Meta Gods War 3 by B. Miles (the ebook reader txt) 📕

a fan. The blankets and pillows were tossed on the floor in a tangle.

“We have to do something,” Cam said.

“I know.” Galla stretched her long legs. “I didn’t expect him to try something like that so soon.”

“But you expected it eventually?”

She nodded. “I hoped it would be too late.”

“How many Generals are on my side?”

“Most of them,” she said. “Over half. But there are still divisions within the military.”

“We can’t spend all our time killing each other,” Cam said. “You were right about that. Maybe we can show them that the wolves are the bigger threat.”

“If we wait for a common enemy to unite everyone, it’ll be too late,” Galla said.

“Then what do you propose?”

She reached toward him and ran her fingernails down his back. It felt good and seemed to catch an itch he didn’t know he felt.

“We have to imprison my father.”

Cam looked back at her. Her bare breasts shook with each deep breath. Her pink nipples were stiff. Her full lips were parted.

“You’re talking about a coup,” he said. “A real, full on coup.”

“That’s right.” She dropped her fingers from him. “I’ve been trying to avoid it. I don’t want to see my father stripped of everything he holds dear.”

“But now he’s actively working against you.”

“I had hoped he’d see reason.” She rolled onto her back. Her breasts spilled to either side. Her legs crossed and Cam’s eyes were drawn along her hips to the red downy hair between them.

“We don’t have time to spare,” Cam said. “The last thing I want is to hurt your father any more than we already have.”

“But I don’t see how you have a choice.”

Cam stared at the stone floor. Lamp light flickered and danced. In the main room, he heard Miuri humming to herself as she cooked.

“How will we do it?” he asked.

Galla let out a breath. “I’ll invite him to talk,” she said. “We’ll take him then.”

“You’ll betray him,” Cam said.

“I already have. But at least this way, fewer people will die.”

He looked at her. She tilted her head and didn’t smile. Her green eyes glimmered.

“I didn’t know life mattered so much to you.”

“Don’t bait me into another argument,” she said.

He tilted his head. “You can’t blame me for still being angry.”

“You can be angry,” she said. “But if we can’t move on, this isn’t going to work.”

Cam shifted toward her and put a hand on her thigh. She tilted her head up and he met her lips halfway between them.

“I know you’re right,” he said. “And I forgive you.”

“I’ve been punished enough, you know. Felin snores like an animal.” Galla made a face. “And these rooms barely fit my wardrobe.”

“You could leave some of your clothes back in your old rooms, you know.”

“And walk back and forth whenever I want to change?”

“Can’t argue with that logic.” He ran his hand up her smooth skin and lingered on a breast. She smiled at him, sultry and satisfied.

“I like when you come to me all pissed off,” she said. “What do you call it? The magic thing?”

“The Need,” Cam said.

“And sex cures it?”

“More or less.”

“Well, I love it.” She stretched again and kissed him before climbing out of bed. She found her dress and began to pull it on.

Cam sat up to help. Light blue with gray lace and more straps than a set of armor. He pulled, tightened, tied, and twisted until she was put back together.

“Be careful, Galla,” he said as she began to put her light leather shoes back on. They gleamed from polish.

“I will,” she said. “I’ll send word through an intermediary.”

“Where will we meet?”

“I was thinking the main hall. Plenty of room. He’ll feel safe there.”

“And if he brings men?”

“He’ll bring men,” she said. “But what does that matter to you?”

“I don’t want to hurt them.”

She looked back at him. “You might have to.”

Cam met her gaze. “I thought you didn’t want any more dead.”

She let out a frustrated breath and turned. “I didn’t say you had to kill anyone. Be creative, shaman. I’m sure you can find a way to avoid bloodshed. You did it earlier today.”

Cam let out a snort and shook his head. He stood and kicked through the blankets to find his tunic and pants.

“I’ll see what I can do,” he said.

“Good. And if you use magic, I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

His eyes found hers. They glowed sharp and bright.

“I know you will,” he said.

She laughed, finished getting her shoes on, and stood. Cam watched her bunch her red hair and pile it up on top of her head. She let it fall back down before looking at him. Pink lips pulled back into a smile.

“Tell the others,” she said. “I want to settle this tonight.”

“And after?” Cam asked. “If this does work and we manage to take your father into custody?”

“The others will fall into line,” she said. “No use in fighting over a man with no power.”

“Some won’t.”

“They will, and those that don’t will be replaced.”

Cam watched her walk to the door. She pulled it open and stepped into the main rooms. Firelight danced across her red glowing cheeks. He found his pants, pulled them on, then sat the end of the bed.

He didn’t know how it came to this.

But Galla was right.

Remorn brought this on himself. If he could just step aside and allow Cam to run the army, then he’d be able to maintain his title and position. Instead, he sent loyal soldiers to pick a fight.

If Cam hadn’t stepped up and stopped them, his entire guard might have been slaughtered there in the main caverns.

There was no other conclusion, as much as he hated it.

They couldn’t let her father remain in power.

They’d come this far, and if he wanted to see this fight through, it was time to take it all the way.

12

Cam walked just behind Galla as they made their way through the quiet Mansion halls. Footsteps echoed off rock. It was night, though it was always night in the mountain