Page 197 of Vasmora

“You’d do well to secure your blankets around me. I’ll leave you cold and freezing.”

Brow raised, he tipped his head. “I can think of ways to keep warm.”

“And what might that be?” I asked coyly.

“I’ll demonstrate when I return.” He kissed my forehead, then my lips. “As I said, don’t bother to get dressed.”

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

ZEVANDER

Thoughts mired Zevander’s head, as he made his way toward the kitchen.

The amulet would be near impossible to retrieve, having fallen in Cadavros’s possession. He could be anywhere, and while Zevander was glad to be rid of the voice in his head, those dark thoughts that’d shadowed his mind, the connection to Cadavros could’ve proven useful in tracking him down.

What might the bastard possibly want that would lure him out of hiding?

“Zevander!” Rykaia called from down the hall, carrying a bottle of wine. “Has Maeve finished bathing?” She lifted the bottle, smiling. “I grabbed one of the aged bottles. Didn’t think you’d mind.”

“She’s resting,” he grumbled.

Rykaia scoffed. “There’s plenty of time to sleep when we die.”

“She needs the rest, Rykaia. Leave her be tonight.”

“And do you intend to leave her be tonight, Brother?”

Rolling his shoulders back, Zevander frowned. His plan was to celebrate every fucking moment that she was back in his arms again. So, no. He didn’t intend to leave her be.

“Well, well.” Head tipped, her lips pulled to a grin. “Look who’s become a nurturer. Never thought I’d see the day when you’d care for something more than your horse.”

He groaned and stepped past her.

“Where are you going?”

“The kitchen.”

“Oh! Bringing her food, are you? That’s so precious!”

He dragged a hand down his face and paused his steps, swiping the bottle of wine from her hands. A pop of the cork, and he tipped it back, guzzling hard and barely appreciating the dark fruit and subtle oak flavor that made it exceptional. Once satisfied, he handed it back, wiping his mouth on the back of his palm.

“Well, that was vulgar.” She guzzled her own mouthful, just as he had moments ago, and when she lowered it from her mouth, she shrugged. “Forgot the glasses, anyway.”

“We’re going to begin training again tomorrow. I’d like you to participate.”

To his surprise, she nodded without argument.

Brow cocked, Zevander tipped his head to get her attention.

“What?” She shrugged again. “We have to protect Maevyth.”

Zevander snorted. “You’d be surprised at how efficiently she can protect herself.”

“Ah, so, this is why you fell in love with her? She can wield a whip across your ass?”

Instead of answering her, he made a sound of disapproval.

Obviously, she chuckled, but the smile on her face turned somber. “Mother certainly would’ve loved her.”