Chapter 4
Vander pushed open the door that171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GFU1beq1z
led into a large, spacious office. The walls were blocked by large bookshelves171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwfgwfxYg1
filled to the brim with various books from Eluvia’s history, there were even171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn3f9INHls
some books from their neighboring countries. 171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYXB7aLF3f
When he was younger he had wanted to read them all, but it was a171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH7dAL5SZX
daunting task that would take him many lifetimes. Each shelf was painstakingly171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqpHSm68qQ
ordered alphabetically and by subject so you could find anything you wanted171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fFJcXP4bE
quite easily.
There was a desk in front of the171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDR0cwGZFFN
left wall that was kept clean, only a letter or two adorned in. Inside the desk171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQO4yeUvZU
were reports from all the Blades scattered throughout the kingdom and a wax171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hak8fyXge
seal the Commander used on the letters before sending them out on delivery. On171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO4AeB072p
the right side was a massive fireplace with two large chairs set up in front.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FnSea7BrV
There was a table between them where his grandfather sat drinking after a long day’s171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr1iJQYLgQ
work before he retired for the night.
“Are you just going to stand there171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy9DBWZUTm
looking around or are you coming inside?” Vander looked towards the window171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNw3NL21Sy
where his grandfather was standing.
Charles Pendrake was staring at171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw8kA5Tqnh
him over his shoulder with a hard look in his eyes. Despite being an adult,171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PsxFWA6PF
Vander found his grandfather to be quite intimidating. Despite being almost171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89ZFwLYVIP
sixty years old, at 6’6 he was still able to run over the younger Blades quite171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpcOqiNDpd
easily. His mind was still sharp, and he commanded an air of respect that few171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsh1SxTLbgI
could ignore. Despite being family, the two of them look nothing alike. He had171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dviopufOc
brown hair with graying edges and brown eyes. While Vander was wiry, Charles171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfd5V5vWXKX
was pure muscle. Charles was respected while Vander was feared.
“Apologies171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYcYuw5uGH
Commander.” Vander stepped inside then closed the door. “It’s just been a long171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8Kn7U79Ov
time since I’ve been in here.” Shea followed him in and went to sit by his171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8Gp4xRJsd
grandfather’s desk chair.
“I’ve told you171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHobLP0RazX
when it’s the two of us you can call me grandpa.” Charles sighed.
“Sorry171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WKakkICpP
Commander.” Vander bowed his head.
“Still just a171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGXfGa3amO
pain in the ass as always.” Charles stepped away from the window then sat down171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolfmK6Kq7d
behind his desk. “I thought spending the past six months up in the woods would171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTS4eKGJpa
have tempered the attitude of yours.” He rubbed the top of Shea’s head as she171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8KDRea5QB
placed her mouth on his leg.
“Don’t pretend171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJLL6BWxIc
that’s why you sent me up there to train.” Vander took the seat opposite him.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6IHZz9n0Y
“Though it was nice to get away from the city for a change.”
“I did it for171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9OUPAkeim
your own good, you know it.” Charles sighed. “I don’t know how I wound up with171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOd6k2bB4c
such a head strong grandson.”
“And people say171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPdcPELakg
we’re nothing alike.” He snorted. “Anyway, I received your letter and came as171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeJvoq0Lmz
soon as I could. What’s going?” Charles leaned back in his chair.
“Since you were171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXLKdroS3i
sent to the woods and Cuvera went to pick up his bride from Bricen, things have171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnqS3dNMoI
only gotten worse here.” He rubbed the back of his head. “What I am about to171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmb2zTtpOwo
tell you, you can tell no one else about. Not even Alex, am I understood?”
“Is that171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSHOomyjhg
serious I can’t tell another Captain?” Charles nodded grimly. Vander sighed171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpt9eGrIaax
before agreeing. “A couple weeks ago, Malcolm had fallen mysteriously ill. We171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe23cUEYsuo
aren’t sure the cause of it, Topal is by his side every day and night, but none171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzIBWHn2qs
of his remedies are working.”
