Chapter 4
Vander pushed open the door that111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxNOuQYhS6
led into a large, spacious office. The walls were blocked by large bookshelves111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUUVQlVG2Z
filled to the brim with various books from Eluvia’s history, there were even111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfErlZUOL0P
some books from their neighboring countries. 111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQKMhvtwBa
When he was younger he had wanted to read them all, but it was a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryYg7pgT8T
daunting task that would take him many lifetimes. Each shelf was painstakingly111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fUX30vTkw
ordered alphabetically and by subject so you could find anything you wanted111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lvbLDarz0
quite easily.
There was a desk in front of the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXywsQ4pUf
left wall that was kept clean, only a letter or two adorned in. Inside the desk111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEDnTHHmSf
were reports from all the Blades scattered throughout the kingdom and a wax111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOmwZCAPKq
seal the Commander used on the letters before sending them out on delivery. On111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeke8b5zAb4
the right side was a massive fireplace with two large chairs set up in front.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0vSBHh5it
There was a table between them where his grandfather sat drinking after a long day’s111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2dUfeqRhO
work before he retired for the night.
“Are you just going to stand there111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T6HYiTdGJ
looking around or are you coming inside?” Vander looked towards the window111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pNR9FFfar
where his grandfather was standing.
Charles Pendrake was staring at111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16ggC60NcF
him over his shoulder with a hard look in his eyes. Despite being an adult,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQtxFEHZFP
Vander found his grandfather to be quite intimidating. Despite being almost111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlOsfUmwZw
sixty years old, at 6’6 he was still able to run over the younger Blades quite111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuApJvikz6b
easily. His mind was still sharp, and he commanded an air of respect that few111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdhvhVH1Hd
could ignore. Despite being family, the two of them look nothing alike. He had111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBiH4HJWJd
brown hair with graying edges and brown eyes. While Vander was wiry, Charles111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVVYNuKCle
was pure muscle. Charles was respected while Vander was feared.
“Apologies111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8txIhnVfbv
Commander.” Vander stepped inside then closed the door. “It’s just been a long111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuXDvRzZb6
time since I’ve been in here.” Shea followed him in and went to sit by his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo89erXAt0
grandfather’s desk chair.
“I’ve told you111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEoephlsRr
when it’s the two of us you can call me grandpa.” Charles sighed.
“Sorry111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntoWcpA7LQ
Commander.” Vander bowed his head.
“Still just a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93pYKwnQKu
pain in the ass as always.” Charles stepped away from the window then sat down111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kaqxmXNox
behind his desk. “I thought spending the past six months up in the woods would111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0kvMjOhUW
have tempered the attitude of yours.” He rubbed the top of Shea’s head as she111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6oNpAly0v
placed her mouth on his leg.
“Don’t pretend111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5IK4qDs8l
that’s why you sent me up there to train.” Vander took the seat opposite him.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1tKwHNSpx
“Though it was nice to get away from the city for a change.”
“I did it for111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUUEwisG3l
your own good, you know it.” Charles sighed. “I don’t know how I wound up with111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh4YXckYPt
such a head strong grandson.”
“And people say111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYeVNF7Cfh
we’re nothing alike.” He snorted. “Anyway, I received your letter and came as111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthxC2SP24L
soon as I could. What’s going?” Charles leaned back in his chair.
“Since you were111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJ9mP9wOxi
sent to the woods and Cuvera went to pick up his bride from Bricen, things have111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisV2tmWomA
only gotten worse here.” He rubbed the back of his head. “What I am about to111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaRc9DgNAc
tell you, you can tell no one else about. Not even Alex, am I understood?”
“Is that111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSDnTcEXgk
serious I can’t tell another Captain?” Charles nodded grimly. Vander sighed111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkvUKxODSH
before agreeing. “A couple weeks ago, Malcolm had fallen mysteriously ill. We111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumEe5RZFf5
aren’t sure the cause of it, Topal is by his side every day and night, but none111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgK1002ORVI
of his remedies are working.”
