“Because someone let the Drakhyn in and you aren’t safe until I know who it is.”
Tegan stopped in the alley, rounding on Cord. “No one would ever,” her voice was quiet but determined.
“What you think an army of Drakhyn managed to sneak in past the outside Sentinels?” His mocking tone was back, and Tegan had the urge to punch him.
“Something happened, but I don’t believe it was an Akrhyn helping Drakhyn.” Her resolute stubbornness caused Cord to roll his eyes.
“Fine, you can disagree with me, but for now, you’re not going back to any Akrhyn facility. Can we keep walking now?”
“You can’t keep me away, Cord,” Tegan jabbed him in the ribs as she slipped under his arm again.
“Of course I can, tied to a bed if I have too.” Tegan’s heart skipped and she looked at him as heat rushed to her face. “Control your thoughts, little tiger,” Cord’s satisfied smile made her cheeks burn harder. They came out onto the street, the cold weather had brought so much snow that it had been scraped off the sidewalk and piled high at the edges. They were in Prince George, Tegan recognised the street from the one she and her father had killed the Drakhyn.
“There’s a diner,” Tegan said turning Cord as she moved, “not far from here, we can get heat at least.”
In the streetlight Cord saw the blood on her head, grabbing his t-shirt he wiped the blood away. Tegan let him clean her forehead before glancing at his toned stomach, as he pulled his shirt down again.
“How far? I think I need food,” Cord admitted.
“We can’t pay for anything,” Tegan reminded him. “We have no money.”
“No, but if I eat, I’ll get some energy, I will portal us out.”
“That’s stealing, Cord,” Tegan looked at him, stunned at his easy attitude to stealing.
“You’re so ridiculously innocent,” he muttered. “Take me there. I’ll work something out.”
Grudgingly, Tegan led him to the diner a few blocks from the alley. They received a few curious glances when they entered but no one bothered them. They found a back booth and Cord looked at her closely.
“You’ll need to go to the washroom and clean your face,” he said lowly as he cast a furtive look around. Tegan nodded and immediately rose, heading to the restrooms, her head low. As he watched her go through the door, Cord let out a breath and relaxed his posture, slumping with fatigue, he dropped his head into his hands.
“You okay, honey?”
Glancing up he looked at the waitress, an elderly human with grey hair tied in a bun and an unhealthy amount of make-up on her face. “I’m fine, long night,” he forced a smile.
“Long night?” she laughed as she poured two cups of coffee, “it’s barely eight-thirty.”
“Is it really?” Cord shook his head in disbelief.
“Maybe you’re still partying from last night?” she winked when she saw Tegan coming back to the table. “I’ll be back for your order.”
“Better?” Tegan asked, as she took her seat. Cord nodded as he drank down his coffee, reaching over he took Tegan’s and drank hers too. “Well, I didn’t really want mine,” she muttered sarcastically.
“By Delfar I needed that,” Cord said as he set her cup down. “You’ll get more when she comes back.”
“More? I would have likedsome,” Tegan snapped.
“Wow, you kids were thirsty.” The waitress poured them both another cup and Tegan snatched her cup to her before Cord could get it. “You ready to order?”
“Two full breakfasts,” Cord ordered, handing over the menu. The waitress asked if he wanted sausage or bacon. She nodded and walked away when he answered both. Cord drank his coffee more slowly when they were alone.
“I didn’t get the chance to look at the menu,” Tegan snipped.
“I’ve seen you eat, you don’t care what you’re eating,” Cord’s smile hovered, and Tegan narrowed her eyes at him.
“How do you feel?” she decided to ignore his remarks about her eating habits.
“Slightly better,” he acknowledged.