undermine her. If I can help create a safe space for her to let down her hair and actually relax, that’s worth a whole hell of a lot, don’t you think?” She’s still frowning, so I give in to the urge to press my thumb to the line between her brows. “If you choose to stay, that doesn’t mean you have to do the same thing, Zuri. There’s room to find your feet, too.”
She smiles at me, but it’s obvious she’s still mulling over my words. “There’s still a lot I don’t understand, but I don’t think I want to hold the same kind of position you do.”
“You have time to figure out what you want.” But even as I say it, I’m reminded of the fact that there might not be much time left at all. A few measly days. If we don’t convince Zuri to give us a chance, she’ll walk and that will be that.
I’ll be happy with Ursa. Fucking deliriously happy.
But I can’t help feeling that, without Zuri, our relationship will be missing a vital piece.Chapter 25Ursa“My drink’s getting warm while you’re playing games with your submissives.”
I raise my brows at Malone. “Someone’s in a mood tonight.” I suspected as much the second she walked through the door. I’m not sure what happened between when we spoke earlier and now, but Malone’s entire body is practically vibrating with tension. I lean forward and lower my voice. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing you can help with.”
“Darling, it’s not always about helping. It’s about being there for you.” When she doesn’t respond, I keep prodding. “That’s what a few decades’ worth of friendship is for. Tell me.”
She finally turns those cold green eyes on me. “There’s trouble back in Sabine Valley. Even with all my resources, I can’t help, and it’s aggravating in the extreme.”
“Trouble…” Malone isn’t the sentimental sort, so she doesn’t talk overmuch about the city she grew up in. I have my own sources of information, though. I know Sabine Valley is run by three factions. One of the factions used to be Alaric’s cousins before they were run out of town and his uncle was killed. One of the others is run by Malone’s older sister. The Amazons are matriarchal, and since she wasn’t the heir and wouldn’t inherit, Malone came to Carver City and took over her own territory. “Is your family well?”
“They’re alive.” Malone looks away. “Due to the folly of my sister, two of my nieces have paid a high price. I don’t know what happens next.”
Alive is a relief, but we both know all too well the harm that can be caused while a person still breathes. “I’m sorry.”
“Me, too.” She gives herself a shake. “I’ll know more in the morning, but tonight I needed the distraction.” Her mouth twists. “I’m doing a hell of a job with it.”
“You’re allowed to buckle from time to time.”
Malone gives an elegant snort. “Really? Do tell me how that weakness has worked out for you?”
She’s got me there. When I buckle from the pressure, I do it alone and behind locked doors. Even being territory leader for as long as I have, there are no guarantees. I’m only as strong as my weakest day, which means I can’t have a weak day. It’s only recently that I’ve admitted that I want to stop being so damn strong when I’m home with the people I care about. I’m still not entirely comfortable with the idea, but I’m warming up to it. “We’re not talking about me.”