“Really?”111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uFQAYx6sk
Vander frowned. “When I passed through the city earlier, nothing seemed amiss.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNicxuw13y
There was no one sick and everyone seemed quite happy.”
“That’s because no one outside of111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVevMMOloKD
the council knows.” Charles explained. “We wanted to keep it quiet to avoid a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhFYDBxUSv
panic.”
“So why tell me?”
“Because I want you to take over111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1pVZIqblX
the investigation for me.” Charles explained. “I don’t think the cause of his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEMQWKx0jK
sickness is natural causes, I think it was poison. Topal agrees with me, but111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5B6M3oROC
the council doesn’t agree. While the King is fighting for his life, the council111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xiu7xa7lL
is trying to undermine him by passing laws that bolster their own power while111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxv1NkgVQ5
restricting ours. So now I must fight them off and can’t concentrate on finding111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPT3h7u3Nd
out who did this. So, will you do it?”
Vander folded his arms and thought111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pjwQc3Oov
for a moment. It was a lot of information to absorb at once, but he knew his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVxo8E9pSi
grandfather was pressed for time. Despite his anger towards the old man, he111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJ4e7JRYG1
didn’t really want to see him suffer anymore.
“I will help you.” Vander sighed.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ5nFhw9gb
Charles broke out into a large grin.
“Thank you.” He reached into his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXiP0gPKJg
desk and pulled something out. He placed the small item on the desk in front of111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYKJ7WtWSP
Vander. It was a small blue medallion with the royal family’s crest on one side111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTRXhPWgfH
and the Blade symbol on the other. “This will open all doors for you inside the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGQwF9hUSs
city. Get whatever you need, but you can tell no one about your mission.”
Vander took the medal then slipped111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAh18hc5GF
it into his pocket. “Is it alright if I see the King now?” He got up from the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡId8GCUZP2x
chair and headed towards the door.
“Yes, but there is something I111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKjDQ1kThc
should tell you-“ Vander opened the door while looking at his grandfather.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKbr7TaZpP
Shea’s hackles raised as she started snarling. He turned to see who was111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCCs34eJaR
standing there and upon recognizing him, his blood started to boil.
“What the hell are you doing111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSikEV53Eiv
here?” he snapped. He grabbed the man by his collar and pushed him up against111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMEgfArbQi
the hallway wall. “Give me a reason why I should gut you where you stand.”
“Because I’m still a Blade and a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQU3tKvEuO
captain now.” Leon smirked. “You can’t do a damn thing to me.”
“What?” He spun around to see his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1A6wifwgM
grandfather standing in the doorway looking at him with a dejected look on his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuktsGKB7mx
face.
“I had no choice in the matter.”111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvxgfcbn29
Charles looked pained. “That’s part of the reason I wanted to see you; will you111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcJ8ZOn8oM
sit down? Please?” Vander took one more look at Leon’s smug face before shoving111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWRCMCc7la
him back against the wall and walking back to his seat. Shea, still growling,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5UzgNOr22
kept her eyes locked on Leon perhaps daring him to make a move against her111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IqgEezfu7
master. Vander sat down.
“The council is making moves to111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu0C0FOmxy
limit the power of the Blades, or to remove us completely.” Charles explained.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf9otZqQGm
“Since the wars ended, they decided there isn’t a need for us to carry on how111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU65OaBiU2
we are. With the poisoning of the King, it further reinforced their views. They111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GOVfUC8Bt
appointed Leon as Captain to oversee us and to report back.”
“And what qualifications does he111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS3IuFn64h
have to report on anything?” Vander glared at the other man who was leaning up111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q1D2jefah
against the wall with a broad grin on his face.
“None whatsoever.” Charles111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBUzxeDosI
snorted. “His father just promoted him into our ranks to be a pain in the ass.”
