Chapter 4
Vander pushed open the door that27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqg1kvvZiT
led into a large, spacious office. The walls were blocked by large bookshelves27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZscD4fWx7
filled to the brim with various books from Eluvia’s history, there were even27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJFgDqLvpo
some books from their neighboring countries. 27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY2lr2qBHE
When he was younger he had wanted to read them all, but it was a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmvnIiegoL
daunting task that would take him many lifetimes. Each shelf was painstakingly27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwexkTbAN1
ordered alphabetically and by subject so you could find anything you wanted27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHws7pYjFhY
quite easily.
There was a desk in front of the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATxkef0GDh
left wall that was kept clean, only a letter or two adorned in. Inside the desk27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqPeUOdyxf
were reports from all the Blades scattered throughout the kingdom and a wax27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfJKZTwT0O
seal the Commander used on the letters before sending them out on delivery. On27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtJ0HCVCjx
the right side was a massive fireplace with two large chairs set up in front.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXYXkuyAwd
There was a table between them where his grandfather sat drinking after a long day’s27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY4e13h2Og
work before he retired for the night.
“Are you just going to stand there27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwmymFnrq8
looking around or are you coming inside?” Vander looked towards the window27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVfHRGbn9R
where his grandfather was standing.
Charles Pendrake was staring at27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnmrHphcQU
him over his shoulder with a hard look in his eyes. Despite being an adult,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWnlL5GczU
Vander found his grandfather to be quite intimidating. Despite being almost27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWnTJLVVXM
sixty years old, at 6’6 he was still able to run over the younger Blades quite27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IwrjZcUPr
easily. His mind was still sharp, and he commanded an air of respect that few27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwDcEyvtWx
could ignore. Despite being family, the two of them look nothing alike. He had27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NB0c2xOKn
brown hair with graying edges and brown eyes. While Vander was wiry, Charles27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3D3bQSXNr
was pure muscle. Charles was respected while Vander was feared.
“Apologies27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB5V3GxYst
Commander.” Vander stepped inside then closed the door. “It’s just been a long27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3jW4qnIrm
time since I’ve been in here.” Shea followed him in and went to sit by his27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gtqYlTghw
grandfather’s desk chair.
“I’ve told you27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfeALCJUx2
when it’s the two of us you can call me grandpa.” Charles sighed.
“Sorry27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY6eaCtOiC
Commander.” Vander bowed his head.
“Still just a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3b0OeWwib
pain in the ass as always.” Charles stepped away from the window then sat down27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVWTr3ztMT
behind his desk. “I thought spending the past six months up in the woods would27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLxeAxP7Cr
have tempered the attitude of yours.” He rubbed the top of Shea’s head as she27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ic2lpKtBP
placed her mouth on his leg.
“Don’t pretend27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbEoEotX1N
that’s why you sent me up there to train.” Vander took the seat opposite him.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIgHFU8FqB
“Though it was nice to get away from the city for a change.”
“I did it for27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eLrtQVVAi
your own good, you know it.” Charles sighed. “I don’t know how I wound up with27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYDTdvqbji
such a head strong grandson.”
“And people say27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqZPa1COlv
we’re nothing alike.” He snorted. “Anyway, I received your letter and came as27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqFJwqDDgG
soon as I could. What’s going?” Charles leaned back in his chair.
“Since you were27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3DnY4zcpu
sent to the woods and Cuvera went to pick up his bride from Bricen, things have27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0fxdckaST
only gotten worse here.” He rubbed the back of his head. “What I am about to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQSPxRF0RV
tell you, you can tell no one else about. Not even Alex, am I understood?”
“Is that27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqEwytZoqQ
serious I can’t tell another Captain?” Charles nodded grimly. Vander sighed27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpY5sApH742
before agreeing. “A couple weeks ago, Malcolm had fallen mysteriously ill. We27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn7V2ScDOj
aren’t sure the cause of it, Topal is by his side every day and night, but none27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzztmGeBeTi
of his remedies are working.”
