Heartmate Read Online Free PDF Page A

pattern reminiscent of, but more modern than, the one on the old dagger.
    â€œYes. Exactly!” Holm pinched at the drawing as if he could actually feel the thing. His smile deepened until a crease showed in his cheek. T’Ash remembered that look, usually saved for the exuberance of a fight. “In fact, I’ll commission three. One for myself and my father, also.”
    T’Ash frowned and took the papyrus from his friend. “Your brother’s main gauche first, as soon as I can manage. Have Tinne come tomorrow night to test the preliminary balance of the blade. Your nameday is three twinmoons phases from now, your long dagger will be finished then. Your father’s will be ready by the anniversary of Holly GreatHouse.”
    Holm’s fingers made another tinkling tattoo on the glass counter. “No sooner for the others?”
    T’Ash straightened and matched Holm’s height. He leaned forward, emphasizing his Ash bulk. “I have other priorities now. You called in your blood debt and I will honor it. The rest must wait.”
    Both of Holm’s winged silver-blond eyebrows rose, and a wicked smile graced his lips. “Personal business.” He rubbed his hands, touched the handle of his short-barreled blaser at his side. “Fighting?”
    â€œNo.”
    Holm sighed and looked at the sketch again. “Pity. You have grown positively staid of late.”
    â€œMy vengeance is over. It had to be pursued but now is done. I can concentrate on rebuilding my line and shaping my life.”
    A hint of envy flickered in Holm’s eyes. “You have no Family to pressure you, no bonds of obligation to anyone else. You can live life as you please.”
    â€œNo Family. No ancestral home.” T’Ash tapped the dagger. “No generational possessions. Only myself and my hopes alone. Only a Residence that echoes with newness. Only possessions I have purchased or made.”
    Holm inclined his head. “I understand. And despite all those lacks, you still have the duties, responsibilities, and rituals that all FirstFamilies and GreatHouses must observe.”
    â€œIndeed.” T’Ash didn’t want to think of the void still in his life, particularly since his HeartMate had rejected him. With a drawtool he began detailing a complex bit of the hilt on his design. The commission would keep his mind off his problems, at least until the shop closed. “You know, this main gauche far exceeds a Discovery Day trinket.”
    Holm waved a hand. “Leave the explaining to me.”
    T’Ash looked up and met his friend’s eyes. “As I did when I heeded your advice to quit spilling blood and deliver the last of my enemies to the FirstFamilies Council? As I did when I let you ‘explain’ our—my—duels of vengeance to the Council?”
    â€œThe Holly ability to ‘explain’ is only excelled by our ability to fight.” Holm winked.
    T’Ash smiled. The Hollys deeply believed that motto of theirs. He gripped Holm’s shoulder. “I don’t know if I ever thanked you for those little speeches, but know that I am grateful. Beyond the debt of blood and honor.”
    Holm hunched his shoulder, then glanced out the window. “I’ll leave you to your craft, then. Pretty ladies are strolling the avenues this eve.”
    T’Ash withdrew his hand and followed Holm’s gaze out the window to a well-rounded blonde. A pang of yearning spurred him. His own small HeartMate of the chestnut hair and hazel eyes had escaped the range of his senses some moments before.
    T’Ash turned to the line of customers and boxed up small charms in the shape of starships before he once again spoke to Holm. “I can keep the dagger to study?”
    â€œYes, yes,” Holm replied absently, flirting with the lady outside.
    T’Ash watched unspoken messages pass from Holm to the woman and wished for his friend’s