“That’s not going to win you any111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSLtxicdfH
points, Commander.” Leon sneered. “I have absolute authority to decide the fate111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBY0R1EVLv
of the Blades. It wouldn’t go well for you to get on my bad side.”
“Shea kindly escort him from the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79qa9xFC57
room.” Vander commanded. “I don’t need him overhearing actual Blade business.”
“With pleasure.” She111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpc3b8EvY8
snarled. She got up from off the ground and with teeth bared, she stalked111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgE3N7ybPL
towards Leon. Leon’s smug smirk disappeared instantly as he slowly started111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIwtvk7RHK
backing up towards the door.
“Call off your mutt, Vander.” His111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HEjTynRYd
face became pale as neither of them moved to help. “Vander.” He quickly ducked111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjjpXV9To7
through the door and slammed it shut as Shea lunged at him. She landed nimbly111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSp0kiqrl95
in front of the door.
“Don’t come back.” Vander111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY44h0M0MeI
heard Leon’s panicked footsteps echoing down the hall. The thought of the man111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3b0oVood2f
pissing himself brought a small smile to his face.
“That was unwise, yet very111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSghD78ztnW
satisfying.” Charles chuckled. “Viggo won’t be happy.”
“I don’t give a shit what makes111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t2fmf0rj7
him happy.” Vander sighed. “He just wants to control us for his own personal111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Wr8YfssXs
gain. Man’s a snake and should be removed.”
“We are just protectors Vander,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWENWlYvii
not politicians. Leave the removal to those with the mind to do it.”
“Yes sir.” Vander sighed. “When do111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ACGi4bSJj
you want me to go and see the King?”“The investigation can wait until you are111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8emdPP4Dz
fresh faced and rested.” Charles said. “Everything is how it was; the King has111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK36kQWuxS
just been moved to a secret location while he recovers. This is our last chance111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJECAM1Gkn
to prove our worth to the council.”
“We shouldn’t have to prove a damn111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoXhMxXEIc
thing, but I’m with you.” Vander got up to stretch, stifling a yawn. “I will do111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaANfk5nQ7
what I can to find out who hurt the King and bring them to justice.”
“Thank you.” Charles smiled. “How111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmJmdE6b7Z
are the recruits coming along? I wanted to give a demonstration to the council,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv7ObTf7oL
but only if you think they are ready.”
“Their teamwork could use some111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIfDI0SUNv
help and if they stopped letting their hormones get the better of them they111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9Xz8o0t0v
would be solid fighters.” Vander explained. “We are meeting at my place for111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNslQV4Lxub
celebratory drinks and food. They deserve it.”
“I don’t know why you still stay111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zXuAW6RU9
in that shit hole.” Charles said. “We have plenty of rooms for you in the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IzyhrZbFD
compound, you should stay there.”
“You know my feelings on its111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY3yl17kiW
gramps.” He said. “I don’t like how the others look at me. At least in the city111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xUJiejrdT
I can be a little anonymous and keep to myself.”
“I know, I know.” He sighed. “I111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6V6nQefmP
will see you tomorrow. The price will be arriving in the next couple of days111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusHDB41Ju7
with his new bride, I would like the investigation to be wrapped up by then,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OFtenSPRM
then we will have the recruits tested. Will that be alright with you?”
“Yes.” He stared down at his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdtArs92oK
grandfather. “And just because I’m being civil with you, doesn’t mean I’m not111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsFRb3ctqS
angry with you. We will have our talk once this is all over.”
“I understand.” Charles looked111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCrRtwgolU
down at his desk and began rifling through his papers. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bl1AZ43Af
Realizing that was his cue, Vander opened the door for Shea and the two of them111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXubibizquv
slipped out quietly closing it behind them.
