Caera, the voice of reason in their party, shook her head as she stood back up.

"We know you're thankful, David. But it's not like we're helping you for no reason."

Dao chirped, pushed Jes off him, stood behind him and hugged him instead.

"Okay," the tiger lady said, rolling her eyes, "at least Jes and I aren't helping you for no reason. Dao wants to keep you as a pet, fine, but I expect compensation. You're going to help me kill those Cainite fucks." Nodding, the tiger lady grabbed the sword hilt he'd tossed, and handed it to him. It was better than nothing, at least.

"Still not really...