Page 7 of Sent To A Fantasy World and Now All the Men Want Me: Volume 4

The Rabbit and the Snake

The whirr of the burr mills filled the kitchen as I grinded coffee beans.

Pale light came in through the window, and white flurries drifted from the wintery sky. After several days of sunshine, the snow felt cruel. It sure was pretty though. Perfect weather for curling up with a cup of coffee and a good book.

Business at the Brewed Muffin was booming. People piled into the café for breakfast, seeking something warm to warm their bellies. The murmur of voices and clanks of silverware filtered in from the main dining room.

“Should I whip up another batch of pumpkin muffins, mister Evan?”

“We’re out already?” I asked.

Miles nodded. “The last one just sold.”

“Damn. That was fast. We better make two more batches to be safe.”

“On it.” He smiled and sprang into action.

Poor Maddox. The people of Bremloc were eating all his muffins.

Miles and I pulled pastries from the oven and filled them with jam. Donuts were glazed. Mugs were filled and sent out to waiting customers.

“How’s Ellie doing?” I asked as we moved around the kitchen filling orders.

She was a girl he’d met at the autumn ball months ago. One date had turned to three, and then he’d announced they were courting. They’d been together ever since.

“Very well.” The demi-bear blushed. “I think I may love her, mister Evan.”

My heart nearly exploded. “I’m happy for you. If you two end up getting married, you better not ask anyone else to make your cake or I’ll kick your butt.”

Miles smiled again. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Once the breakfast rush ended, the traffic in the café slowed, leaving only a handful of customers in the reading parlor and a few in the main dining room, savoring their hot drinks and watching the snow fall.

“Bloody ridiculous,” a man gruffly said to another. The two sat at the table closest to the large stone hearth. “Haran threatened the youngest prince’s life, yet our king refuses to take action. Prince Cedric should seize the throne from him. He’d do what needs to be done.”

I knelt by the fire and stoked the logs, trying not to be obvious that I was eavesdropping.

“King Eidolon must be weighing his options,” the other man responded. He had a scraggly beard. “Would be foolish to throw the kingdoms back into a war without first taking measures to ensure we have the advantage.”

“True.” Gruff-Dude nodded. “I heard an alliance is bein’ formed.”

“With Voltas,” Beard said. “They have a powerful naval fleet and control all sea trade. And they’ve been a neutral party up until now, never choosing a side in previous wars.”

Prince Sawyer’s marriage to Lady Alina was the key to that alliance.

After adding another log to the fire, I returned to the kitchen, finding Lake sorting blueberry cake donuts. Miles worked quietly beside him, plating a batch of cranberry and cheese Danishes. Both were shy and didn’t say much, but they’d become comfortable around each other over the months.

Voices neared the kitchen, and Lake darted into the hall out of sight. Customers never wandered back there without permission, but after Draven’s visit, he and I were both a bit paranoid.

But it was a false alarm.

A cinnamon roll stepped through the doorway, followed by Duke. Snow flurries clung to their hair, and their cheeks were pink from the cold.

“Cal! Duke.” I wiped my hands on my apron and rushed over to them. “Why are you here? Is everything okay?”

“All is well, milord,” Callum said in a showy fashion, playing our little game.

Seeing him caused a vibration along my heartstrings. And when his vanilla bean scent tickled my nose, flutters swarmed my belly.

“Only knight business.” Duke flicked his hand. “Merely a… very minor, I assure you… incident. Nothing to worry your adorable head over.”

“You’re a bad liar.” I put my hands on my hips. “Like epically bad. Tell me what happened before I whack you with a spatula.”

“I’d listen to him if I were you,” a raspy voice came from the archway. Rowan entered the kitchen, his dark auburn hair disheveled and marks on his cheek from where he’d slept hard. “Not because I care if you get whacked or not. It’s because this little treasure would end up smacking himself instead.”

“Morning, sleepy head,” I greeted him. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear you insult my amazing whacking skills. I get that enough from Maddox.”

“Speaking of the captain…” Duke scratched at the back of his neck. “He’s the reason we’ve come.”

“Why? Don’t tell me he sent you to fetch him muffins. I don’t mind sending some with you, but he needs something more substantial for lunch.”

“Not for muffins.” Duke exchanged a look with Callum. “There was a small incident in the market.”

