Scent of Valor (Chronicles of Eorthe #2) (16 page)

Chapter Twenty-Six

Kele woke to a close-up view of the inside of Pemma’s nose. The female’s arms were so entangled around hers they’d gone numb.

Omegas.

She shoved Pemma’s face away. Why hadn’t she gone to Ewald’s bed last night? Pemma knew she had no place to sleep but here. It wasn’t like she was going to run. What if Peder showed up looking for her? She had to give him a few days at least to escape.

Twisting her upper body, Kele managed to dislodge the female’s leechlike hug. Thank goodness she’d slept with her clothes on. She was so exhausted last night that she’d fallen in the deepest slumber and never sensed Pemma joining her in bed. She slid out and flexed her arms until blood pumped in them once more.

Pemma curled around her pillow and made puppy noises until she fell back asleep. It was easy to like Pemma. Kele always wished she could have been more outgoing, but when she tried it came out forced and unnatural.

The lovely dress Pemma had worn to the party lay tossed on the only chair in the room. Kele carried it to the wardrobe and hung it. Something hard fell out of the dress and onto her foot. Hopping on one leg, she gritted her teeth against a curse. She glared at the object then clapped her hand over her mouth.

“What the fuck, Pemma?” The words came out muffled but loud.

Pemma shot up in bed drowning in the mass of her wavy hair. “I didn’t touch him.”

Kele picked up the ruby pendant Benic had given her on her mating day. She’d lost it when the vampires had attacked and she’d shifted right out of her clothes. Running her fingers over the cold stones, she recalled her mother’s proud gaze the morning she received the gift. It took all her will not to toss it against the wall. Instead, she closed her fingers over the sharp edges and squeezed until it bit into her flesh. “Where did this come from?”

Pemma rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “Where did what come from?” She yawned and scooted off the bed. She wore a long white sleeping gown.

Kele held out her hand and opened her bloodied palm, not looking at the piece of jewelry directly.

“You hurt yourself.” Pemma grabbed her arm and yanked her to the washing basin, where she tended to the small cuts. “A local vampire lord gave it to me.”

Kele’s heart skipped a beat. “What was his name?” Was it possible? Would he have followed her here?

“Lord Benic. He’s quite handsome but a little too sad for my taste.” She laughed softly. “And quite drunk.”

Kele sat on the floor so hard the amulet rolled from her open hand.

Pemma hurried to her side and caressed her face. “What is it? Should I call for a healer?”

“Benic was here last night?” She’d been so close. Pemma told her to stay confined to her room because vampire parties required a certain amount of etiquette. She didn’t even know what the word meant so she had agreed. If she hadn’t allowed her fear to draw out her inner omega, she could have been rescued. Kele could have begged Benic to save Peder, whatever his price.

“You know him?” Pemma’s hands dropped to her lap. “Do you think he’d help you?”

She searched Pemma’s face and wanted to believe in this kindhearted omega so badly. Pemma reminded her of Peder in small ways. He’d been much more meek when they’d first met, but he’d been abused most of his life. His upbringing wasn’t the norm for omegas. Kele would say that more were like Pemma—sweet, giving…safe. “I don’t know.” But she had to take the chance. Finding Benic was her best chance of rescuing Peder and returning to their home. “We parted on bad terms.” Their past was something she had to consider.

Benic wished to own her and there was no love lost between the vampire and Peder. Benic might agree to save her but might be more than happy to allow Peder to rot in a cage.

Pemma pulled Kele to her feet. “There’s only one way to find out.”

The bedroom door opened and Lord Ewald entered. “Good, I’m glad to find you both awake.”

Ewald addressed them both but his eyes remained glued to the beautiful Kele. Yesterday, she’d been a dirt-covered slave. After the bath, she’d bloomed into a pale-colored female warrior. The muscles of her arms were defined yet delicate. She stood almost as tall as Ewald and met his stare directly. She called herself a hunter but Pemma smelled alpha on her. She couldn’t stop the drive to serve Kele, even though
she
was Pemma’s slave. She couldn’t blame Ewald for his interested gaze. If she were male, she would want to bed Kele as well.

But that was a dangerous thought. Pemma’s duty lay with her pack, not with Kele or with Ewald. He hadn’t taken Pemma to his bed last night. Instead, she’d received a peck on her cheek with a kind command to go sleep in her own chambers.