“Really?”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXDaSo4b7h
Vander frowned. “When I passed through the city earlier, nothing seemed amiss.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQPGGFObFY
There was no one sick and everyone seemed quite happy.”
“That’s because no one outside of171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9turTRUFVa
the council knows.” Charles explained. “We wanted to keep it quiet to avoid a171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRu0ehP81Y
panic.”
“So why tell me?”
“Because I want you to take over171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJNAKtyChK
the investigation for me.” Charles explained. “I don’t think the cause of his171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2moMWc38L
sickness is natural causes, I think it was poison. Topal agrees with me, but171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9vWu89zxx
the council doesn’t agree. While the King is fighting for his life, the council171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy8tFZriCm
is trying to undermine him by passing laws that bolster their own power while171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5vIhFslam
restricting ours. So now I must fight them off and can’t concentrate on finding171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8m1qP7W5rk
out who did this. So, will you do it?”
Vander folded his arms and thought171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqnoqvOins
for a moment. It was a lot of information to absorb at once, but he knew his171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAUo1jhLNl
grandfather was pressed for time. Despite his anger towards the old man, he171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3nGfk0xFX
didn’t really want to see him suffer anymore.
“I will help you.” Vander sighed.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAUvgyjoE5
Charles broke out into a large grin.
“Thank you.” He reached into his171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkGENynJRl
desk and pulled something out. He placed the small item on the desk in front of171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5u90Id5xl
Vander. It was a small blue medallion with the royal family’s crest on one side171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFuzwoR2ju
and the Blade symbol on the other. “This will open all doors for you inside the171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3EWGvzsdW
city. Get whatever you need, but you can tell no one about your mission.”
Vander took the medal then slipped171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQGkv2VJWy
it into his pocket. “Is it alright if I see the King now?” He got up from the171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRA3Xm5Ve2
chair and headed towards the door.
“Yes, but there is something I171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7z7DTbJog
should tell you-“ Vander opened the door while looking at his grandfather.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj4NB9Ovw0
Shea’s hackles raised as she started snarling. He turned to see who was171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eaOZIPmfp
standing there and upon recognizing him, his blood started to boil.
“What the hell are you doing171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3kwTqPwrY
here?” he snapped. He grabbed the man by his collar and pushed him up against171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKb2KeU13q
the hallway wall. “Give me a reason why I should gut you where you stand.”
“Because I’m still a Blade and a171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL1MEHLX82
captain now.” Leon smirked. “You can’t do a damn thing to me.”
“What?” He spun around to see his171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81prkDQKIM
grandfather standing in the doorway looking at him with a dejected look on his171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnTPxtZYph
face.
“I had no choice in the matter.”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Xxqm9M4Zd
Charles looked pained. “That’s part of the reason I wanted to see you; will you171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF0FEVDqZg
sit down? Please?” Vander took one more look at Leon’s smug face before shoving171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1R3WFZcXaB
him back against the wall and walking back to his seat. Shea, still growling,171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbWnOITnHL
kept her eyes locked on Leon perhaps daring him to make a move against her171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡml7hufHZTz
master. Vander sat down.
“The council is making moves to171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDhNOQae3H
limit the power of the Blades, or to remove us completely.” Charles explained.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgl3YjJTIA
“Since the wars ended, they decided there isn’t a need for us to carry on how171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpHXmkxdtP
we are. With the poisoning of the King, it further reinforced their views. They171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcW1rhhhat
appointed Leon as Captain to oversee us and to report back.”
“And what qualifications does he171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5QaduDIPV
have to report on anything?” Vander glared at the other man who was leaning up171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tPXJ8XA5Z
against the wall with a broad grin on his face.
“None whatsoever.” Charles171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiNO0FUgYF
snorted. “His father just promoted him into our ranks to be a pain in the ass.”