“Really?”27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qstdn4i0S
Vander frowned. “When I passed through the city earlier, nothing seemed amiss.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuHGo3gml3
There was no one sick and everyone seemed quite happy.”
“That’s because no one outside of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH1MtobYxY
the council knows.” Charles explained. “We wanted to keep it quiet to avoid a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivw6ngTX3a
panic.”
“So why tell me?”
“Because I want you to take over27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BgdFErIHn
the investigation for me.” Charles explained. “I don’t think the cause of his27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMjnVQ8zIA
sickness is natural causes, I think it was poison. Topal agrees with me, but27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRkouXy0JI
the council doesn’t agree. While the King is fighting for his life, the council27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1UVciVapl
is trying to undermine him by passing laws that bolster their own power while27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbs4UVQyVm
restricting ours. So now I must fight them off and can’t concentrate on finding27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBpa44ebnY
out who did this. So, will you do it?”
Vander folded his arms and thought27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO4vCCwDk1
for a moment. It was a lot of information to absorb at once, but he knew his27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpe7eUkOj9
grandfather was pressed for time. Despite his anger towards the old man, he27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpokpKyuOVL
didn’t really want to see him suffer anymore.
“I will help you.” Vander sighed.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSWZR3yCKO
Charles broke out into a large grin.
“Thank you.” He reached into his27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWn8YIboyP
desk and pulled something out. He placed the small item on the desk in front of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLavlluTl3l
Vander. It was a small blue medallion with the royal family’s crest on one side27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzJXParlLz
and the Blade symbol on the other. “This will open all doors for you inside the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGuY1LPN05
city. Get whatever you need, but you can tell no one about your mission.”
Vander took the medal then slipped27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuHpBo5eo4
it into his pocket. “Is it alright if I see the King now?” He got up from the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ouN49rs3p
chair and headed towards the door.
“Yes, but there is something I27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEuWu8XoEd
should tell you-“ Vander opened the door while looking at his grandfather.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R2AT0yWVV
Shea’s hackles raised as she started snarling. He turned to see who was27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L5GUCfUWz
standing there and upon recognizing him, his blood started to boil.
“What the hell are you doing27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKqyQ1LFbF
here?” he snapped. He grabbed the man by his collar and pushed him up against27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXmMqxKqVx
the hallway wall. “Give me a reason why I should gut you where you stand.”
“Because I’m still a Blade and a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EifTd4D80
captain now.” Leon smirked. “You can’t do a damn thing to me.”
“What?” He spun around to see his27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAtqxnhcZ7
grandfather standing in the doorway looking at him with a dejected look on his27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt2QwWbv6S
face.
“I had no choice in the matter.”27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmQVuQOodF
Charles looked pained. “That’s part of the reason I wanted to see you; will you27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDT6VGqj2CP
sit down? Please?” Vander took one more look at Leon’s smug face before shoving27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIiZzsu9ax
him back against the wall and walking back to his seat. Shea, still growling,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFtX4qG6aj
kept her eyes locked on Leon perhaps daring him to make a move against her27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL2qmca12a
master. Vander sat down.
“The council is making moves to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciUhXdqe5l
limit the power of the Blades, or to remove us completely.” Charles explained.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6PG9wWN7c
“Since the wars ended, they decided there isn’t a need for us to carry on how27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRthDFkuvZ
we are. With the poisoning of the King, it further reinforced their views. They27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡus6JkWH1KQ
appointed Leon as Captain to oversee us and to report back.”
“And what qualifications does he27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPWGCQmk3F
have to report on anything?” Vander glared at the other man who was leaning up27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ3oWuTkxC
against the wall with a broad grin on his face.
“None whatsoever.” Charles27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡje5gbqN66j
snorted. “His father just promoted him into our ranks to be a pain in the ass.”
