Page 79 of A Curse So Vile

“Is that all?”

“And my furs, warming.”

Cole arched a brow. “Now that’s a task I’m well suited for.” He took a step towards Brenna, wrapped his arms around her, and leaned down for a kiss.

She had no doubt the taste of blood lingered on her lips, but he never flinched, and a bit of Orrick’s dripping wouldn’t hurt him. If anything, it would renew his vigor.

The distinct sound of a clearing throat halted their affectionate embrace.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Julian said.

“You are,” Brenna snapped back. She’d sensed him approaching, but didn’t want to waste a moment with her love.

“Terribly sorry, but I was hoping you wouldn’t soil my robes.”

“They’re already saturated with blood.”

“Yes, blood, which I rather enjoy the scent of. Your oafish lover’s—”

“I get the point, and if I were you, I’d commission a seamstress. You’re going to need a new set.”

“Do your people need quarters?”

“I don’t think they’d much like staying in your caves. We’ll settle in Ossory for the rest of the night.”

“My people can escort yours to—”

“We can make our way on our own.”

“If you think we mean to harm you—”

“I don’t, but this is how it has to be. For now.” She looked over at Cole. “Go with the Denithians to Ossory and get them settled at the inn. Julian and I have much to talk about.”

Brenna walked with Julian as though they were longtime friends, and in truth, they did have a kinship.

“Your people are more human than they’d like to believe.”

“I know that.”

“Then you should know that there’s no going back for you, and you’ll only grow more so.”

“I understand.”

“Do your people?”

“Some of them do. Most, actually. The problem was that the strongest among us was stuck in his ways.” His eyes roved down her body, his expression growing curious. “How does it feel to be such an upstart?”

“An upstart?”

“The leaders of our packs are the strongest of our people, and strength typically comes with age. You’re…terribly young to shoulder such a burden.”

“I don’t really see myself managing the day-to-day affairs. I’m sure you’ll lead your people just fine and I’d only get in the way. What I’m most concerned about is protecting our lines. Our blood is thinning, and while we can’t stop that, we mustn’t hasten its extinction by drawing the hatred of the land’s natural inhabitants.”

“Understood. We will be ever so careful with how we conduct ourselves from here on out. But…you can’t expect us to go completely off the good vein.”

“And I wouldn’t. If any of your people harm an innocent or draw attention to themselves, there will be no end to my wrath, and the pain I will rain down upon your pack will be legendary.”

“So murderers and rapists are fair game?”