“That’s not going to win you any171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKujjKKjp3
points, Commander.” Leon sneered. “I have absolute authority to decide the fate171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP7R5ammID
of the Blades. It wouldn’t go well for you to get on my bad side.”
“Shea kindly escort him from the171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTWaUOdzvc
room.” Vander commanded. “I don’t need him overhearing actual Blade business.”
“With pleasure.” She171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvSn7QwTm1
snarled. She got up from off the ground and with teeth bared, she stalked171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SnApE5nFj
towards Leon. Leon’s smug smirk disappeared instantly as he slowly started171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PtTH6gnaN
backing up towards the door.
“Call off your mutt, Vander.” His171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLZapS7uqC
face became pale as neither of them moved to help. “Vander.” He quickly ducked171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAVYDAJtMU
through the door and slammed it shut as Shea lunged at him. She landed nimbly171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHjpN3I4lQ
in front of the door.
“Don’t come back.” Vander171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvzIWa66wq
heard Leon’s panicked footsteps echoing down the hall. The thought of the man171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt4Gyi8apn
pissing himself brought a small smile to his face.
“That was unwise, yet very171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSRD8HR2Ai
satisfying.” Charles chuckled. “Viggo won’t be happy.”
“I don’t give a shit what makes171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLhFf9eheN
him happy.” Vander sighed. “He just wants to control us for his own personal171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4DVOG728n
gain. Man’s a snake and should be removed.”
“We are just protectors Vander,171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPswwzcwxMm
not politicians. Leave the removal to those with the mind to do it.”
“Yes sir.” Vander sighed. “When do171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpByxqYe5qG
you want me to go and see the King?”“The investigation can wait until you are171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7cbwfEtMy
fresh faced and rested.” Charles said. “Everything is how it was; the King has171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tApqUx9Xl
just been moved to a secret location while he recovers. This is our last chance171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6c4Caivra
to prove our worth to the council.”
“We shouldn’t have to prove a damn171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHiWcP9bS3
thing, but I’m with you.” Vander got up to stretch, stifling a yawn. “I will do171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWersej5Jl
what I can to find out who hurt the King and bring them to justice.”
“Thank you.” Charles smiled. “How171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLQkV7GDG2
are the recruits coming along? I wanted to give a demonstration to the council,171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDjPaqGn0I
but only if you think they are ready.”
“Their teamwork could use some171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjog2Cz7NT
help and if they stopped letting their hormones get the better of them they171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ixHZXVS43
would be solid fighters.” Vander explained. “We are meeting at my place for171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u1FrRZ3WZ
celebratory drinks and food. They deserve it.”
“I don’t know why you still stay171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemQP16zzE0
in that shit hole.” Charles said. “We have plenty of rooms for you in the171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWDv4rHyM2
compound, you should stay there.”
“You know my feelings on its171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzJFL0pDZi
gramps.” He said. “I don’t like how the others look at me. At least in the city171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTudw7qf4eY
I can be a little anonymous and keep to myself.”
“I know, I know.” He sighed. “I171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9Gc349qDT
will see you tomorrow. The price will be arriving in the next couple of days171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7sHzbw5tt
with his new bride, I would like the investigation to be wrapped up by then,171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xYiIxTS4E
then we will have the recruits tested. Will that be alright with you?”
“Yes.” He stared down at his171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCtyPWkwkH
grandfather. “And just because I’m being civil with you, doesn’t mean I’m not171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVv0TRYNqOa
angry with you. We will have our talk once this is all over.”
“I understand.” Charles looked171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhpDF9rOEO
down at his desk and began rifling through his papers. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2LQOFD4OB
Realizing that was his cue, Vander opened the door for Shea and the two of them171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaC8sLJo1R
slipped out quietly closing it behind them.
