Page 37 of Guiding Desire

“When’re they headed back?” Senlas asked.

Col glanced at his screen before saying, “They’re scheduled to stay the week, enjoy the city, meet the local Conduit population, you know. The Op-AI should have a better idea of what they’re supposed to take back by now.”

“Ooh. You’re thinking you want to send us along,” Karmine said.

Col shrugged. “If you’re taking Orrey, I figured the best way to take him is when you have extra firepower.”

“Hound-fucking—he’s been in an explosion only yesterday,” Senlas said.

Col held up his hands. “As I said, they’ll only leave in a week’s time, plus the Op-AI might push it. Something I can better influence the sooner I get to the office.”

“Want me to come with you?” Karmine asked.

Col shook his head. “It’ll be easier and quicker if I do this myself. You can all keep our new Conduit company.” He looked at Senlas. “I’ll give him the basics of channeling tonight or tomorrow.”

Senlas cleared his throat. “He almost did it. Earlier. He asked to kiss me.”

Col’s eyebrows rose. A moment later, the corners of his mouth did as well. “Nicely done, Senny.”

Senlas pinched the bridge of his nose again. “Yeah, yeah. Message me with what you find out at the Judiciary.”

“If you give me some of that,” Col said, pointing at the coffee machine.

SenlasOpenedone of the cabinets andPulledout one of the to-go mugs he kept there. He poured Col’s coffee by hand, screwed the mug shut, and handed it over.

“Hey, be safe.”

Col nodded. “You know me. Later.”

Vincameoutforbreakfast about ten minutes before Orrey rejoined them. Senlas was in equal parts surprised and pleased to see his Conduit had decided to wear the same soft sweatpants and shirt Col had put him in yesterday.

I wonder what his underwear situation is now,Senlas thought as he handed Orrey a glass of water and four pills.

Orrey stared at them.

“The pink one’s for your eyes, the light yellow ones are phage boosters, and the dark yellow one is for the pain,” Senlas said.

Vin was eyeing them from his corner spot on the couch. Senlas knew he did that when he met new people he considered important in some way. Learning someone’s body language came as second nature to Vin, a result of his puppeteer power. It meant he was thinking of Orrey as belonging. Senlas liked that.

“I feel fine though,” Orrey said, but then he took all the pills anyway.

Senlas was glad. His aunt had taught him all about getting pills down her animal patients’ throats or beaks, and none of those tricks were any Senlas wanted to apply to his Conduit.

Once Orrey was settled on the couch again, Senlas got him his coffee and joined him, enjoying the sight of Orrey savoring the brew.

Just when Karmine started plating up breakfast, Taros walked into the room, his purple hair damp. “Oh, hey, beautiful! Back with the awake and alert crowd again?”

“Uhm, yes. Thank you,” Orrey said.

“I thought you didn’t bring a bathing suit,” Senlas said.

Karmine chuckled.

“I just went for a quick swim.”

Senlas frowned. “I told you not to put your naked ass on my lounger.”

“Which is why I went for a swim. My ass was in the water at all times.”