The walk back through the castle111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVYkcB45Au
was uneventful. Most of the servants were too busy to talk to him, as they were111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBvJkj0VPo
preparing for the prince’s return along with his new bride. Vander was hopeful111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcGCuJmWbZ
with their union because finally the long war that killed thousands of people111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUa5l4U3TN
was finally at its end. Peyton’s words at the front door didn’t surprise Vander111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7C2q9O0WA
in the least. The two countries would finally be allowed to heal but some111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuo5hxKjhg
people didn’t care about that. They just wanted the war to continue because it111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOhn8nRdBC
just made them richer. It was a disgrace, but greed ruled overall. Part of him111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb74jjjYID
had hoped that the would be told who was against the treaty and toss them in111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBTYf8E0SF
jail, but if the King, Charles, and Peyton wanted them to stick around, they111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQktOZdP3gQ
must have a good reason for doing so. It was above his paygrade at any rate.
He headed back towards the gate111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1SmFFBqbX
where Jeffery Jilena’s soldiers were guarding the passage through, and to his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTbDvksqBP
surprise, it seemed as though his advice worked. They were alert and not111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSyDQlrApp
leaning up against the walls. Their weapons were at attention and even though111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp5EUOo02w
they gave him a dirty look as he passed, one snarl from Shea kept them from111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg1ZWjdc5B
saying anything they would regret, and they allowed him to pass without any111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUholahIHLa
issues.
By the time he made it out of the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0qVwwOcxb
middle ring, the sun was beginning to set illuminating the sky with colors of111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzJS7DahFY
bring pink and yellow. Most of the people he walked past were scurrying to get111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmA195HezS8
home before nightfall or closing shops so they could calculate their profits111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao45fKIg1T
before heading in for the night. Nighttime was always Vander’s favorite time of111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviUe7xfPbW
day. The hustle and bustle of city life would disappear into almost nothing111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziSLB2a5xG
giving him the peace and quiet he and Shea desperately enjoyed. Being back in111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ir5hvu0rc
the city would be a challenge and he knew it would only be a matter of time111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeqZCuzEn7
before they two of them wanted to go back to the woods where they both felt at111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfkYSNitts
home. For now, they would just have to enjoy the place they lived in and make111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RlW72if6m
do with that.
One of the only places that would111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm6BiXepH0
have Vander and Shea was a little inn within the eastern district called the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjivVdwU89
Warm Hearth. They got hunters coming from the forest to try and sell skin,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6v2hToWlo
meat, bones, and fur to anyone who wanted them. Often the hunters would bring111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm2U596Wdm
their dogs with them as an insurance policy against thieves. They were unruly111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3DqU87oXq
to the inn owners and would often feel up many of the servers. One time Vander111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgTx6Bmj1g
got into it with a couple of them who felt they were entitled to the servers111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiOEkeyghZ
after hours. The sicced their dogs on him, but once Shea jumped in killing two111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbchETjH3MW
of them, the hunters knew better than to fuck with them and, by extension, the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmYw7pEn80
serving girls. From the day forward, he had a discounted room and a place to111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRzByX4Xwp
relax after work.
Upon arrival, he could hear dozens111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirW6ptW0Li
of patrons talking and demanding foo and drinks. It wasn’t a bad place, a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcCXlOvnn5
little run down, but kempt. The front door was missing a hinge causing it to111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Uqve3qzor
lean slightly. Once you opened it, you had to lift it a little bit to make sure111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6BNU04cOO
it didn’t catch on the stairs. Unknown to all but Vander, the servers and the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekPn7mNs5n
owner, the stools were slightly off center. It was a way to make sure people111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREW9fOakIb
weren’t drinking too much. If they fall to the floor, they get cut off and111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡir9JFExRCt
taken somewhere to sleep it off before going home to their families.
