“I don’t know that in the least,” Lyle replied without hesitation. Arguments aside, Arius could be anyone or anything from anywhere. And the last thing Lyle was going to let happen was some weird-ass spy running back to report that Lyle was out there bad-mouthing the bastards that had the power to put him back into seclusion.
“I don’t believe you for a second,” Arius said. “Even if you are a dog and, as such, loyal to a fault so deep it could cause tectonic destruction. See, I am a people watcher, pup, and I’m very good at it. And I see the way your eyes darken when you say the word ‘Committee.’“ He repeated it, smacking his lips, widening his eyes, and offering so much tone to the word it could have summoned demons. “Committee…” He smirked and shoulder-bumped Lyle lightly. “It’s oddly si