“That’s not going to win you any27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9SBXwI3vs
points, Commander.” Leon sneered. “I have absolute authority to decide the fate27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2H54TzIbMl
of the Blades. It wouldn’t go well for you to get on my bad side.”
“Shea kindly escort him from the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK7suSYNuI
room.” Vander commanded. “I don’t need him overhearing actual Blade business.”
“With pleasure.” She27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEjbQLcXWZ
snarled. She got up from off the ground and with teeth bared, she stalked27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfKiGJ6Bqo
towards Leon. Leon’s smug smirk disappeared instantly as he slowly started27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1c3Ee0tTU
backing up towards the door.
“Call off your mutt, Vander.” His27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg8AwZ0fv7
face became pale as neither of them moved to help. “Vander.” He quickly ducked27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RnxHi8uM8
through the door and slammed it shut as Shea lunged at him. She landed nimbly27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMThKjhDUrP
in front of the door.
“Don’t come back.” Vander27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcg0VR7MtD
heard Leon’s panicked footsteps echoing down the hall. The thought of the man27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqQTnyWWp7
pissing himself brought a small smile to his face.
“That was unwise, yet very27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKo11ZZbhI
satisfying.” Charles chuckled. “Viggo won’t be happy.”
“I don’t give a shit what makes27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2fF0UILl9
him happy.” Vander sighed. “He just wants to control us for his own personal27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS9g4rBENR
gain. Man’s a snake and should be removed.”
“We are just protectors Vander,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMYHxXSqK4
not politicians. Leave the removal to those with the mind to do it.”
“Yes sir.” Vander sighed. “When do27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqC9vE3v6qw
you want me to go and see the King?”“The investigation can wait until you are27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEoCCJGFR5
fresh faced and rested.” Charles said. “Everything is how it was; the King has27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJl6eCHMEi
just been moved to a secret location while he recovers. This is our last chance27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcensXLu5G
to prove our worth to the council.”
“We shouldn’t have to prove a damn27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsZOgoagme
thing, but I’m with you.” Vander got up to stretch, stifling a yawn. “I will do27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4s6732uA0
what I can to find out who hurt the King and bring them to justice.”
“Thank you.” Charles smiled. “How27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKpV4uXW0s
are the recruits coming along? I wanted to give a demonstration to the council,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP77NFyK2h
but only if you think they are ready.”
“Their teamwork could use some27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH7sY2I7cC
help and if they stopped letting their hormones get the better of them they27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVM9naXZNvF
would be solid fighters.” Vander explained. “We are meeting at my place for27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzqbBwY4QC
celebratory drinks and food. They deserve it.”
“I don’t know why you still stay27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ8wMaV3Yd
in that shit hole.” Charles said. “We have plenty of rooms for you in the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFGqZzhEIw
compound, you should stay there.”
“You know my feelings on its27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3Ifbzk1Fm
gramps.” He said. “I don’t like how the others look at me. At least in the city27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR5vMrxPeB
I can be a little anonymous and keep to myself.”
“I know, I know.” He sighed. “I27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhLlTZEHUM
will see you tomorrow. The price will be arriving in the next couple of days27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcwMHrqMj1
with his new bride, I would like the investigation to be wrapped up by then,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGkQMtSQCJ
then we will have the recruits tested. Will that be alright with you?”
“Yes.” He stared down at his27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDnbRbC3mg
grandfather. “And just because I’m being civil with you, doesn’t mean I’m not27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOUhQCpuBL
angry with you. We will have our talk once this is all over.”
“I understand.” Charles looked27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3448QSRMj
down at his desk and began rifling through his papers. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdH9oxUHwL
Realizing that was his cue, Vander opened the door for Shea and the two of them27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclHZJ4PXXM
slipped out quietly closing it behind them.