My smile fell. “What happened?”

“Two men were arguing, and that argument escalated to a brawl in the street,” Callum answered. “Others then joined the fight. The guards on patrol couldn’t contain it themselves, so the knights assisted.”

Lake reappeared and hovered near the door beside the hallway. “What caused the argument?”

“The people are divided,” Duke said. “Some believe King Eidolon to be weak for not retaliating against Haran for the attempt on Prince Sawyer’s life. Others wish to settle the conflict without going to war and are calling the other side traitors for speaking ill of the king.”

I recalled the conversation I’d overheard from the two men in the dining room. Seemed more people shared those views.

“So that’s why Maddox sent you,” I said. “He’s afraid the café will be targeted?”

“Aye,” Callum said, the skin tight around his eyes. “Where there’s a spark, there’s a flame. This incident is only the beginning. The people will only become more restless as time passes without a clear course of action.”

“But have no fear.” Duke clapped me on the shoulder. “We’ll keep our thorn prince safe.”

“How reassuring.” Rowan went over to pour himself a mug of coffee. “A band of fools to protect him. Why didn’t the grumpy asshole come himself?”

“Because he was needed at the castle.” Callum’s eyes narrowed. “And I suggest you mind that tongue of yours, thief, and refrain from insulting my captain.”

“You can kiss my ass. How about that?” Rowan returned the glare.

“Be nice,” I said.

He shot me a smirk before sitting with his coffee and looking outside.

Two days had passed since Draven’s visit. Rowan tried to pretend he wasn’t anxious, but I’d noticed him staring out the window a lot and reacting to even the smallest creaks in the cottage. I could see how much he wanted it.

Lunchtime brought another surge of customers, and orders flew in for soup and sandwiches. Miles and I worked seamlessly together, fulfilling those orders, while Lake made a selection of tea—apple cinnamon was the current hot seller.

Once the café closed, Miles helped me clean up the kitchen before Duke offered to escort him home. He lived in the lower district and passed through the market on his way home. It made me feel better to have Duke with him given the current tension among the townsfolk.

Snow continued to lightly fall, catching in the tree branches. Lake and Rowan sat at the table, while Callum leaned against the counter, sneaking his fourth muffin of the day. The silly glutton. Just like his captain.

A gust of wind pushed against the cottage.

“I’m going to check on Star.” I grabbed my cloak from the stand near the back door.

Briar normally rode with Maddox to the castle, but he’d been given a mare for the times he needed to leave unexpectedly or when he had business elsewhere in town. The horse mainly stayed in the stable and grazed in the field. Having the nice, relaxing life she deserved. Her name had come from a white spot on her muzzle in the shape of a star.

“You shouldn’t go alone.” Callum bowed his head and offered me his hand. “Allow me to escort you to the stables, milord.”

Once again, my body reacted to his closeness: pulse accelerating, butterflies in my belly, and throat suddenly dry. With a slight tremble, I placed my palm in his. “How gallant of you, dear knight.”

“I’m nothing if not chivalrous.” He lifted his head and beamed at me, brown eyes crinkling at the edges.

“Chivalrous?” Rowan leaned back in his chair and kicked his foot up on the table. “That’s not the ‘c’ word I’d use.”

“Oh?” Callum’s sunny disposition dropped a few degrees.

“Chaste,” Rowan said. “Like a virtuous little maiden who hasn’t yet been plucked and ridden hard. What’s the matter, Lieutenant? Don’t know where to put it?”

Lake knocked Rowan’s foot off the table. “Uncouth is a word for you .”

Callum gritted his teeth. “Mind your tongue, thief.”

“Wow.” Rowan blinked. “You’re like a second Maddox. Only… smaller and not nearly as aggressive. More like a rabbit instead of a lion.”

“If I’m a rabbit, you’re a snake.” Callum’s icy tone matched his expression. “You slither in, filled with venom and desperate to sink your fangs into something.”

“Careful or I may sink my fangs into you .” Rowan tilted his head. “On second thought, I’d rather spare myself such unpleasantries. I get the feeling you’d be too sweet. Sir Cinnamon Roll.”

The knight scowled. “Shouldn’t you be off picking someone’s pocket?”

