Steel whispered from Vex's scabbard.
The witch was already stepping toward them, her red eyes fixed on the limb encircling her husband's neck. Around her, the other women turned on Veshara, hands finding their weapons as they began closing the distance.
Quinlan raised an open hand, stopping his wives' approach. Vex kept her sword partly drawn.
The tail tightened at his collar, drawing him down as he lowered his raised hand. Veshara waited until he was bent toward her, then rose onto her toes to bring her mouth close to his helmet.
"Most people would guard these little secrets with their lives..."
Her voice had softened, losing the volume she'd used to complain about his manners. Looking up through her lashes, she let the tip of her long tongue glide over her lower lip.
"But you asked so nicely..."
