The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam (Hart and Mercy, #3)

by Megan Bannen

“Perhaps, but I can say with confidence that being eaten by a squid is better than being eaten by a shark.” “You can’t drop that fact on me without explaining how you come back from being a shark’s lunch.”

Adam grasped Rosie’s arm and squeezed as the blur became a man in his midthirties, dressed in an old-fashioned blue robe. A stylized tiger was emblazoned across his chest in silver thread. Atop his black hair, he wore a crown of laurel leaves in hammered silver. He didn’t look much like Adam, and yet the resemblance was there. And based on Adam’s reaction, it was easy to figure out which human form the Unknown God had taken. Adam’s brother—or, more specifically, the god wearing his likeness—descended from the Thorn of Eternal Life, floating unnaturally downward until they came to stand before Rosie and Adam.

“Well, her immortal life came from a god, and that god is no longer with us. It seems to me that he took her immortality with him.”

“Seven years?” asked Adam. “Is that all?” “What do you mean, is that all? We lost seven years!” cried Rosie. “Seven years is not long.” “Says you.” “I lost considerably more last time.”

Gods, Duckers has turned into Hart Ralston, thought Rosie as she watched this mind-boggling scenario play out. And that poor kid is like wee baby Duckers when he first joined up.

“Are you two a thing?” Duckers flashed her a smile. “We got married five years ago.” “Ahhh!” Rosie screamed at him before hugging him with her good arm. “I love this for you! I bet Hart and Mercy were thrilled.”