“Shouldn’t you be hopping around like a good little rabbit?” Rowan countered. “Maybe kissing the ground your captain walks on? You should polish his boots while you’re down there.”

“That’s enough,” I told them. “I’m gonna force both of you to sit together and drink truce tea.” I pointed at Rowan. “Amenity muffins too. I’ll pack them full of chocolate just for you.”

He rolled his eyes.

“We should keep bickering,” Callum said, some of that coldness lifting from him. “Those muffins sound incredible.”

“Gods.” Rowan sneered. “You really are like another Maddox.”

“I learn from the best.” Callum flashed his best cinnamon roll grin.

A grin that did not make my stomach flutter. Not even a little bit. Nope.

Callum grabbed my hand and led me out the back door and onto the porch. He helped me down the stairs, keeping me steady when my boot slid on the bottom step.

“Thanks, Cal,” I said once in the grass. “Ice and I don’t get along.”

“Ice is no match for me. I’m warm and ooey, gooey, remember?”

Little zaps traveled through my chest. “Forever my cinnamon roll.”

His fingers gently squeezed mine. “One who will forever catch you when you fall.”

My blood raced faster.

Flurries drifted around us and dusted the grass. Not much accumulation yet, but it didn’t look to be stopping anytime soon. Much like my chaotic heartbeats.

“Everything’s so quiet,” I said, pressing closer to his side. “I heard it’s because snow absorbs sound. Don’t know if that’s true. My expertise is in the kitchen.”

He smiled. “And mine is on the battlefield.”

“The greatest swordsman in the Second Order.” I bumped against him. “But you fall a smidge short when it comes to eating muffins. One person has you beat.”

“Aye. The captain will always be the victor when muffins are involved.”

Why did he sound kind of sad when he said that? Maybe he was just tired. Between defending the kingdom against demons and breaking up fights in the market, he and the knights were stretched thin.

“Cal? Do you think King Eidolon will declare war on Haran?”

“It’s possible.” He glided his thumb across mine. A small touch that left a tingling warmth in its wake. “However, the king won’t make any rash decisions. At least, that’s what I believe.”

“And if he declares war?” I asked. “You, Maddox, Duke… all of you will…”

“March for battle.” He nodded.

I felt sick at the thought.

“Don’t be afraid, Ev.” He squeezed my hand. “We knights love you and will do everything in our power to keep you safe. You’re our family.”

“You’re mine too.” I traced the scar on his thumb. “I’m not worried about myself though. I just want all of you to be safe.”

“We will be.” Callum offered me a small smile. That close, I noted the different shades of brown in his irises. Chocolate with swirls of deep caramel. And the prettiest damn lashes it was almost criminal.

My heart knocked hard in my chest.

We continued toward the stable at an unhurried pace. It wasn’t far, but our slow steps gave me a moment to admire the falling snow. And to be all too aware of Callum’s hand in mine. Heat came off his skin and chased away the chill, like maybe he was made of sunshine after all.

“About what the thief said…” Callum kept his gaze forward. “Regarding my… experience.”

“It’s okay. You don’t have to explain.”

“I know where to put it.”

“I’m sure you do.” I tried hard not to smile. He was clearly embarrassed, but I found it cute. Really cute. “You haven’t though? Um, put it somewhere?”

“No, I haven’t. My days are spent training. Strengthening my body and sharpening my mind. Defending this kingdom. I haven’t the time for anything else.”

“Maddox said the same thing once.”

Callum cracked a smile. “Then you came along, irresistible in every way, and his fate was sealed.”

“The muffin of doom.”

He barked out a laugh.

So Callum really was a virgin. Had anyone ever piqued his interest? Not that it was any of my business. But he was an amazing person, inside and out. He deserved to be loved and showered in affection. Affection and orgasms.

A chilly breeze swept through the trees, and I pressed my nose into his cloak. “The snow is pretty, but I’m ready for spring. Winter’s too cold.”

“Because you’re so small. No meat on your bones.”

“I have enough on my ass.”

He laughed again. I was beginning to realize how much I loved the sound.

As we walked through the snow-dusted grass, the stable came into view. Not much farther. Time, however, seemed to slow, as though each second lasted a beat longer than it should.

Callum peered up at the sky. “And then the world fell silent, like tears rolling down trembling chins, as the cold of winter settled in.”