Had he taken another to his room?

She drew closer and sniffed him. Nothing unusual. Had he guessed what she’d done to free Kele? Her Gram had made sure Pemma had never developed any misconceived notions about Ewald ever loving her. She was his pet. Something to keep his bed warm while she kept her ears open for her pack. She couldn’t lose that position to someone not part of her pack.

“Kele, is it?” Ewald leaned against the doorframe.

She gave him a stiff nod.

“I wouldn’t have recognized you if you weren’t in Pemma’s room. You clean up beautifully.” He tossed Pemma an amused look. “You did well to purchase her. We should have showed her off at the party.”

Pemma sensed the tension in Kele grow and snaked her fingers through the hunter’s. “It would have been too much for her. She’s from the wild.”

Ewald’s eyes went wide. “From the West?”

Kele shook her head.

“She’s from the local lands, right?” She squeezed Kele’s hand. She had to trust Pemma. It was in both of their best interest if she could get Kele back home. She’d be free once more and Pemma wouldn’t have the competition for Ewald’s attention.

“Local?” Ewald’s eyebrows shot up. “I thought all packs in the area were domesticated.”

“No, we’re not.” Kele’s tone was sharp enough to cut.

“Anyways.” Pemma plucked the amulet from the floor and handed it to Ewald. “Lord Benic gave this to me to trade for weapons so we could be well armed for our journey west. He seems very knowledgeable. Wouldn’t he be a better person to discuss our future endeavors with than those slavers?” She been taught how to word suggestions so Ewald would think the idea was his own.

“Benic, the drunk at the party?” Ewald twisted and turned the jewelry in his hands as if deep in thought. “This is quite valuable. He gave this to you?”

She bowed her head. “Yes.” Well, she hadn’t stolen it.

Ewald’s gaze turned possessive. “Did you sleep here last night?”

“Of course I did.” She waved her hands at her nightgown. “You sent me here.” What was he implying?

He pocketed the amulet and muttered, “It wouldn’t be the first time you strayed.”

Her mouth opened but nothing came out. She didn’t think he intended her to hear. Damn, he knew. He wouldn’t understand her motives. She usually kept from others’ beds, but Ewald would think she let Timothy touch her because of desire. Ewald always enjoyed pack life but being a vampire meant he didn’t understand omegas on an instinctive level.

Kele rolled her eyes. “I can vouch for Pemma. She kneed and elbowed me enough times in her sleep that I knew she was here all night. I have the bruises to prove it.”

“I like to sleep close,” Pemma mumbled. Who didn’t?

Ewald chuckled. “Yes, you do, and it’s nice to know she doesn’t save those hits for just me.” He crossed the room and gave her a gentle kiss.

Was all forgiven?

“Let’s invite Lord Benic to lunch.” Ewald ran the back of his hand over Pemma’s cheek. “I’d like to thank him for his investment in our adventure and maybe I can convince him to join us.”

Pemma grinned. “That’s an excellent idea.” Ewald had mentioned they’d do better with a guide. Benic would be perfect since he’d been west before. She loved it when her plans came together. Now, she could work on freeing Peder and see about mapping a proper route west.

“Get dressed while I inquire of Benic’s whereabouts then you can deliver the invitation.”

She grew still. “Me?” Go out in the city alone?

“Yes, he’s obviously fond of you. Use your female talents to convince him to join us for a meal.” His eyes heated up as they landed on Kele. “I’ll watch your new pet while you’re away.”

Kele’s hands fisted.

Ewald wasn’t use to hunters who weren’t under Gramp’s firm grip. He’d been raised with a loyal pack of domesticated shifters. Kele was everything Pemma wasn’t. Maybe that was the allure. Ewald’s tastes tended toward submissive females. Kele held a very dominant air. Pemma clasped her hands to stop their trembling. This was his punishment for Timothy, and Kele would pay that price.

Kele who hadn’t bedded her soul mate yet. Oh what had she done?

“I don’t want to go by myself. I’d feel better if Kele came with me. She’s more familiar with the city.” That was a full-out lie and she hoped the female went along with it.

“And give her a chance to run?” He held up Kele’s hand and traced the half-healed brand. “What do they do to runaway slaves, Kele?”

