Strings Of Fate

Chapter 13

"Of course," Terrence offered. Lying to Madame was never a good idea, so he didn't bother to try. Even if admitting such a thing was potentially dangerous. The truth wasn't always pleasant to hear.

"I see," Madame nodded. They turned to face the hybrids behind them. Their red eyes narrowed at the tiger. "Marquez! Why was that a concern?" Anger shot through the air, and shadows lashed out, turning the peaceful if not awkward scene into something far more nerve-wreaking. At the very least, it wasn't aimed at Terrence. However, it was entirely Terrence's fault.

Maybe he shouldn't have been so blunt with the answer. Terrence took a step back, but Nikolai stopped him from fleeing further. The wolf was filling the entire doorway as Marquez spluttered. Nikolai nuzzled his hair, the rumble in his chest, growing more protective by the moment.

"Ask Terrence! I never lifted a hand towards him!" Marquez defended amongst many other words and defencing as Madame pressed up against him, studying him intently.

"Terrence?"

"Marquez never hurt Jaz," Terrence agreed, "But you know, it's rather easy to guess how he'd be after I ran away. The whole showdown was rather proof of that." He paused, pressing more against Nikolai, wishing the man would let him escape. "I was kind of surprised when nothing bad happened last night. I was half expecting to wake up back in the truck tied up and gagged." Saying in the cage maybe a little on the nose.

Madame blinked twice, their expression neutral again. "The showdown was theatrical," they nodded, crossing their arms. "And I wouldn't authorise that so soon. Not when we have time before we leave."

"But you would of if it'd been Sunday night."

"Everyone was very worried," Sanvish agreed with a bit more of an upbeat air. Painfully cutting in before someone could say something stupid to that comment. The circus would. Of course, it would. There was no point denying it, nor Terrence complaining about it. Fearing it, on the other hand. "Toby has a sideshow ready to show you. Complete with a test afterwards!"

"Nikolai warned me," Terrence grimaced.

Madame chuckled. "Toby works very hard to keep everyone safe. Ten years and you broke some of the cardinal rules. Mind you, you broke the circus one ten years ago, so I'm not sure why anyone would be particularly surprised." Their hand landed on Marquez's chest, painted rainbow nails sticking out against the tiger's fur. "Marquez was good to you last night?"

"Madame!" Marquez protested. "I have never harmed anyone in the circus except when you have ordered it!"

Nikolai snorted.

Marquez glared at the man. "Ignoring people who don't know how to keep to their place, or hands to themselves," he growled, eyes studying how Terrence and Nikolai were pressed together.

A rumble of amusement came from the wolf, and arms surrounded Terrence. Terrence resisted the urge to look upwards. The pissing contest between Marquez and Nikolai hadn't disappeared in the last ten or so years then. He should step out of Nikolai's arms. It would only lead to the two fighting in his cafe and causing damage. Followed by another night of Marquez and Sanvish scent marking him. Yet, Terrence was reluctant to move.