I paused in step. “Whoa. That was good.”

“I can’t take the credit.” His eyes softened as he looked down at me. “It’s from a poem.”

“You like poetry?”

He nodded. “Very much so. I find it fascinating, how impactful words can be.”

“How did I not know this?” I smiled. Probably looked like a goofball too. “My cinnamon roll has the soul of a poet.”

The winter air brought out the rosiness of his cheeks. “I wouldn’t say that. I may read poetry, but I’m dreadful at writing my own. The one time I tried, Quincy snatched it from me and jumped up onto a table in the mess hall to recite it in front of the other knights.”

“That’s horrible. Quincy needs a spanking.”

“The captain ordered him to muck out the stables for three days afterward,” Callum said, smile growing. “It was a silly little poem about the pride I felt fighting alongside my brothers. Yet, the captain told me he liked it. Thinking he shared my interest, I let him borrow several of my poetry books.”

A memory stirred. It felt like a lifetime ago, but when I first stayed the night with Maddox in the barracks, I’d noted several poetry books on his shelf.

“Those were yours? I remember seeing them in his quarters.”

He breathed out a laugh. “They’re probably still on his shelf collecting dust. Turns out, he’s not much of a reader.”

“Sounds about right. But he likes when I read to him.”

“Like a child?”

“Oh god.” I tried to hold back a smile and failed. “He’s not allowed to know about this conversation. You’d probably be shoveling horse poop for a month, and I’d be tied up and tickled until I pissed myself.”

“The captain does enjoy making you squirm, doesn’t he? In all fairness, your giggles are endearing.”

“I don’t giggle. My laugh is deep and manly.”

Callum arched a brow. “And you said Duke was a bad liar.”

A small giggle left my lips, and I slapped my hand over my mouth. “You heard nothing.”

“Aye.” His hand lightly rubbed my spine. Like the time in the mess hall, the touches seemed impulsive. “Nothing indeed.”

Reaching the stable, I approached the brown mare and smiled when she came right over to see me. “Hey, pretty lady.” I patted her neck. “It’s cold today, huh? Let’s make sure you stay nice and warm. Fed and brushed too. All the pampering.”

Callum rested against the stall door and watched me. “You really love horses, don’t you?”

“Yeah.” I brushed her coat like Maddox showed me. “Before coming to Bremloc, I wasn’t around them much though. Just saw them from a distance and occasionally got to pet one.”

“I remember your struggle riding one the morning the captain and I found you. You couldn’t step up into the stirrup without falling. It took a lot of control for me not to laugh.”

“Well, you found me sleeping beside the dark wood and kind of thought I was a demon boy at the time. Or one of Onyx’s minions. Laughing wouldn’t have been very knightly.”

“A warrior must never let his guard down around his enemy,” he said. “No matter how adorable they may be.”

“Adorable but deadly. Don’t you forget it.”

“I forget nothing. Every moment with you is seared into my memory.” Another smile. “Including the time in the hot spring when you tiptoed around naked covering your privates.”

I snorted. “Can you blame me? You have an amazingly toned body with a big…” Heat swarmed my cheeks. “Um. Heart.”

Callum arched a brow. “A big heart?”

“Yep. There’s absolutely no other part of you I could’ve meant instead.”

“If you say so.” When he averted his gaze, he did so with a knowing curve to his lips.

After Star was brushed, fed, and watered, I stepped from the stall and looked toward the stable door. The whimsical snowflakes continued to fall, and a gust of wind made the rafters creak. A bone rattling chill that was just rude.

“Come here.” Callum pulled me into his arms. “You’re shivering.”

“I-I’m okay.” The feel of his body against mine accelerated my pulse. “Mighty thorn prince, remember? A little snow can’t defeat me.”

“He says with a nose as cold as ice.” Callum lightly booped it. His hand then slid to my cheek, lingering. “I suppose muffins aren’t built for winter.”

Normally, I’d spout off something witty and cute. It was what I was known for. But I was too focused on his sweet scent. The hints of freshly baked bread and vanilla bean.

An idea brewed for why I was so attuned to him. I’d been through it four other times; the unique scent and rush of heat when we touched. But it confused me.

If Callum was one of my fated men, why had it taken so long for me to notice? With the others, the connection had been instant.