“I don’t know.” She yanked her hand away. “Pemma is right. The city is too dangerous for her to venture on her own.”

He turned his attention back to her. “Pemma is more resourceful than she lets on. She’ll be fine. Hurry and get ready, dear. I’ll go let the staff know we’ll be having a guest.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Learning to tie a corset was easier said than done. By the Goddess, what kind of demon had invented the thing? Pemma didn’t seem bothered by wearing one and had even instructed Kele to pull harder on the strings.

“Okay let me check yours.” Pemma could move like water when she wanted to and circled Kele before she could get away. The omega tugged on Kele’s corset strings. “That’s too loose. It’s meant to slim your waist, not make it seem bulkier.” She undid the ties and put her knee against Kele’s back. “Exhale.”

Kele could hear her ribs creak as Pemma pulled. “By my dead parents’ souls, I will eat your firstborn if you don’t loosen this idiotic piece of clothing.” She gasped for air after using what she’d had in her lungs to shout at the omega. The only purpose for the garment was to shove her breasts higher in the air while crushing her organs together.

Pemma’s sigh seemed burdened but she loosened the corset.

Pulling the same dress as yesterday over her head, Kele did her best to keep her voice calm. “Pemma, couldn’t I go with you anyway? I doubt Ewald will notice my absence.”

Pemma brushed her hair and paused in her strokes as she considered Kele’s reflection in her mirror. “I think he’d notice.”

She’d hoped Pemma would have just agreed to her request. She didn’t like the way Ewald’s gaze lingered on her as if he undressed her in his mind’s eye. Twisting the hem of her wide sleeves in her fingers, she couldn’t meet Pemma’s gaze. “What if I went anyway?”

“We’d get punished even more severely.” She set her brush down. “I did something yesterday that made him very angry. Ewald may not love me like he would a wife but he does consider me his possession. I crossed a line to free you. The blow to his ego is more damaging than the one to his heart and now we must both pay for that act.”

“If he’s already angry, then it won’t matter if I sneak out with you. Once you deliver me to Benic then all will be well for both of us.” She would be away from Ewald’s heated looks and she could convince Benic to help her retrieve her packmates from Timothy.

“You have a point.” Pemma tapped her hairbrush against her chin. “I’m trying to figure out the best way to sneak you out of the house.”

Someone knocked on the door before entering—one of Lord Weis’s servants. She curtsied. “Lord Ewald asked me to retrieve Kele and bring her to the study.”

Kele took an involuntary step back.

“Come along, follow me.” The female gestured for her to move.

Dragging her feet, she tossed Pemma an alarmed glance. “Aren’t you coming?”

She nodded and hurried after them.

The study was dark with plush leather furniture and a cold hearth. Ewald leaned against the mantel and stared at the floor. When she stepped inside the room with Pemma, he lifted his head. “Pemma, what are you still doing here?”

“I’d like to go along with her.” Kele swallowed hard. “Master.”

“No, you’ll stay here. It’s time you earn your keep.”

“Ewald.” Pemma sounded as scandalized as Kele felt. “She might not be pack, but I ask that you treat her as if she is.”

Ewald smirked. “I was going to have the servants teach her how to serve lunch. What did you have in mind, Pemma? It sounded quite salacious.”

Kele watched a scarlet blush bloom on Pemma’s cheeks and burn a path to the tips of her ears. “It was.” She gave him a sharp nod. “Be good. I’ll be back quickly.”

Kele tried to catch her by the hand as she left but only grasped air.

Pemma strode away, leaving her alone with Ewald.

Body heat caressed her back as he pressed behind her, as if watching Pemma leave as well.

“I think it’s cruel that you are sending her unattended into the city.” To a slaver, Pemma would be a nice coin to pocket.

“Who said she’s unattended? Lord Weis was kind enough to lend me a few of his hunters to track her.”

“Won’t her pack do it?”

“Of course they would, she’s the pack darling, but they’d also lie for her.” He traced the seam of her sleeve with a fingertip. “Don’t misunderstand me. I care for Pemma in my own way, but she sometimes strays. This is a gentle reminder of who she truly belongs to.”