The walk back through the castle171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57dEMWBMGX
was uneventful. Most of the servants were too busy to talk to him, as they were171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNTeJCCfpx
preparing for the prince’s return along with his new bride. Vander was hopeful171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9bCVcvt2A
with their union because finally the long war that killed thousands of people171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMHSpfKcdF
was finally at its end. Peyton’s words at the front door didn’t surprise Vander171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBOdQytsje
in the least. The two countries would finally be allowed to heal but some171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4Sp249BNe
people didn’t care about that. They just wanted the war to continue because it171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeLx3bQY3b
just made them richer. It was a disgrace, but greed ruled overall. Part of him171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYNiQFzCi5
had hoped that the would be told who was against the treaty and toss them in171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngJostIWZP
jail, but if the King, Charles, and Peyton wanted them to stick around, they171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBkIRBOGhA
must have a good reason for doing so. It was above his paygrade at any rate.
He headed back towards the gate171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsxApi9JRT
where Jeffery Jilena’s soldiers were guarding the passage through, and to his171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bFhkx3m80
surprise, it seemed as though his advice worked. They were alert and not171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXtC0gLEBZ
leaning up against the walls. Their weapons were at attention and even though171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Yzx6Mt5ti
they gave him a dirty look as he passed, one snarl from Shea kept them from171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYSb4YQ996
saying anything they would regret, and they allowed him to pass without any171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSCqcYgsVN
issues.
By the time he made it out of the171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLZ4l7pW1F
middle ring, the sun was beginning to set illuminating the sky with colors of171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIivwg0S2t6
bring pink and yellow. Most of the people he walked past were scurrying to get171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOuklRDROu
home before nightfall or closing shops so they could calculate their profits171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPvLNiwXym
before heading in for the night. Nighttime was always Vander’s favorite time of171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vLcfdaElx
day. The hustle and bustle of city life would disappear into almost nothing171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MIKz8RHwv
giving him the peace and quiet he and Shea desperately enjoyed. Being back in171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JvqavbxQN
the city would be a challenge and he knew it would only be a matter of time171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCUZXrLkok
before they two of them wanted to go back to the woods where they both felt at171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ95EXON3f
home. For now, they would just have to enjoy the place they lived in and make171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG09ZOMiJ3v
do with that.
One of the only places that would171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNCk6bmVAp
have Vander and Shea was a little inn within the eastern district called the171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbouAHPNkt
Warm Hearth. They got hunters coming from the forest to try and sell skin,171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRysOTJ8joE
meat, bones, and fur to anyone who wanted them. Often the hunters would bring171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHMlAsyVJA
their dogs with them as an insurance policy against thieves. They were unruly171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1fMk8eJOh
to the inn owners and would often feel up many of the servers. One time Vander171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA1s0v7RiS
got into it with a couple of them who felt they were entitled to the servers171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNaj1XpS2k
after hours. The sicced their dogs on him, but once Shea jumped in killing two171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFLkIvfFY3
of them, the hunters knew better than to fuck with them and, by extension, the171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1rXYpKUlE
serving girls. From the day forward, he had a discounted room and a place to171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumsowvJG8Q
relax after work.
Upon arrival, he could hear dozens171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzMpyFrGT7
of patrons talking and demanding foo and drinks. It wasn’t a bad place, a171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW20bgzkh6g
little run down, but kempt. The front door was missing a hinge causing it to171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zlHninq4i
lean slightly. Once you opened it, you had to lift it a little bit to make sure171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAcSJ7zUen
it didn’t catch on the stairs. Unknown to all but Vander, the servers and the171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp11L1uk7pK
owner, the stools were slightly off center. It was a way to make sure people171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi69sIAa0k3
weren’t drinking too much. If they fall to the floor, they get cut off and171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0cjiX1ed3
taken somewhere to sleep it off before going home to their families.