“Ev?” His mouth was so close to mine that I felt the tickle of his breath. “We… we should head back.”

“Or we could wait until the snow stops.” I was warm enough right where we were. In fact, my body was on fire.

“The captain told me to watch over you. Letting you freeze in this stable is unacceptable.” Callum lifted my fingers to his lips and blew, then rubbed them. The gesture brought a lump to my throat. “Besides, coffee awaits us in the cottage. And muffins.”

I laughed, but it came out rough.

He flashed me that knee-weakening dimple and led me out into the winter storm. But with his hand in mine, it wasn’t nearly as cold.

***

Hours later, I curled up on the couch in the front parlor with a mug of coffee and a smutty romance novel. Logs crackled in the hearth, and a low howl of wind caused the branches outside to creak.

Rowan lounged in the armchair near the fire, legs kicked up on the footrest and eyes closed. He liked the warmth on his skin. And I liked admiring him as he enjoyed said warmth.

After finishing a steamy chapter where a cabin boy fucked the main character aboard a pirate ship, I closed the book and looked out the window. The sun had long since set, and darkness had descended on the kingdom.

Maddox had sent word via squire that he and Briar would be home late. No explanation for why, the jerk. The note had prettier handwriting toward the bottom, telling me to eat dinner without them. Then a P.S. reminding me that cookies were not dinner.

Sneaky physician. He knew me too well.

“That was a big sigh.” Rowan stood from the chair and walked over. The flickering fire passed over his face, bringing out the deep yellow tones of his eyes.

“Just thinking.” I shifted over to make room for him on the couch.

“That’s dangerous.” He sat on the cushion beside mine, keeping a slight distance between us.

“Be nice.”

He smirked. “Being mean is much more fun. Besides, you like it.”

“Maybe a little.” I closed that distance, snuggling up to him. He’d made a lot of progress in terms of showing and giving affection, but he still struggled. He was trying, though, and that’s what mattered. “You tease people you care about. Me. Lake. Even Maddox.”

“You must have me mistaken for another non-bandit.” He flashed his fang-like tooth. “Wanna know what I do like?”

“I’m afraid to ask.”

Rowan smoothed his hand up and down my side. “The noise you make when I do this.”

He gave my side a quick tickle

I jolted with a squeak. Big mistake. Humor flooded his eyes before he tickled me again. I screeched and tried to flee, but he kept a hold on me, his raspy laughs joining the chorus of my pleas for mercy.

“Um,” came a different voice. Rowan stopped his assault, and the two of us looked toward the archway. Lake stood beneath it, fiddling with his hands. “May I join you?”

“No,” Rowan said, then released an oof when I introduced his ribs to the power of my bony elbow. “You’re a mean little muffin prince.”

“Muffin lord ,” I corrected. “And I hail from the kingdom of Shut Your Face. It borders the city of Be Nice to My Lake.”

“If I must.” Rowan rolled his eyes. “Get over here, pup.”

Lake came over and sat on the floor in front of me, resting his back against the couch. Knowing what he wanted, I brushed my fingers over his fluffy ears. Once upon a time, he’d shied away from my touches. But now? He hummed happily and angled his head further back, seeking more of them.

“I wonder why they’re not home yet,” I said, looking out the window again.

“Don’t worry your pretty head over it.” Rowan tucked the blanket more around my lap. “Your big grump and the Third Order captain arranged more patrols of the kingdom following the brawl earlier. Just to help keep the peace among the people.”

“Wait.” I frowned. “How do you know what Maddox and Captain Braun discussed?”

He flicked his hand. “I have my ways.”

“You spied, didn’t you?”

My favorite tooth made its appearance again. “Had to entertain myself somehow since you left me here all alone to spend time with the rabbit.”

“Oh, stop. You weren’t alone. Lake was here.”

“The pup abuses me when you’re gone.”

Lake huffed and whacked him with his tail.

“See?”

I laughed. And tried very hard not to tear up. Because the bantering was more proof that they’d grown closer.

The sound of hooves came from outside.

Lake’s ears perked up, and he darted toward the front door, pulling it open. I would never, in any way, shape, or form, tell him how it reminded me of a cute puppy rushing off to greet one of his favorite humans.

