Page 38 of Wicked Bonds

Gabriel joined them next, his swords nowhere to be found.That’s a very useful ability.

As is the power to compel, Caro returned.

Yes, but apparently, I can’t compel swords to appear. And I find that disappointing.He wasn’t exactly pouting, but he certainly felt a bit petulant about this development.

I’ll buy you some swords,she replied, her tone underlined with realistic intent.

To go with your knives?he suggested, thinking about how he could use the longer blades during sex. They would certainly prove challenging.

No sword play in the bedroom.She sounded so stern that he almost laughed out loud.

Oh, angel. There will always be sword play in the bedroom.

She frowned, looking at him. The innuendo in his statement was clearly lost on her. A fact she confirmed when she replied,But I prefer knives.

Yes, I know. I’m talking aboutmysword, darling,he informed her, aware of her penchant for taking everything literally.

But you just pointed out that you don’t have…She trailed off.Oh.

He smiled.Yes.Thatsword.

Color touched her cheeks as she cleared her throat to give Vera her focus once more.

She and Osiris had been discussing different ideas, their easy candor confusing Sethios a bit. The last time these two saw each other, Vera had more or less bested Osiris in a fight. It seemed strange that they were conversing freely now.

“We need to consult with the others,” Vera concluded, her wings unfurling as she took off toward the house in the distance.

Osiris watched her for a beat before facing Sethios and Caro. “I’ll remain here, as we can’t afford to waste time with reactions to my presence.”

“Well, maybe if you were more likable, this wouldn’t be a problem,” Sethios drawled.

“Leaders are not meant to be likable,” his father returned. “Leaders make the decisions no one else can. Which is why you need me to help train Astasiya. I’m the only one capable of doing what needs to be done.”

“Not all training methods need to involve heartless cruelty,” Sethios replied, folding his arms.

“No. But the most effective ones do.”

“You wouldn’t know that for sure, though, would you?” Sethios countered, arching a brow.

“I’ve lived far longer than you,” he reminded him. “My techniques have been perfected for tens of thousands of years. And they work.”

“They won’t work on Stas. She’s not like your usual subjects.” Meaning she wasn’t like Sethios.

He’d grown up beneath Osiris’s cruel tutelage. His father might be able to argue that Stas was still a child, given her young Seraphim age, but Sethios had witnessed her stubbornness.

Osiris’s version of training would infuriate her more than teach her. Because she possessed the ounce of humanity that the rest of them lacked.

“You have no idea what Stas needs to grow,” Sethios continued. “Forcing her to learn from you will only make her hate you more than she already does.”

“She doesn’t hate me; she fears me,” Osiris corrected.

“And you think that’s better,” Sethios replied. “Which is precisely why your methods will fail her.” Not that this was even up for debate. She’d already turned down his offer to train her.

“Gabriel will train her,” Caro interjected. “He’s a warrior Seraphim and second in line behind Adriel. You’ve now seen him fight, and you remarked that he was useful. Let him train Stas.”

A practical suggestion that could only have been given by his angel. She’d also obviously struck a chord with Osiris because he’d fallen silent to assess her words.

After a beat, he dipped his chin. “All right. He can provide her with a proper introduction. Then, when she finishes her elementary training and realizes she needs more, send Ezekiel for me. I’ll be waiting.”