Kele clenched her jaws to keep her thoughts her own. Vampires and their double-edged words. Why couldn’t they sit down and discuss these issues instead of playing games with each other? He was mad at Pemma. She understood this. Take her upstairs and spank her. Get it over with. Instead, he sent her away with implications of wanting to seduce Kele.

His hands had settled on her waist.

Or maybe not implications. She stepped out of his grasp. “What did you want the servants to teach me?”

He gave her a knowing crooked smile and closed the study door. “You don’t play coy very well.” He leaned against it. “You seem like a very direct female. Were you a hunter in your pack?”

“I
am
a hunter.” Shifters didn’t lose their nature just because some vampire spawn branded their hands. “I’m also mated.”

He chuckled. “You’re lying. Nice try.”

She didn’t think vampires could smell lies. That was supposed to be only a shifter gift. Maybe the vampires from Europa were different.

“It’s in your eyes. Shifters are terrible liars. They think only with their noses, where my people learn to use all their senses. If you don’t practice lying enough, it becomes very easy to detect.”

“Really?” She crossed the room, making sure to place the chairs between them.

He followed with an unnatural speed, cornering her against a side table. “I’ve never met a wolf shifter with your coloring.”

“I’ve heard this before. My father’s lineage comes from the most northern packs. They’re all white wolves.”

He touched the button on her dress between her breasts, circling the fastener round and round. “As far as I know, there are no white packs in Europa.”

“Don’t touch me, Ewald.” A warning growl burned in her throat.

“I never gave you permission to address me as such. It’s Lord Ewald.”

“I got permission the moment you undressed me with your eyes.” She shoved him away and he stumbled from her strength. “Try to remember I’m not one of your domesticated lapdogs. I’ve tasted vampire blood and I liked it.” That was a half-truth. She’d bitten a vampire when they attacked on her mating day, but she couldn’t remember how he tasted.

He straightened his vest and grinned, the spark of interest blazing in his eyes. “I’m counting on it. Like Pemma, I like to stray and get a taste of wilder things now and then.” Curling his fingers, he dared her to come closer. “Come, Kele, bite me.” His grin grew wider and his fangs showed. “Better move quick, because I might decide to catch and bite you instead.”

The sun shone overhead and lit the city streets as Pemma hurried along the sidewalk. Yet a shadow seemed to hover over the people of New Berg. Some ran errands and others gathered in small groups, but none of them smiled or laughed. A group of hunters strode down the street and many of the shifters shrank against the building, heads bowed low. Instinctively, she did the same thing.

If a shifter didn’t want to fight, then they didn’t try to attract attention. What surprised her was how many shifters submitted. They might as well have lain in the dirt on their bellies. The same was implied. The hunters were strong and the rest of them weren’t. Was it the same in Europa? She couldn’t recall. It hadn’t mattered then.

Thoughts of wild shifters and their packs had dominated her thoughts ever since disembarking the ship. New Berg seemed full of omegas and crafters. Had the hunters been diminished? If she were a vampire wanting to tame a pack of wild shifters, the first thing she would do was kill their strongest members.

A shudder ran over her spine. These types of thoughts wouldn’t do her any good. It would make her feel colder toward Ewald, which her pack couldn’t afford. Already her stomach turned at the thought of him.

Poor Kele. Pemma had wanted to take her along but Ewald wouldn’t let that happen. Once he put his mind to wanting something, he got it. Just like this journey. Her only recourse was to hurry and return with Lord Benic quickly. She knew Kele loved Peder and she’d keep Ewald at bay for as long as she could.

Pemma reread the tiny piece of parchment the chamberlain had given her bearing directions to Benic’s inn. Ewald had also left specific instructions that she wasn’t to use a carriage. How childish. He’d set her aside like a broken toy so quickly her head still spun.

Once the hunters had passed, she crossed the street and searched for a proper sign. Not all the corners were marked though. She walked as quickly as her short legs could take her while continuing along the main road. Her heart raced as she scanned for some sign that she was heading in the right direction.

As she increased her steps, her hurried walk turned into a gentle jog. The small hat she wore kept trying to cover her eyes, so she yanked it off and tossed it to the ground. She weaved through the growing crowd of pedestrians and noticed the buildings seemed less kept and the people somewhat shadier.