“Good evening,” Briar said, stepping through moments later. Cold air swept in behind him, ruffling his red scarf. He patted Lake’s head. “I hope you ate supper without us.”

“Yep. Just as you instructed.” I tried to get off the couch, but Rowan kept hold of me. When I tossed him a look, he smirked. “Have to be honest. I ate some cookies too. Before dinner and after.”

Briar softly laughed. “I’d expect nothing less.”

“Why did you work late?”

“Nothing to concern yourself with, love,” Briar answered. He’d taken lessons from Maddox on how to dodge my questions.

Heavy steps came from the porch before Maddox appeared in the doorway. When I wiggled again, Rowan finally released me, and I bounded over to the door. My captain caught me around the waist and pressed his face into my hair.

“Hey, you,” I said.

“Evening, sweetheart.”

Damn him and that endearment. It still gave me butterflies.

“Cal and Duke told me about the fight in the market. And Ro said you worked late to organize more patrols.”

Maddox cut his eyes at Rowan. “You were sneaking around the castle again?”

“What will you do about it, oh mighty captain?” Rowan examined his nails, seemingly bored.

“Briar wouldn’t tell me why he worked late though,” I said, too impatient for their bantering. “Is everything okay?”

“He wouldn’t tell you? How horrible of him.” Maddox glanced at Briar with a curve to his lips, then aimed that half-smile at me. “Allow me to satiate your curiosity, love .”

Briar scoffed and adjusted his glasses.

Maddox, still smiling, slid a hand to the middle of my back, keeping the other at my waist, and dipped me. Our lips met, and electric heat swarmed my veins. Nearly a year together, and he still made me feel like a school girl with a crush.

“You wish to know why we returned home at this hour?” he asked against my lips. The soft vibration tickled. “I regret to inform you it’s not nearly as exciting as that beautiful mind of yours believes. As the thief told you, the other knight captains and I strategized new patrol schedules and organized units to cover them. As for the physician, he stayed to craft more protection stones for us knights. Merely as a precaution.”

“That’s all? Really?”

Maddox glided the tip of his nose along mine. “Would I lie to you?”

“No.” And he wouldn’t. Delay telling me something in an attempt to keep me from worrying, sure, but he had never lied to me.

Briar sighed. “Now that you’ve made me out to be the villain, I demand you hand over that muffin or face the consequences.”

“Consequences?” Maddox asked, amused.

“Must I remind you of my expert knowledge of plants, Captain? There’s one famous for relieving chronic constipation. How easy it’d be for one, or ten, of them to land in your morning mug of coffee. I dare say you wouldn’t leave the privy for at least three days.”

I laughed so hard I choked.

“See what you’ve done, physician?” Maddox motioned to me. “You tried to kill him.”

I laughed harder, unable to stop the tears from rolling down my cheeks.

“And now you’ve made him cry,” Rowan added. “Nice going, Specs.”

“Well, I never.” Briar put his hands on his hips. “Being bullied in my own home.”

Still giggling, I wrapped my arms around his lean torso. “They’re such meanies, huh? Picking on my sweet Briar.”

His nose crinkled in that way I loved, and he caressed my jaw. “Forgive me for being vague earlier, love. Knowing I stayed late to craft more protection stones would only worry you.”

“It makes me feel better actually.” I snuggled closer, loving how cuddly he was in his sweater and scarf. Lake had knitted them for him. “They’ve saved many lives. The knights from the Third Order who were attacked may not be here if not for you.”

A soft gleam shone behind his glasses before he brought me in for a kiss. “Your stone brings me the most pride. Now more than ever. Learning of your father and the danger you face… then the encounter with the Fenrir. I’m terrified of losing you, Evan. Of losing this beautiful life we’ve built together.”

Lupin’s warning returned to me—one of the possible futures for my men should something bad happen to me.

Lake became a blood crazed wolf. Rowan surrendered to his darker nature and hurt people, using his shadow magic to crush them to bits. Maddox lost his mind with rage and turned his back on the knights. And Briar, my sweet Briar, hadn’t been able to live with his grief and did the unthinkable.

“That won’t happen,” I said, both in response to Briar and also to that horrible prophecy. “I won’t let it.”

“ We won’t let it.” Maddox put his arms around me. “Whatever challenges arise, you won’t face them alone. You have all of us by your side.”

I could only hope he was right.