When we stop for another break, she still complains when I insist upon being nearby while she relieves herself, but not as much as she did in the beginning. Not now that she understands my reasoning for being so cautious.
She does, however, begin to complain again once she learns there are no inns on this leg of our travel. And I get the feeling she doesn’t quite believe me about how remote this area is as Vaelen’s stride remains steady, the forest opening ahead into a narrow pathway through the thick woods.
“Are you absolutely sure we’re going the right way, mydear husband?” Vivienne asks, sarcasm lacing her tone.
“I am always sure,my dear wife,” I joke lightly in return.
The scent of iron hits my nostrils and I go still at the same time my Dire wolf comes to an abrupt halt. He lowers his head, ears flat as he emits a deep growl.
“Steady, Vaelen,” I murmur, scanning the woods.
Vivienne looks back at me. “What is it?”
“The scent of iron,” I whisper. “I smell blood.”
All the color drains from her face as I search the woods. “Something is watching us,” I murmur.
A cool breeze winds through the trees, carrying the distinct smell of wet stone mixed with the iron, along with a hint of something floral… something human.
“Stay here, Vivienne.” I dismount in one fluid motion, magic arcing between my fingers and my hand hovering near the hilt of my sword. “Vaelen will keep you safe.”
As I glance at my wolf, understanding passes between us. She is my mate, and he knows thatsheis the priority.
“Auren, don’t you dare!” She grabs my arm before I can leave, her eyes full of worry. “Don’t go. This could be an ambush.”
Something shifts inside me. Vivienne is genuinely afraid for my well-being. I move to reassure her. “Vivienne, I swear to you that I am far from helpless.” To demonstrate, I raise my left hand, allowing her to see the tiny sparks of blue magic arcing between my fingers. “But if someone is injured, they may need our help.”
“Well, maybe we could tell someone at the next village, and they could come back to check on them?” she offers.
As much as I’m enjoying her worrying about me, I hate seeing her so afraid. “All will be well, Vivienne. Now, stay here with Vaelen. I’ll be right back.”
“If you get yourself killed, I’ll never forgive you,” she threatens.
Despite my wariness at our current situation, I bite back a laugh at her ridiculous threat. “Well, now I definitely have to live,” I tease, trying to lighten some of her fear.
She gives me an incredulous look. “I’m being serious, Auren.”
“So am I.” I grin. “Now, wait here. I’ll be back shortly.”
CHAPTER 19
VIVIENNE
Auren’s being completely ridiculous. Why in the seven hells does he insist upon placing himself in danger like this? “Auren, stay here,” I demand.
He cups my cheek, his thumb brushing along my jaw. “I will keep you safe, Vivienne.”
I stiffen at the endearment, hating the way it sends an unwanted flutter through my chest. “I told you not to call me that.”
“You did,” he agrees, entirely unbothered.
“Stay. Here.” I repeat more firmly this time, my fingers tightening on his arm. “This could be dangerous.”
“I’ll be fine.” He smirks, voice dropping to something low and teasing. “If I didn’t know better,wife,I’d think you actually care about my safety.”
“Of course I do,” I huff. “You’re the only one who knows where we are. If something happens to you, how am I supposed to find my way out of these woods?”
It’s a lie. Iamworried about him, but I’m not going to admit it.
