Jorick's eyes narrowed at Verchiel. "Did you want something or have you simply come to irritate us?"

Verchiel grinned. "A couple of things, actually. First, I wanted to make sure little Kately was all right, and second, that there were no hard feelings." He gave Jorick mock Bambi eyes. "You can't really be angry. I did keep her away from the bloodhound, after all."

"That's why I haven't killed you, but if you expect me to be grateful, you're going to be disappointed. If ...