Binding Ties Read Online Free PDF Page A

so.”
    â€œWhatever you’re planning isn’t worth a war,” said Logan.
    â€œI’m saving lives. Every lesson those kids learn might be the one that keeps them alive someday.”
    â€œAnd what about all the lives we’ll lose if the treaty between your people and the Theronai is broken? What about all the young Slayers who will be down one powerful group of allies because you couldn’t wait two days for Joseph to think about what you’re doing and realize you’re right? Give the man a chance to see your side of things. Convince him to rule in your favor.”
    As much as Lyka hated it, Logan was right. She hadn’t thought her actions all the way through. As usual, shewas letting her hot-blooded Slayer side rule her emotions. “How am I supposed to do that? I’ve already stated my case. He knows where I stand. The ball is in his court now.”
    Logan scoffed. “Hardly. If you think you’ve made all the moves available to you, then you have a lot to learn.”
    Always open to learn new strategies, Lyka asked, “What do you suggest?”
    â€œHe’s a man. You’re an attractive woman.”
    â€œAnd?” asked Lyka.
    Hope hid a grin. “He’s telling you to use your feminine wiles to sway Joseph to your way of thinking. A man is much more inclined to do what a woman wants if he thinks it might get him laid.”
    Lyka let out a bark of laughter. “Really? That’s your big play? Let him fuck me?”
    â€œThat’s not what she said,” said Logan. “I’d never suggest exchanging sexual favors for a ruling on your behalf. That’s not to say you shouldn’t do it. I’d simply never suggest it, for fear such advice would come back to haunt me.”
    Lyka shook her head. “I’m not sleeping with Joseph just to get my way.”
    â€œYou don’t have to. Just make him think you might.”
    â€œHell, no,” said Lyka. “I’m not teasing him or leading him on, either.” She couldn’t get that close. He might touch her. She didn’t know if he’d be able to tell what she was if he did that, but she wasn’t taking any chances.
    â€œIt’s not like that,” said Hope. “All you have to do is befriend him. Make him like you. He’ll want to make you happy if you’re friends.”
    Lyka shook her head. “It’s no wonder everyone is suspicious of you guys. You ride that gray area pretty hard.”
    â€œThere’s nothing wrong with what we’re suggesting.And, as you said, what you’re doing is saving lives. Is spending a few hours with Joseph really such a hardship that it’s not worth the lives of those children?”
    â€œNow who’s playing dirty?” she asked. “Why the hell do you care so much whether or not I get to teach my classes? What’s in it for you? You do all this healing without asking for my blood to fuel your efforts, and all I have to do in return is make sure that it’s either you two or Tynan who patches them up. Aren’t you supposed to demand payment in blood?”
    â€œHope and I sustain each other now. We have far less need for blood than the rest of our kind.”
    â€œThat doesn’t answer my question. What’s in it for you?”
    The two shared a secret look that spoke volumes—volumes Lyka couldn’t even begin to understand.
    Finally, Logan spoke, but it was clear he was choosing his words carefully. “Most of these children are wounded beyond what you can see. Their emotional scars run deep. Every time we heal their bodies, it gives us the chance to touch their minds and work toward healing that part of them as well. It’s a slow, delicate process—one made much faster by the sheer frequency of opportunities to heal that your little lessons provide. Baby steps, as it were.”
    â€œThat’s it? You’re doing all of this as some