The walk back through the castle27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOWnYj8Eod
was uneventful. Most of the servants were too busy to talk to him, as they were27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gesCFDrD3
preparing for the prince’s return along with his new bride. Vander was hopeful27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AN1Qf8ea1
with their union because finally the long war that killed thousands of people27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOYnZ8GmCB
was finally at its end. Peyton’s words at the front door didn’t surprise Vander27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1CAA17lZC
in the least. The two countries would finally be allowed to heal but some27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNR60u6iQ9
people didn’t care about that. They just wanted the war to continue because it27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKjaKdU6yj
just made them richer. It was a disgrace, but greed ruled overall. Part of him27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUAEu50j8n
had hoped that the would be told who was against the treaty and toss them in27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYWI55HFLv
jail, but if the King, Charles, and Peyton wanted them to stick around, they27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw0oyUdN7o
must have a good reason for doing so. It was above his paygrade at any rate.
He headed back towards the gate27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9dSC7L1tf
where Jeffery Jilena’s soldiers were guarding the passage through, and to his27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8l1fjIIkI
surprise, it seemed as though his advice worked. They were alert and not27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCZ76M8P4r
leaning up against the walls. Their weapons were at attention and even though27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWJIw8bSqR
they gave him a dirty look as he passed, one snarl from Shea kept them from27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2DJAwa5Ky
saying anything they would regret, and they allowed him to pass without any27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigVveDylhf
issues.
By the time he made it out of the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uNXGwRD5Q
middle ring, the sun was beginning to set illuminating the sky with colors of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu0nx3sMZJ
bring pink and yellow. Most of the people he walked past were scurrying to get27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAgQKt2jDA
home before nightfall or closing shops so they could calculate their profits27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFzkHRgJjJ
before heading in for the night. Nighttime was always Vander’s favorite time of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVbNsbHDUD
day. The hustle and bustle of city life would disappear into almost nothing27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Qo8qF5hx4
giving him the peace and quiet he and Shea desperately enjoyed. Being back in27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1HwNGfC5o
the city would be a challenge and he knew it would only be a matter of time27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4VKv0Mz2A
before they two of them wanted to go back to the woods where they both felt at27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVydvO1jay
home. For now, they would just have to enjoy the place they lived in and make27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2AG4XarJC
do with that.
One of the only places that would27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdsCnz838m
have Vander and Shea was a little inn within the eastern district called the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMJmLruPf0
Warm Hearth. They got hunters coming from the forest to try and sell skin,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqyQbHtvee
meat, bones, and fur to anyone who wanted them. Often the hunters would bring27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCnDMojDOw
their dogs with them as an insurance policy against thieves. They were unruly27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFKOfUtOem
to the inn owners and would often feel up many of the servers. One time Vander27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooMI7PW4lF
got into it with a couple of them who felt they were entitled to the servers27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpP9XTa8uv
after hours. The sicced their dogs on him, but once Shea jumped in killing two27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepRZlTvrwP
of them, the hunters knew better than to fuck with them and, by extension, the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbIEZpWuqS
serving girls. From the day forward, he had a discounted room and a place to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDej8dPadpl
relax after work.
Upon arrival, he could hear dozens27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjT1b9LspM
of patrons talking and demanding foo and drinks. It wasn’t a bad place, a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMBE25LD5y
little run down, but kempt. The front door was missing a hinge causing it to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZmISQL2B8
lean slightly. Once you opened it, you had to lift it a little bit to make sure27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM4pKgHBIx
it didn’t catch on the stairs. Unknown to all but Vander, the servers and the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTsh3idZe8
owner, the stools were slightly off center. It was a way to make sure people27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDU2CGBusSa
weren’t drinking too much. If they fall to the floor, they get cut off and27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA8c6kmzHQ
taken somewhere to sleep it off before going home to their families.
