His bear-like focus went to the child. “Who sent you?” His words weren’t cruel, but there was a sense of power behind them.
The young fae did not hesitate. He was clearly not worried about revealing any secrets. “Some lady sent me to lead you here. She is not from this court. She smells of warmth and flowers. Come on or I won’t get my meal.”
The boy disappeared inside. None of us moved for a moment. Inside was a complete unknown and it could definitely be a trap. Still, the smells of sunshine and flowers thing had me hoping it was a Summer Court fae.
Kade pulled his sword and strode toward the door, making sure he was first. Always the protector, it’s what made him such an amazing mate and king.
I hurried up behind him, but before we could step through Finn blocked both of our paths.
Let me go first. They won’t expect a familiar and may not attack. They’ll think I’m a stray wolf.
Um, pretty sure they’ll attack you even if they think you’re a wolf. Food and fur is pretty valuable in this world.
Finn’s rumbling bark of laughter echoed across my mind. I’m hard to kill, Ari. Let me at least scout it out before all of you serve yourselves up into a trap.
With a sigh, I nodded, relaying the plan to Kade. He didn’t look any happier about Finn going in than I was, but he said nothing as he held the door open for him. It was agony letting my familiar go in first, but I had never and would never be the type to over-protect him to the point he had no rights or choices. He wasn’t my pet. If he felt he could do this, then I would let him.
I raised to the balls of my feet, weapon in hand, just waiting for any sign of trouble. I’d be in there so fast, and whomever had hurt my friend had better hope they killed me. Otherwise I was going to destroy them. Close to my side Kade, Monica, Blaine, and Victor all had their swords at the ready.
Within moments of entering, Finn’s presence in my mind relaxed. There was a sense of shock there, and also happiness, before he said: Come in. It’s safe.
“It’s safe,” I said, stepping forward and pushing the door wide open.
On the inside, I realized this was the back entrance to an inn or tavern of some sort. I passed a bathroom door, then the kitchens, the smell of something tasty, maybe a stew, teased me and my wolf. Stepping into an open dining hall, I scanned the room for Finn, finding him near a back corner booth. And he was with someone I recognized. A smile broke out across my face. Thank you, Baladar. Dalia, the Summer Court fae I had met in Astoria Park, was sitting in a corner booth, another hooded fae at her side – who had their face well hidden beneath the shadows of the cloak.
Dalia stood as we approached her table, and gave me a nod before putting a fist across her chest and bowing low.
“Arianna, well met.” Despite the formality of her gesture, she had only used my first name, her eyes darting around. No doubt she wouldn’t want to call me Your Highness, for fear others would hear.
I gave her a warm smile. We were sorely in need of some assistance, so my joy in seeing her was genuine.
“Well met, Dalia,” I said, before she gestured to the chairs around the long table she had chosen. More than large enough to accommodate us all.
We wasted no time taking our seats, and my stomach let out a massive rolling growl when a server approached us with a huge tray filled with steaming bowls of something delicious smelling.
“Thank you,” Dalia said as she gave him a polished gold coin. Then she added a second shiny coin and waved toward the rest of us. “Room and board for the night as well.”
The server bowed lightly and pocketed the coins. “I’ll get the rooms ready.”
Grabbing one of the bowls, I dropped it down to where Finn was resting beside my chair. He was just as hungry as the rest of us, and Kade took a bowl out for Nix, hiding on top of the building, keeping watch. The stew was not either of our familiars’ favorite meals, but it would do in these circumstances.
Dalia’s friend still hadn’t said anything, but as soon as Kade was back at the table she lowered her hood and her very pale face came fully into view. Magic born.
When she finally did speak, it was quietly, her voice low and husky, tingling with energy. “You may speak freely. I have spelled this corner of the room.”
Her words were like magic in themselves; mecca dripped from each syllable and I felt my own energy respond. I had been getting used to the loss of power in the Otherworld, the weakness of the mecca, but having a source like this at the table with me set off a ricochet of energy through my gut, reminding me of all we’d left behind.
The magic born sat forward in her seat, allowing more of the cloak to fall from her shoulders. She was a tiny thing, even though she was sitting. I would guess she didn’t stand any taller than five feet. Her hair was white, but with a tinge of silver to it, like strands of the metal were woven through the long fat curls that tumbled over her shoulders. She had light eyes, but instead of the usual magic-born-pale-blue, hers were almost purple.
She was all perfect, porcelain, and doll-like. She looked like a little fairy or angel that would sit atop the Christmas tree. Shifter females in general did not possess the ethereal sort of look, we were strong and robust, able to kick butt with a single bound. There was nothing robust about this fae, and yet I sensed an inner strength that would probably match any shifter’s.
Nikoli was blinking dazedly at the pretty magic born. He dipped his head. “I’m Nikoli.”
She smiled sweetly, full rosy lips and dimples on display. “Rowan.”
I didn’t want to be rude, but there was no way I was going to let this soup go cold. Not while I was still freezing and starving from our travels here. Finn was already halfway through his bowl.
I smiled at Dalia. “Thank you for the privacy and the meal.” I then held up the spoon that had been resting in my bowl. “Please excuse our rudeness. We are half starved. Is it safe to eat?”
She would know what I meant by this. Finn and Nix were creatures of the Otherworld – as apparently were shifters to some degree – but I’d still remain cautious about what we ate here.
Rowan and Dalia nodded, and that’s all it took for all of us to dig into our bowls. Oh. My. gods. The salty broth slid down my throat and I stopped just short of actually moaning. Kade was inhaling his beside me. After a few huge spoonfuls, I slowed down and took my time, chewing the meat and juicy vegetables, savoring the delicious offering.