There, on the corner, she finally noticed a street name she recognized. It would lead her to the inn. Purposely discarding her upbringing, she let loose her restraint and ran full out, skirt hem flouncing around her knees. Her hairpins had come undone so her long tresses trailed behind her in the wind.

This.

This was what she was missing. To run wild as a shifter should. She could have gone faster if not for the darn corset vampire fashion insisted she wear. Those shifters she passed raised their heads and sniffed the air with interest. A few even ran at her side for a few paces before recalling what they’d been doing.

Pack instinct still ran in their blood after all. They wanted to run as she did.

The inn came in sight and she barreled into the foyer. “Where’s Lord Benic’s room?”

Kele crouched in a fighting stance, wishing she’d never listened to Pemma about wearing this torture contraption around her chest. “I’ve fought many challenges, vampire, and won. I was one of the top hunters of my pack.” She rose on the balls of her feet. Maybe she should just shift and tear his head off and be done with it all. “What of you?”

He rolled his head and cracked his neck. “I have at least a hundred years of experience on you.” Circling her, he never stopped grinning, as if this was a grand game. “Try to remember exactly where you are standing, though. If you kill me, like you seem to be pondering, what do you think Lord Weis will do with my pack?” He loosened his tie and tossed it on the table, then undid his top shirt button. “Do you think he’d understand you weren’t part of this pack and their alpha hadn’t ordered it? Weis has no love lost for your people. He fought in the shifter wars and has actively supported the movement to eradicate all wild packs.”

She licked her dry lips. Kele should have killed him before letting him talk. Vampires won their battles with words and Ewald had excellent verbal skills. He’d won without a single drop of blood being drawn.

“Come Kele, kneel before me.” He undid the fastenings of his pants. “If you’re good, maybe you can take Pemma’s place. She’s obviously grown tired of me.”

Kele stared at the floor by his feet. He wanted her to submit? “Have you ever been with a hunter, Ewald?” She ignored his title. Benic had been her friend since she was a pup. He’d taught her a few things about words.

Ewald’s hands slowed in undressing and his eyes lifted, though he hadn’t moved his head. “No, I usually prefer my females docile.”

She clenched her teeth. He thought her docile enough to dominate? The thought roared inside her head and blinded her until she sensed the satisfying crunch of bone under her knuckles. She blinked and caught her breath.

His lordship lay on his back at her feet, a hand clasped over his mouth and nose. The sweet scent of blood filled the air.

She took a step forward. “I don’t have to kill you to feel better. I can accept beating you until you cry for your mother.”

He rolled to his feet in one smooth motion then spat out a fang in his palm. “Fuck.” His gaze narrowed. “You’re more trouble than you’re worth. No wonder Timothy let you go for a bargain price.”

She took another aggressive step toward him. “I was more expensive than you’d ever guess, but Pemma paid that price for my freedom, you sack of spoiled vampire flesh. And don’t tell me you don’t know what I’m talking about. You’ve been hinting at it ever since we arrived yesterday.”

“So you confirm she fucked the slaver when I was only a few rooms away.” His face went red and sweat beaded on his forehead.

Kele pointed to the door where the petite omega had wandered alone into the dangerous city. “She did it to save my life and to save you coin.” Her voice cracked with volume. “Why do you care so much? She’s just a pet to you. Do you have any idea how much courage it must have taken for her to do that?” Kele was a coward next to Pemma. She wouldn’t have been able to sacrifice her body as the omega had done. “She wanted to do the right thing.”

Ewald wiped a trickle of blood from his fat lip. “Get out.” He sounded raw and wounded. Not what she had expected. Did he love Pemma?

If the Goddess had wanted vampires and shifters to mate, she wouldn’t have made our cultures so different.
Nothing good would come from their bond.

No to mention, she probably made things worse for Pemma and her pack by blurting out the truth to a vampire who probably didn’t know how to handle honesty. Before she could say another thing to complicate poor Pemma’s life she rushed out of the study and collided with a servant.

Kele steadied him. “My apologies. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

He smiled and nodded. “I was sent for you. Lord Ewald wanted me to teach you about serving lunch.”

Lunch?
In the storm of emotions of the conversation, she’d forgotten all about Benic. “Yes, let’s go somewhere else. I think Lord Ewald wishes to be alone.”

She wouldn’t be kept from this lunch.