She flipped her gaze up. Zion sat at the desk, cleaning his weapons. Bane paced, lost in thought. “How about a truce with Vale and Knox?” she asked. “I mean, you guys are already fighting to protect them. Why not gain their protection in return? To sweeten the pot, they’re willing to give us a safe house Erik doesn’t know about.”

She braced, expecting immediate refusals at top volume.

“Very well,” Bane said with a dip of his chin.

Zion persisted, still running the rag over the dagger. “I find the arrangement acceptable, as well.”

She sputtered for a moment, confused. “That easily? Seriously? You’re not going to make me do up a pros and cons list, or present a PowerPoint presentation?”

Bane squatted before her, his hot, calloused hands resting on her thighs. “At the assembly, Knox put himself into the line of fire to save Vale. I can work with him, because I’m confident he’ll do nothing to harm his woman’s family.”

Nola searched his eyes, knew he’d meant every word. Love for him doubled, tripled. “I’ll let Vale know.”

She typed, YES!!!!!! We accept. Please and thank you.

Vale: Let’s meet in an hour. Somewhere other combatants won’t think to look. Let’s see, let’s see. Oh! I know. The place we swore never to visit—the worst place on Earth.

Ahhh. The spot some of their high school friends had lost their virginity.

Nola: Done and done. See you soon, sis!

“We’re meeting them in an hour,” she announced.

Bane held her stare and nodded. Expression dark and determined, he said, “Just enough time to prepare for your Blood Rite.”

“WELCOME TO THE worst place on earth,” Nola said, spreading her arms. “Under the bleachers at the football stadium of my high school rival, Blueberry Hill High.” Wrinkled candy bar wrappers, cigarette butts and plastic cups abounded.

Her threesome had just stepped through a portal, five minutes early for the meeting. Knox and Vale were already there, waiting. Overachievers!

Nola rushed to Vale, and Vale rushed to her. They met in the middle, hugging, laughing, then hugging some more.

Vale whispered, “I’m going to find a way to make you immortal without joining the war. Considering all the supernatural weapons floating around, there’s got to be a way.”

“The boys are on the case, too,” she whispered back, longing to explain the Blood Rite. Trying...failing. Dang it! Maybe, after her coronation, she could share with Vale. A girl could hope, anyway.

Cranking up the volume, Vale added, “You sure you want to stay with Zion and Bane? You’re my innocent little sis, and they—”

“She’s sure,” Zion snapped. Nervous about the upcoming Blood Rite? Join the club. He held a backpack, and Bane held the other.

“Watch your tone,” Knox snapped back. “You speak to Vale with respect, or you don’t speak to her at all.”