Vander pulled open the door,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1TPM7Q0qv
making sure to lift it, and was greeted with even more noise than he was111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SIrW5HNBr
expecting. There were thirty people jammed inside all shouting to be heard over111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9iYdtmX5C
the music playing in the corner. A couple of people, men, and women were111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfjJW2Ezhr
dancing on the floor in front of the band twirling their dresses and spinning111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RBgoCIn1E
on their feet to the beat. Shea, hating all the noise slunk off behind the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWfrYQEsch
counter and quickly made her way over to the rear corner to scamper her way up111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1cdDka3qh
the stairs and out of sight. She knew where she was going, they had installed a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tNWW243VR
little door for her to come and go as she pleased so she would have no issues111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv3gjVu5tn
getting into his room. He just hoped no one was squatting there or they would111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YWiyM91cy
be in for a real rude awakening.
“Vander!” Someone shouted at him.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HUDCm7nV5
The voice came from the Inn Keeper, a young woman named Julianne, who had111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9QgKKY1TV
received the bar from her father after his untimely death. She had long black111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uffD9QlxG
hair, brown eyes, and a figure that drew the eye of every man in the room. She111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdasGrci0A
flirted harmlessly with the guests, made sure to top of their drinks whenever111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASNDX6Ku6P
she could, but was still responsible in making sure people didn’t drink more111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8gIS16Zee
than they could handle.
“Julianna,” he waved to her. She111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsW6ZvEltW
sashayed her way through the crowd to embrace him in a quick hug followed by a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8RqAze6if
quick peck on the cheek. Today she was wearing a low-cut navy-blue dress and111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd7hCRXbWA
blue boots. Her long hair was pulled back in a ponytail to keep any loose111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlGmKLLGV9
strands from falling into anyone’s food or drinks.
“I had a feeling you might be here111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzBh86eVnM
today.” She beamed causing dimples to form in her cheeks. “I had your room111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqG8xvRYa4
dusted then the linen and your clothing cleaned. My maid, Kyra, just finished111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WlP9pzv7n
an hour or so ago.”
“You have a knack for knowing when111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZfyTMG7un
I get here.” He laughed, hugging her back. “Are you sure you aren’t a seer?”
“Nonsense,” She slapped him111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrE0ywZvTd
lightly on the arm. “Get upstairs and get changed, you smell like stale sweat111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyf7RhpC1mC
and feet.” Vander lifted his arms then grimaced. She was being polite about it.
“Alexander and the recruits are111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdjiaVp0ed
coming tonight.” Vander said. “If they arrived before I come back down, will111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xv2kMSjTY
you get them a table?”
“Of course.” She smiled. “After111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJXnzeIeZb
they leave, I’d love to hear how your time away from this place was. We can111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaINFBbHh44
drink and relax, how does that sound?”
“Sounds great.” He waved goodbye111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwP7yvXUvz
to her as he tried to make his way though. The servers smiled and waved at him111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjAATe86BF
while the patrons backed up several steps. He wasn’t sure if it was because111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhfIGcfrmq
they recognized him or because of the way he smelled, but he guessed it didn’t111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9ig8wUuQ8
really matter. He was glad to not have to talk to any of them.
His room was on the third floor111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLSl8gTJbw
all the way at the back. Julianne had offered a closer room on the lower floor,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCT8eiFuaR
but he liked his privacy as most of the people who stayed here were either111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiXSVY3rKZ
travelers who wanted a cheaper room or patrons who were too drunk to walk and111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGMIolFqzE
couldn’t walk. She had her own room in the basement where it was warm and where111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NKoMJcZCy
she didn’t have to worry about anyone trying to get into her room. The basement111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLdH2fPTjX
was only open during business hours and was locked during the day. He had never111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76iyaFPl4Q
been down there, but he expected there was a second door that was always locked111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QRV8sOYuu
to keep anyone from sneaking down there when she was busy.
His room wasn’t much to look at.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVhx7R3XmN
It was big enough for a small bed, a desk, and a dresser. There was a closet111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVorQ1m33i
along the left wall and a door that led into a bathroom complete with both a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND32LdGsEw
shower and a sink. True to her word, the room smelled freshly cleaned the smell111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBxTtiUcr7
of lemon still fragrant in the air. As they were getting closer to fall, his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2X1lApmkH
lighter blankets had been swapped for a warmer one. Shea was in the process of111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVBqG3fIr2
rubbing her scent on everything when he walked in.