Vander pulled open the door,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcOOfm1Evj
making sure to lift it, and was greeted with even more noise than he was27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyH8XDk7lJ
expecting. There were thirty people jammed inside all shouting to be heard over27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMwEnJTTvS
the music playing in the corner. A couple of people, men, and women were27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTk5sds4ti
dancing on the floor in front of the band twirling their dresses and spinning27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaOxfRbsP3
on their feet to the beat. Shea, hating all the noise slunk off behind the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv1sPtFe9F
counter and quickly made her way over to the rear corner to scamper her way up27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT2mY64lhd
the stairs and out of sight. She knew where she was going, they had installed a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVpzC4yBiX
little door for her to come and go as she pleased so she would have no issues27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf9K5JMMaa
getting into his room. He just hoped no one was squatting there or they would27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKrnsYtRS4
be in for a real rude awakening.
“Vander!” Someone shouted at him.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ8qRxHUfF
The voice came from the Inn Keeper, a young woman named Julianne, who had27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqLhb4q1Ef
received the bar from her father after his untimely death. She had long black27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3vXe0HyGM
hair, brown eyes, and a figure that drew the eye of every man in the room. She27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblAt1PzdUe
flirted harmlessly with the guests, made sure to top of their drinks whenever27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2PZNW4Gnx
she could, but was still responsible in making sure people didn’t drink more27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZKI6KUmK6
than they could handle.
“Julianna,” he waved to her. She27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGZWlYZuND
sashayed her way through the crowd to embrace him in a quick hug followed by a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKCitX66lL
quick peck on the cheek. Today she was wearing a low-cut navy-blue dress and27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnnxEdu4L5
blue boots. Her long hair was pulled back in a ponytail to keep any loose27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNMXXtl55X
strands from falling into anyone’s food or drinks.
“I had a feeling you might be here27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fnlnVLQsR
today.” She beamed causing dimples to form in her cheeks. “I had your room27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAyBfEcEHj
dusted then the linen and your clothing cleaned. My maid, Kyra, just finished27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYxh19MeVY
an hour or so ago.”
“You have a knack for knowing when27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuKUQQycEg
I get here.” He laughed, hugging her back. “Are you sure you aren’t a seer?”
“Nonsense,” She slapped him27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwx7Y8kP0s
lightly on the arm. “Get upstairs and get changed, you smell like stale sweat27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKHbZZMr2R
and feet.” Vander lifted his arms then grimaced. She was being polite about it.
“Alexander and the recruits are27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLsC5aX4VU
coming tonight.” Vander said. “If they arrived before I come back down, will27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6G8mCVv0bj
you get them a table?”
“Of course.” She smiled. “After27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmNisybkqP
they leave, I’d love to hear how your time away from this place was. We can27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH3nHEM3CE
drink and relax, how does that sound?”
“Sounds great.” He waved goodbye27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9URKlI8WiY
to her as he tried to make his way though. The servers smiled and waved at him27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsF4lozZEX
while the patrons backed up several steps. He wasn’t sure if it was because27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSD3Var6LW
they recognized him or because of the way he smelled, but he guessed it didn’t27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8kJDguwXh
really matter. He was glad to not have to talk to any of them.
His room was on the third floor27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVXKaL4snC
all the way at the back. Julianne had offered a closer room on the lower floor,27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhoDctn2oO
but he liked his privacy as most of the people who stayed here were either27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WnH52OZx8
travelers who wanted a cheaper room or patrons who were too drunk to walk and27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniN0TDMzDc
couldn’t walk. She had her own room in the basement where it was warm and where27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKCfNlANOP
she didn’t have to worry about anyone trying to get into her room. The basement27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7aakovr5N
was only open during business hours and was locked during the day. He had never27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CyiUTHy3p
been down there, but he expected there was a second door that was always locked27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NP4nlr5B3
to keep anyone from sneaking down there when she was busy.
His room wasn’t much to look at.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jq4q1nmmJ
It was big enough for a small bed, a desk, and a dresser. There was a closet27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Y6cQhGRyj
along the left wall and a door that led into a bathroom complete with both a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPak8Tq8oKM
shower and a sink. True to her word, the room smelled freshly cleaned the smell27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtAHetvHIR
of lemon still fragrant in the air. As they were getting closer to fall, his27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZR3xWxOXv
lighter blankets had been swapped for a warmer one. Shea was in the process of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNKfMq3QKc
rubbing her scent on everything when he walked in.
