Lesson 152- It’s good to be patient, but don’t waste time waiting for something that will never happen.
Torin scoffs.
“None of your business.” He responds rudely. Solem lets out a small laugh.
“Oh really? Well let me put it this way. If you do not tell me the terms of your agreement, I will continue looking into it until I find a way to claim the human girl as is my right. Since I assume your goal in making this bargain was to avoid me, you are better off just telling me now. If you really managed to make her untouchable, then I’ll have no reason to keep interfering now would I? As such, it really is in your best interest to just tell me the truth. I assumed that was why you called me here in the first place. Unless you called because you’re ready to hand the girl over?” Solem asks with a slight smile. If looks could kill then Solem would drop dead right now because Torin’s eyes are shooting daggers. Actually, Torin’s eyes have gone black. Shit. I thought he was fairly calm but I think he’s actually just barely holding it together. I tug on our joined hands and look up at him quizzically. Torin continues to stare Solem down for a minute longer before turning to me and giving a reluctant nod.
“Torin has to protect me and I have to work with him, as long as we are both willing.” I explain briefly. Really that pretty much sums it up.
“Interesting. You left the agreement fairly vague. But I suppose working together DOES require both of you remain present and together. But… The phrase ‘as long as you are willing’ is quite curious. Here I thought the two of you got along so well and yet you didn’t even commit to a proper bargain. I suppose you couldn’t convince the girl to agree to anything permanent with you, hmm?” Solem says the words conversationally, but they are clearly a dig at Torin. A dig that seems like it might be working a little bit because his grip on my hand tightens just slightly. I roll my eyes.
“As opposed to you who could never convince me to bargain with you at all? Stop acting like an ass. I’ve chosen to stay with Torin, I want nothing to do with you. I will always be willing to work with Tori and I know he will always do his best to keep me safe. You’re just trying to drive a wedge between us so you can take me and it won’t work.” I say bluntly. Solem chuckles.
“It was worth a try. And I see you’ve brought in backup to make sure I behave myself too. Honestly, I’m not some thug.” Solem gestures over to where Rowen is sitting in the corner nursing a drink that I am fairly sure she hasn’t even tasted. She looks relaxed but I’m pretty sure that woman is ready for anything. I am very glad that she’s on my side. I never imagined being so intimidated by someone with rainbow hair, but here I am. Rowen just waves at us and winks.
“Hmph… Well, I suppose that only leaves me with two real options. I could tear this place apart. Continue to harass you and make your life difficult in any way I can until you are no longer willing to work together.” He starts. My eyes go wide, I can feel my heart racing and as much as I appreciate them, I suddenly wish my friends were far, far away from here. I don’t like the way that Solem is looking at them, as if he’s trying to memorise all their faces. I glance back to Rowen to see her reaction but… She’s gone? I startle when she reappears behind Solem, one arm wrapped around his chin yanking his head back and the other holding a knife to his throat. Woah, what the hell? I expect Solem to look scared, or angry even. What I don’t expect is for him to burst out laughing.
“Relax little hunter. I said I had TWO options, and given the little audience you have all arranged for this meeting, I’m inclined to choose option two.” He comments as if he’s talking about where I want to go for dinner, easy and relaxed. He definitely doesn’t sound like a guy with a knife at his throat.
“And what is option two?” Torin asks darkly, stepping forward and pushing me further behind him.
“Simple. I do nothing. I go home and wait for the day when the human girl inevitably realises that she can’t stand to spend one more moment with you. As soon as she walks away from you, I will be there to collect her.” He answers easily. Rowen makes a ‘huh’ sound and lowers her blade from his throat. Solem gives me a charming smile and steps to the side, out of Rowens grasp.
“Of course, if you DID want to come with me now, I’m sure I could make it worth your while.” He offers, his white teeth shining at me. I scrunch up my face and shake my head quickly.
“Absolutely not. I’m not going anywhere with you and I am certainly not making some other bargain.” I insist. Solem sighs dramatically.
“Oh very well. I suppose I’ll just have to wait. But I have time, all it takes is one big fight and you’ll go running from him.” He says with a smirk. Somehow I can’t help but feel there is something he knows that we don’t. Why is he so confident?
“Well, it’s been lovely meeting you all. But this bar isn’t exactly my kind of scene. I’m going to head off. But I’ll be keeping an eye on you. One day, you’ll have to fulfil the contract between us. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing what becomes of you. A human involved in this world. Should be interesting.” He gives Torin a slight head nod that somehow comes across as condescending, WINKS at me, then heads for the door, followed closely by Rowen. He laughs as she opens the door for him, then he steps out, she closes the door behind him and he’s gone.
What just happened? Is he gone? Is it over? Did we win? Why did Solem still seem so smug if we did? It sounds like he agreed to give up as long as Torin and I have a contract. I look up at Torin who slowly breaks out into an actual full on grin. In a sudden motion, he grabs me and pulls me into a hug, then spins me around. I can’t help but laugh. All at once the room breaks out into a cheer. I get pulled from Torin’s arms and straight into Laura’s as she hugs me. Then all of a sudden Eli is there and he’s looping an arm over my shoulders. Someone pushes a drink into my hand and it’s all completely overwhelming as everyone tries to congratulate me at once. Someone must have gone to get Damien because he yells for everyone to let him through until the crowd parts and he can pull me into a hug himself. I notice Lindy trailing along behind him. Anxious in the large group, but clearly just as excited for me as everyone else is. It takes about three seconds for Richard to suddenly appear beside her. He offers her a drink, but Laura glares at him then stalks off to go talk to Torin who is hovering off to the side, a small smile on his face as he watches us all celebrate. I smile and blow him a kiss causing him to flush red. Then I lose sight of him as I get pulled back into the impromptu party.
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