“But somehow they found out we were coming back their way,” Lucien noted. “That’s when they probably decided to follow us.”
“It would also explain why they were carrying the fake battle lord’s weapons,” Renken added. “They may have thought they had a good chance to defeat us, now that they were better armed.”
“A few got away.” Paxton pointed in the direction where the rest of the Bloods fled. “Think they’ll be back?”
“Probably not,” the battle lord replied. “At least, not for a long while. Not until they can get their numbers up.”
“D’Jacques.” Minn approached with a handful of his hunters. This time it was clear there was no longer any animosity from the Mutah. Yulen gave him his attention, but he never loosened the grasp on his wife, who rested her cheek on his chest. “We offer you our apologies, Battle Lord,” the Mutah humbly said.
“No apologies are necessary, Councilman. I understand your hesitancy in accepting my word. I would have reacted the same if our situations were reversed.”
“Nevertheless, our compound is open to you and your men.” The Mutah stared at Atty. “It appears as if the Battle Lady and your companion are no longer a threat to our health.”
Yulen looked to Iain, who shook his head. “I think they beat it.”
“But could they still be carriers?”
The doctor eyed Lucien, but his answer was directed at the battle lord. “I seriously doubt it.”
Yulen faced the Mutah councilman. “We graciously accept your offer, Minn. As soon as we’re able, we’ll be on our way home.”
“Perhaps, while we’re resting and recuperating, my husband and I might be able to meet with the Council to discuss the possibility of a treaty between your compound and Alta Novis?” Atty spoke up.
Minn bowed his head at her. “That thought had already come to mind, Battle Lady.” Saying nothing more, he turned and led the way back to their compound.
Chapter Forty-Two
Home
Lucien stared out the window at the activity below. The wind was calm, the sky remained cloudless, but the weather was turning colder. A few small scattered piles of snow still lay in corners, protected from the sunlight. At least today the sun would be shining.
Johna moved up behind him and slid her arms around his waist. Skin to skin, the warm silk of her contact was enticing, even after their recent coupling this morning. Her soft hair tickled his shoulders, making him smile at the sensation.
She pressed a kiss, then her cheek, to his bare back. “What are you thinking?”
“This room above the kitchen was where my parents lived before their new home was built behind it.” From where he stood, he could see a corner of the two-story building, and the front door. So far he hadn’t seen either of his parents or his siblings, but he knew they were busy.
Resting her chin on his shoulder, she observed the hustle and bustle. “So there’s just your sister left living with them?”
“Yeah. In one of the downstairs bedrooms. Matt bunks with the soldiers.”
“This place is like a castle.” She nuzzled behind his ear. “It’s unlike anything I could ever dream of.”
“Johna?” He turned his head to look sideways at her. “Are you sure you want to become part of our military?”
“If it means I get to accompany you whenever you leave the compound, yes. The same way Paas and Echo do when Cole and Garet go with your father and mother.”
“But I thought you wanted to be part of the hunters’ caste here.”
“I want to do that, too.” She made a face at him. “I hope you weren’t expecting me to sit around all day and do nothing but sharpen my dagger. I mentioned to your mom that I’d like to join her on some of her hunts, if she was willing to have me.”
“What did she say?”
Johna’s smile widened. “She said she would love to see what kind of skills I have. She’d even coach me, if I wanted her to. Your mom and I, she says we share the same blood. She’s right, you know. We do. We share you.”
Turning around, he pulled her into his arms and brought his mouth down over hers. In his arms, she was a vibrant part of him that would never end. They both knew a connection was forming between them. Coalescing and growing stronger as the days went by. What had started as a tentative reaching out to one another had strengthened with the advent of her illness. And once he had given her his blood, they’d become more attuned to each other. He was looking forward to finding out how deep that bond would become. Just as much as he was eagerly anticipating what their future would hold.
“Yo! Luc!” A shout from below drew his attention. It was Renken, who gave them a wink. “You do know God and the entire compound can see you two standing up there in your birthday suits, right?”
Laughing, Lucien closed the shutters as Johna returned to the rumpled bed.
“We have time to cuddle some more,” she suggested, patting the coverlet. “Want to keep me warm?” Grinning, he hurried back to the bed, scooting under the covers to find her ready for him.
In a few short hours the celebration would begin, followed by an evening of festivities. After which he would ring the bell in the center of the compound twelve times.
The traditional twelve bells of a wedding.