Page 124 of Their Lethal Pet

She smiles. “Excellent. My mates will be pleased.”

Meanwhile, my two best friends will be fantasizing about how best to slay you,I think.But as that’s their version of pleasure, I suppose I could say the same.

Alas, I refrain from saying that out loud and focus on more important items.

Likerules.

“Just so I’m clear, if I want to travel within this realm, I’m allowed,” I say. “However, if I want to stay somewhere, I should provide notice of my intent.”

“Yes. Although, the transportation offerings vary by region. My territory, for example, specializes in trains. But, as you may have gathered, my jurisdiction primarily stretches between the Elite City and Monster City. It also goes as far north as former-day Boston, and as far south as Nightingale Village, which is near where Asheville used to exist in the olden days.”

She talks about a few other locations, such as theboating system near Monster Island, and something about ferries in Monsters Isle.

I listen politely, but I don’t really care about standard transportation mechanisms. They won’t be needed.

“What if I want to portal home?” I finally interject, more interested in any potential restrictions that may forbid me from venturing between dimensions. “Emissary Jones mentioned that I needed a higher rank to portal at will.”

She nods. “Portals between realms are frowned upon outside of Monsters Night. We don’t want beings coming and going without prior authorization. It has the potential to upset the balance we’ve created here.”

“While I respect that, I’m not someone who can remain grounded in a single realm,” I tell her.

“Yes, I suspected as much.” She taps her chin. “All right, while you’re in my territory, you can portal at will. But any other beings from your world—not including your mates—are only allowed to visit this realm on Monsters Night. Violation of that term could result in a breaking of our new alliance.”

“Only within your territory?” I ask, clarifying that point.

“I can only grant permissions within my own kingdom. Should you wish to be allowed universal portaling rights elsewhere, you’ll need to confer with the local King or Queen.”

“So in the Elite City…?” I trail off, arching a brow.

“Oh, the Elite City King is a dear friend of mine. If I grant you portal rights, he’ll honor them as well. But anywhere else? Yes, you would need permission.”

“I see.” While inconvenient, it isn’t the worst requirement. “As for my fae remaining in this realm, there are two Strigoi in the building who have expressed aninterest in staying. Are you saying they need to return to my world?”

My voice is neutral as I ask the question. I really don’t care either way, but I told Cage and Sabre that I would inquire about their options.

“You mean the dreamwalkers?”

“Yes. We call them Strigoi.” Because they’re more than dreamwalkers. They’re strongly related to vampires, hence their need for blood.

“Interesting.” She considers for a moment, like she’s truly intrigued. “Hmm, well, they’re no longer under my jurisdiction. Cain has already escorted them to the Elite City.”

“What?”The guy in the suit from earlier has my Strigoi?

She blinks at me. “When I mentioned their existence to Cain, he came to learn more about their talents. And I felt the three of them leave shortly after our conversation began. I assume that means he intends to keep them.”

“He can’tkeepthem. They’re under my protection.”

“Well, I’m afraid you’ll have to take that up with Cain.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Which, let me guess, requires approval from the Elite City King?” Since I’ll have to visit fucking Chicago to track this asshole down.

“Well, normally, yes. But in this case, Cain is the Elite City King.” Her lips curl. “I’m sure he would love for you to visit.”

I’m sure he won’t want me to visit at all.

Because when I find him, I’ll unleash Reaper on him.

Trying to keep our Strigoi. Who the fuck is this guy? And what the fuck is he?