Chapter 15 · Family Orders

The bond settled under Rona's ribs like a second heartbeat and Ghost stopped bleeding.

Not all the way. Blood still ran down her side, but the gush slowed to a seep. Ghost's eyes snapped open. She sucked in air like she'd been drowning.

"You stupid—" Ghost started.

Bootsteps. Heavy ones.

Rona twisted around. Three figures dropped into the ravine from the ridge above. Dax landed first, enhancement flare bright around his legs. He hit the rocks and didn't even stumble. Showoff.

Two more Kash hunters flanked him. Rona recognized the gray-haired woman—Aunt Sera. The other one was young, maybe seventeen. New blood.

Dax straightened. His eyes went to Ghost, then to Rona kneeling next to her. He didn't say anything for three seconds.

Then he smiled.

"You bonded her."

Rona's stomach dropped. "I—"

"You bonded the target." Dax walked closer. His enhancement aura hadn't faded. It clung to him like heat shimmer. "Dad's gonna love this."

Ghost tried to sit up. Rona pushed her back down. "Don't move. You're still—"

"I'm fine." Ghost's voice came out rough. She shoved Rona's hand away and got to her knees. Blood dripped off her jacket onto the stone.