“How do you know that?”
“Ronan. He’s one of the Outlaws I grew up with. And up until you, he was the only shifter I could stomach.”
For reasons she couldn’t explain, those words flooded her with warmth. “Even though we’re enemies?”
“My enemy’s enemy is my friend.” He signaled for the server to bring him more mead.
She had no idea why, but she liked the thought of being his friend.
What do you know about being anyone’s friend?
That thought made her stomach ache. It was true. She’d never had a friend before. Unless she counted her sword. Which was why she’d named it Brant. A stupid name, really, but she’d been very young and it seemed like a strong name for a sword.
And while Brant had saved her life a few times, he wasn’t nearly as handsome as Xaydin.
Nor as sarcastic…
As their waiter returned, the door to the tavern opened. At first, Gisela paid no attention. Not until the newcomer turned and locked the door behind him. She slid a suspicious glance toward Xaydin who had already straightened up and put his hand on the hilt of his sword.
The room went silent as theaþasweremade his way toward their table.
Was this theaþaswereshe was supposed to protect?
By Xaydin’s countenance, she’d say it was something else. He was completely tense and wary.
Theaþaswerestopped in front of them. “Xaydin of Vaskalia?”
“Who’s asking?”
More than half the room stood up almost in unison and drew nearer theaþaswere.
Fear quickened her heart as she saw their number. If Xaydin felt anything, he didn’t show it. He appeared completely calm. But given the sheer number of them, this couldn’t be good.
“Is this my welcoming party?” Xaydin asked.
Theaþaswere’s dark eyes narrowed dangerously. “We’re done being hunted by you.”
To her immediate shock, a slow insidious smile spread across Xaydin’s handsome face. “Really?”
If she didn’t know better, she’d swear he was salivating.
The eager note in his voice caused several of theaþaswereto take a step back and look suddenly nervous.
And it wasn’t doing much to help her own apprehension. What did Xaydin know that she didn’t?
Theaþaswere’s eyes narrowed at Xaydin’s nonchalance. “Do you think this is a game?”
“Given the number of livesaþaswereshave destroyed, no. You kill without compassion, and the cold callousness of your race is what birthed me.” He stood up and unsheathed his sword. “Come get some.”
That defiance caused half the group to disperse with fear in their eyes as they realized what they were facing. Not a mercenary hunting for coin. A battle-tested warrior craving vengeance.
Those who remained…
Attacked at once.
Without thinking, she turned into the dormouse she’d been joking about. But only long enough to get clear of the group before she returned to her human body and unsheathed her own sword so that she could help.
Not that it really mattered.
