Chapter 36

Thor clenched his jaw and willed himself not to express the emotion he was feeling. In as steady a voice as he could muster, he said, “We have sighted a ship. I have given the order to pursue and take her.”

Seth nodded, still petting the cat, who had dropped to the bed and lay between the two men.

“She is Dutch,” Thor said.

Seth stopped in mid-stroke and looked up. Bartholomew mewed in protest.

“Get your things together. I will have Brabrent’s cargo readied.” Thor got up and turned to leave.

“Theodore!” Seth called.

“Yes?” Thor asked without turning around.

Seth jumped from the bed, put a hand on Thor’s shoulder, and spun him around. He threw his arms around the big man’s neck and buried his face in Thor’s chest.

Thor encircled Seth with his arms, stroking his hair and kissing the top of his head.