Vander pulled open the door,171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlBrX1DS5I
making sure to lift it, and was greeted with even more noise than he was171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5J7pzYqAS
expecting. There were thirty people jammed inside all shouting to be heard over171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7u6LWT8IE
the music playing in the corner. A couple of people, men, and women were171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuM8hvc7Br
dancing on the floor in front of the band twirling their dresses and spinning171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9Tk6yH2sV
on their feet to the beat. Shea, hating all the noise slunk off behind the171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcdTV2kLOb
counter and quickly made her way over to the rear corner to scamper her way up171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4hjbEo0XW
the stairs and out of sight. She knew where she was going, they had installed a171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxPTzzcdEB
little door for her to come and go as she pleased so she would have no issues171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2lRupf9G7
getting into his room. He just hoped no one was squatting there or they would171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9bOC3H5eF
be in for a real rude awakening.
“Vander!” Someone shouted at him.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j21ejqQL7
The voice came from the Inn Keeper, a young woman named Julianne, who had171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnIpPSGBcp
received the bar from her father after his untimely death. She had long black171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9dbkiuy5A
hair, brown eyes, and a figure that drew the eye of every man in the room. She171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqGwdjzNoe
flirted harmlessly with the guests, made sure to top of their drinks whenever171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWDMHfhTlS
she could, but was still responsible in making sure people didn’t drink more171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpBt4eYlez
than they could handle.
“Julianna,” he waved to her. She171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LLQ7cPFao
sashayed her way through the crowd to embrace him in a quick hug followed by a171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaef8baaIXd
quick peck on the cheek. Today she was wearing a low-cut navy-blue dress and171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT9WiusQa2
blue boots. Her long hair was pulled back in a ponytail to keep any loose171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BF4Hi6nRN
strands from falling into anyone’s food or drinks.
“I had a feeling you might be here171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUff20q6Onl
today.” She beamed causing dimples to form in her cheeks. “I had your room171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jt57bciJi
dusted then the linen and your clothing cleaned. My maid, Kyra, just finished171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2j4dV4agl
an hour or so ago.”
“You have a knack for knowing when171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Kazl1vUuO
I get here.” He laughed, hugging her back. “Are you sure you aren’t a seer?”
“Nonsense,” She slapped him171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEKJkNkT5k
lightly on the arm. “Get upstairs and get changed, you smell like stale sweat171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ARAY7p7HD
and feet.” Vander lifted his arms then grimaced. She was being polite about it.
“Alexander and the recruits are171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1yyfIn3Gp
coming tonight.” Vander said. “If they arrived before I come back down, will171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1STK2WuGXy
you get them a table?”
“Of course.” She smiled. “After171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn61IMDi4oN
they leave, I’d love to hear how your time away from this place was. We can171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPrb1MQesf
drink and relax, how does that sound?”
“Sounds great.” He waved goodbye171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQmVboimAd
to her as he tried to make his way though. The servers smiled and waved at him171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoGwomJGqe
while the patrons backed up several steps. He wasn’t sure if it was because171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSPZB9DvKg
they recognized him or because of the way he smelled, but he guessed it didn’t171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeCszAu88x
really matter. He was glad to not have to talk to any of them.
His room was on the third floor171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziqPAHvhYG
all the way at the back. Julianne had offered a closer room on the lower floor,171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdg0B7A2bmB
but he liked his privacy as most of the people who stayed here were either171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0IjGOTdfJ
travelers who wanted a cheaper room or patrons who were too drunk to walk and171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojEf3oa3an
couldn’t walk. She had her own room in the basement where it was warm and where171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNafpanJDmO
she didn’t have to worry about anyone trying to get into her room. The basement171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQIFk7879H
was only open during business hours and was locked during the day. He had never171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mjYk0htrZ
been down there, but he expected there was a second door that was always locked171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K7RrrjFXZ
to keep anyone from sneaking down there when she was busy.
His room wasn’t much to look at.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVII2I6FjNV
It was big enough for a small bed, a desk, and a dresser. There was a closet171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zqzTMYLSM
along the left wall and a door that led into a bathroom complete with both a171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBfkFAg0n6
shower and a sink. True to her word, the room smelled freshly cleaned the smell171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRBOu6pDOS
of lemon still fragrant in the air. As they were getting closer to fall, his171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKrZBK6Xdj
lighter blankets had been swapped for a warmer one. Shea was in the process of171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7IHRdDkEL
rubbing her scent on everything when he walked in.