“I hate it when she cleans in111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwW7XRsHPc
here.” She complained.
“Not everyone likes the smell of111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZVr4CbVDB
wolf day in and day out.” Vander said. “Maybe we should give you a bath as111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr1MyxMMXu
well?”
“Try it and you’ll be minus a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSEX8HEYjN
hand.” She growled. The two of them looked at each other, but eventually111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZTQOkVW6u
Vander shrugged his shoulders. “Suit yourself sinky.” She lunged at him, but he111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI1MzfQzJO
jumped nimbly away. He quickly removed his sword, placing it carefully on the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8br669tOeQ
ground. Then he grabbed her, picked her up, then threw her on the bed. Before111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYBbv9wsip
she could right herself, her body slammed her then started rubbing her belly.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFOv2xuh8I
She squirmed under him, but eventually she told him she gave up. Laughing, he111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZApGDOTSF
shrugged off his jacket and tossed it on top of her.
“I’m going to bathe and change111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIT6vNNYu9y
before I meet the others. I assume you want to stay here?” she nodded her head.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9prodmdU0o
“Want anything from the kitchen?”
“Beef.” Was the response. She wiggled her way under111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7mmu7zfID
the blanket and moments later, he could hear her snoring gently from111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUgHkPiyd5
underneath.
Vander shrugged off his clothing111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi3rl5p0aP
and dumped it in a pile by the door. Walking into the bathroom, he turned the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnlZOpiTzs
water faucet on. It took awhile for the water to become hot enough where he111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7o2d9xG25
didn’t freeze. He stepped inside and felt his aches melt away with the hot111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41jSJW22Ly
water pounding into his body.
He always enjoyed this part of the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkvZqMIQou
day. Even if it was day of just sitting in meetings, just washing away your111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapMSPrWBLT
worries for even a little bit was enough to make him happy. He didn’t get to111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Po0boFnX9
shower at all while he was in the woods. The closest he got was taking a dip in111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoQKWvURd3
the lake every other day, but that wasn’t the same. He got clean, but it was111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW2Ay2vLkX
never truly relaxing for him.
He lost track of how long he was111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4fg0JUQYP
under the water, but he turned it off once it became cold. He grabbed the towel111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFOWSKXLrp
hanging up next to the sink to dry off then wrapped it around his waist. When111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqGvC1rMdd
we walked into the room, he noticed that Shea was on alert. Her ears were lying111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFJbNlPw3a
flat against her head and her teeth were bared. Only one person would make her111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIN5KZ3j54
that upset in the inn, someone he had hoped would take a little bit longer to111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriA4emnMdx
see him, but it wasn’t an unexpected visit. He could hear her voice coming up111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyBQBkbO6L
from downstairs, so he figured he still had some time.
Whistling to himself, he walked111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4wXmhgdED
over to his closet and removed a brown shirt with strings which would allow him111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyqhPWOFJw
to pull it tight over his chest or leave it loose. He picked out a pair of111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0psVYxEsZP
casual black pants along with a pair of black boots. He removed two black111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJQDhCCPNW
leather cuffs and carefully tied them to his wrists. He didn’t like wearing111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56uzduDFVc
jewelry while on duty, however he wore a silver ring with an emerald embedded in111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuNk1CUY3N
it when he was off duty. It was the last thing he received from his mother111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gYAyiF6DE
before her death.
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He heard the footsteps coming up111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aXfsFKSaD
the stairs then stopped right in front of his door. “Behave Shea.” He said. She111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgUFgKbyLt
didn’t relax, but she did hide her teeth so as not scare his guest. His heart111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Qkqv9k8RU
pounded in his chest as he waited for the knock. As soon as he heard it, he got111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ4247rV40
up from his bed and opened the door. “Hello Bree.”
