Chapter 10

Jason's military training is unceasing, and yet he always gives me a little time every day.

At first it is familiarisation, simply.

He takes me about the camp, letting me see the herbs of the borderland, how to be sure of them when seen, and how to use them for wounds and sickness.

I make a point to take in all this, and concentrate on it, but now and again I feel him looking at me deeply and keenly.

As our eyes meet he looks away, immediately.

He has no great need for words, but in some ways he thinks of things that I do not expect. I had said that I liked gardenias, for instance, on one occasion, and the next morning I am greeted by some of the stronger varieties of borderland roses in evidence in the court.

At night, when the wind is howling, and I am ill at ease in the dark, he lights the lantern for me at night in front of my room, and the soft light glows through the window, taking me softly into sleep.

Gradually, I lower my defenses and begin to speak.

One night, warming my hands around a cup of tea, I tell him, "In Belmor Town, spring means flower festivals. She-wolves put on bright dresses, the wolves recite poems, and the whole place turns into a lively celebration."

Jason is sitting across from me, polishing his sword.

He looks up.

"No flower festivals here; but we have the Bon-fire Feast."

"Bon-fire Feast?" I ask, interested.

"Yes," in a low rough voice.

"It's a good time." I smile.

"My, can I see it this time?" His fingers stop, and he notices the smile, which lingers on my face.

"Oh, yes." The next day I have a desire to go down on the market. I go with my maid, Talia, and wander around the stalls to pick up some cloth and other things.

"Look here, Leah," Talia says, holding up a piece of indigo cotton, "This will make a lovely tunic for the General."

I touch the cloth which is coarser than the silks of Belmor Town, but strong and usable stuff. I think of Jason's clothes and say, "Wrap it up."

As I pay she has a commotion behind me. "Leah!"

That voice beats in on me like thunder.

I feel a little paralyzed and turn myself and there is Shawn in the street clad in white robes, moon white, and his eyes are on fire with a storm of emotions.

He comes up to me.

"It is long enough. You are still not going back to me?"

The crowd collects up and sees the handsome wolf and she-wolf.

I back a little. "I told you, Shawn, I am not going back."

He grabs my arm. "I know you are mad, but you come home and you will still be the lady of Yates Den. Quinn can be the lesser mate."

"Let go!" I struggle, but his grip's too strong.

The spectators murmur amongst themselves, but no one intervenes.

"Shawn, have some respect," I say unsteadily.

"I'm bound to another."

"You were meant to be mine!" he snaps.

"Jason's just a roughneck soldier. He does not deserve you."

An old vendor of sheep-meat steps forward.

"Jason protects our pack! Who are you to speak ill of him?"

Shawn's glance is hard enough to frighten the old wolf into a crouch, but it continues to plant its paws on the ground.

I fill my lungs and raise my voice above the general murmur.

"Shawn, you are taking a tied-up she-wolf through the streets. Would you like this rumor on every tongue?"

The crowd immediately explodes like oil upon a flame.

"Is this the way that the fancy wolves in Belmor Town act?"

"Thinks he can do as he pleases, because of being some kind of hotshot."

"Shameless!"

Shawn becomes dark of countenance, but his grasp tightens.

"I don't care! You are going with me!"

"Let me go!" I shriek.

"Help!"

"Yell anything you want to," he sneers.

"What in this backwoods will dare to touch me?"

"I will." A voice rings in the air.

The crowd opens, and Jason strides forth, clad in black battle-gear, sword jingling at his side. Shawn's look narrows and his hand relaxes.

I pull free, and step to Jason's side, rubbing my bruised wrist.

"Jason," says Shawn, straightening himself so as to maintain his noble air.

"I have come for my she-wolf."

Jason does not answer immediately.

He turns to me, with a low voice.

"You are hurt?"

The simple question makes my nose feel delicates.

I shake my head.

"I am all right."

He turns to Shawn, his eyes are cold.

"What do you mean to do, to harass my mate in the streets?"

"Bah!" Shawn scoffs.

"You are the one that stole her from me."

"You are too late!" Jason interrupts.

"She is my lawfully-bonded mate, decreed by the Luna. What are you doing, intending to steal?"

Shawn's face flushes crimson then drains to white. Jason moves in front of me, blocking him completely.

"If you've got no business here, get out of the borderland. Otherwise I'll haul you back to Belmor Town for harassing a soldier's mate."

Tension buzzes in the air.

Shawn's lackeys rush forward.

"Boss, let's not mess with the local alpha. We gotta go."

Shawn shakes them off and continues to stare at me.

"One day, I'll bring you back to Yates myself."