“I hate it when she cleans in171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYZf1us1YX
here.” She complained.
“Not everyone likes the smell of171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1XdrdGotn
wolf day in and day out.” Vander said. “Maybe we should give you a bath as171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpK1BIEPzf
well?”
“Try it and you’ll be minus a171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgJqNWUHGT
hand.” She growled. The two of them looked at each other, but eventually171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmCJNl2oN6
Vander shrugged his shoulders. “Suit yourself sinky.” She lunged at him, but he171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOR9tWvLg0
jumped nimbly away. He quickly removed his sword, placing it carefully on the171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTjTQ6fpmz
ground. Then he grabbed her, picked her up, then threw her on the bed. Before171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OW8EMp0A9
she could right herself, her body slammed her then started rubbing her belly.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMGYC3g6Lt
She squirmed under him, but eventually she told him she gave up. Laughing, he171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEZGjL0aRs
shrugged off his jacket and tossed it on top of her.
“I’m going to bathe and change171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJ9i7V2oS0
before I meet the others. I assume you want to stay here?” she nodded her head.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZSSDsx3Bk
“Want anything from the kitchen?”
“Beef.” Was the response. She wiggled her way under171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaJ0xEfRd2
the blanket and moments later, he could hear her snoring gently from171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK2M2DhLw3
underneath.
Vander shrugged off his clothing171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlf5Gg8ZBu
and dumped it in a pile by the door. Walking into the bathroom, he turned the171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUFTlDIcfM
water faucet on. It took awhile for the water to become hot enough where he171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwX1uOTYci
didn’t freeze. He stepped inside and felt his aches melt away with the hot171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs2T36EDJt
water pounding into his body.
He always enjoyed this part of the171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4gIXZhJSE
day. Even if it was day of just sitting in meetings, just washing away your171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyyrtefEzv
worries for even a little bit was enough to make him happy. He didn’t get to171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVDnivucTX
shower at all while he was in the woods. The closest he got was taking a dip in171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5N5gtvySU
the lake every other day, but that wasn’t the same. He got clean, but it was171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZV0YK7MQ0W
never truly relaxing for him.
He lost track of how long he was171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5pY3ZuiKM
under the water, but he turned it off once it became cold. He grabbed the towel171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3pJOzfnhG
hanging up next to the sink to dry off then wrapped it around his waist. When171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fDF3DYjD8
we walked into the room, he noticed that Shea was on alert. Her ears were lying171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC26kSloT6X
flat against her head and her teeth were bared. Only one person would make her171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4Jkxe9K2b
that upset in the inn, someone he had hoped would take a little bit longer to171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp7uJRjs08
see him, but it wasn’t an unexpected visit. He could hear her voice coming up171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUK7Eu6xTN
from downstairs, so he figured he still had some time.
Whistling to himself, he walked171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGrkRkY32Q
over to his closet and removed a brown shirt with strings which would allow him171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsyd6tcM07
to pull it tight over his chest or leave it loose. He picked out a pair of171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamJNBILYv1
casual black pants along with a pair of black boots. He removed two black171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1c5a8LPJTq
leather cuffs and carefully tied them to his wrists. He didn’t like wearing171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k2TTOl6nb
jewelry while on duty, however he wore a silver ring with an emerald embedded in171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwygqYwFdH
it when he was off duty. It was the last thing he received from his mother171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYIFKkIkfm
before her death.
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He heard the footsteps coming up171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxo9ksc6tZ
the stairs then stopped right in front of his door. “Behave Shea.” He said. She171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zQVX8nfp9
didn’t relax, but she did hide her teeth so as not scare his guest. His heart171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGtBbJXviD
pounded in his chest as he waited for the knock. As soon as he heard it, he got171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fPWGQp35w
up from his bed and opened the door. “Hello Bree.”