“I hate it when she cleans in27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUM6yrhOtA
here.” She complained.
“Not everyone likes the smell of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvgoY5j9sI
wolf day in and day out.” Vander said. “Maybe we should give you a bath as27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzNt2lrlZ4
well?”
“Try it and you’ll be minus a27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6EV4EMWHX
hand.” She growled. The two of them looked at each other, but eventually27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk3TJWkPpD
Vander shrugged his shoulders. “Suit yourself sinky.” She lunged at him, but he27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuqCc3T490
jumped nimbly away. He quickly removed his sword, placing it carefully on the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzUDCQSa0O
ground. Then he grabbed her, picked her up, then threw her on the bed. Before27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzZzkjzOy2
she could right herself, her body slammed her then started rubbing her belly.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MvbsBmI94
She squirmed under him, but eventually she told him she gave up. Laughing, he27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Si5DvstWr
shrugged off his jacket and tossed it on top of her.
“I’m going to bathe and change27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8M6I5XrWqq
before I meet the others. I assume you want to stay here?” she nodded her head.27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf2aehYK4R
“Want anything from the kitchen?”
“Beef.” Was the response. She wiggled her way under27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1EYgrxobc
the blanket and moments later, he could hear her snoring gently from27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRUznQPS7y
underneath.
Vander shrugged off his clothing27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqMoifICXP
and dumped it in a pile by the door. Walking into the bathroom, he turned the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DMGvTNQDf
water faucet on. It took awhile for the water to become hot enough where he27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dIcQgq48D
didn’t freeze. He stepped inside and felt his aches melt away with the hot27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecE6qYjMUv
water pounding into his body.
He always enjoyed this part of the27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIGYtJZS2c
day. Even if it was day of just sitting in meetings, just washing away your27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWatk9lTcS
worries for even a little bit was enough to make him happy. He didn’t get to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0HqjdqMZV
shower at all while he was in the woods. The closest he got was taking a dip in27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdldwDoIAtc
the lake every other day, but that wasn’t the same. He got clean, but it was27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73IyPeQgBZ
never truly relaxing for him.
He lost track of how long he was27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCP3IAFbJs
under the water, but he turned it off once it became cold. He grabbed the towel27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFzxa5CX1A
hanging up next to the sink to dry off then wrapped it around his waist. When27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz2uoevyhs
we walked into the room, he noticed that Shea was on alert. Her ears were lying27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfv4niDDaI
flat against her head and her teeth were bared. Only one person would make her27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtnRQEQxbP
that upset in the inn, someone he had hoped would take a little bit longer to27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVyd9Rjihs
see him, but it wasn’t an unexpected visit. He could hear her voice coming up27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WYLJ1tsL4
from downstairs, so he figured he still had some time.
Whistling to himself, he walked27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8jyilSgws
over to his closet and removed a brown shirt with strings which would allow him27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tSqTtvVqk
to pull it tight over his chest or leave it loose. He picked out a pair of27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡls62WEX8bo
casual black pants along with a pair of black boots. He removed two black27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVjuCC3bZ7
leather cuffs and carefully tied them to his wrists. He didn’t like wearing27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7a4zuFFxx
jewelry while on duty, however he wore a silver ring with an emerald embedded in27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9lkWvTPoD
it when he was off duty. It was the last thing he received from his mother27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPU8kv2YWA
before her death.
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He heard the footsteps coming up27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBl4D2vGAF
the stairs then stopped right in front of his door. “Behave Shea.” He said. She27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIOnTuWLod
didn’t relax, but she did hide her teeth so as not scare his guest. His heart27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94LbWQGBwx
pounded in his chest as he waited for the knock. As soon as he heard it, he got27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8gLdgSEil
up from his bed and opened the door. “Hello Bree.”
