He looked at Olivier and Gahariet, who were watching the family reunion.
“I can see that you’re mated.”
“And there’s something else you should know.”
“Yeah.”
Phuong put her hand on her stomach.
“I need to tell you something.”
“Are you sick?” He looked around the medical bay. “Is there something wrong?”
“A little sick,” Phuong admitted, “but I have great news. I’m having a baby. Well, two.”
Xuan hugged her fiercely this time. “There won’t be a more perfect mother on this entire planet. I can’t wait to meet your kids.” He kissed his sister’s cheek. “Wow!”
Part III
44
Reclaim
Phuong
“This reunion is great, but we have to reclaim your blood from Marc.”
Phuong leaned back in her bed, all the joy drained out of the moment by the reality check. They didn’t have to clarify what they meant. She knew that they were right. She looked back at her brother.
Gahariet continued, in his deep voice, “It will mean invading their territory.”
Phuong’s stomach dropped. Gahariet wanted them to storm the auction house, which was their stronghold. She couldn’t think of anything worse. Her hand went to her stomach.
“The babies will be safe. If push comes to shove, we’ll say that you’re pregnant. Marc would never hurt any child, Draka or Yore.”
Her brother grabbed some red chom chom from a bowl on Phuong’s nightstand. He ate it.
“I like it. I would like to repay Marc for the trouble he’s caused.”
Phuong knew that Xuan was angry about Marc trapping Phuong when they had robbed the auction house, but Xuan also had his underground reputation to protect. Marc and Xuan moved in a small sea full of sharks; showing weakness meant that you were food. He needed to figure out a way to reestablish his credibility.
It was a macho thing.
“We could just stay here, where we’re safe,” Phuong suggested.
“Or we can protect our family.” The three boys spoke in unison.
Phuong winced. They’d obviously made up their minds.
45
Goading
Marc
“You botched the perfect time to snatch her. You’re losing your touch, brother.”
Marc didn’t say anything, but his fists were clenched.