Warlord's Ward

Indoors

"I'm a very good Healer."

"Yes, you are." Killian remarked. "I envy the Asara for your presence."

"They've been very good to me." But she was already looking off into the distance.

Looking for Fury. I realized. Wondering if her suffering under the Mating Moon had been as great as the rest of ours.

"Come, Jade." He lifted me into his arms. "I want to get you back indoors until you feel a bit better."

"What are you going to do?"

"First I'm going to send my sister and those vicious mates of hers, after the NightHunters trail."

"You want her to get out of this camp before Detry gets here." I called him on the truth of his intentions.

He gave me a chiding look. "You know me a bit too well."

"I know how protective you are."

"I wish I could send you ahead."

"I wouldn't go."

He snorted. "I know."

"Which is why you wanted to lock me indoors." I gave him a pensive study. "Were you going to barricade me in."

He shot me a sideways glance. "Stop."

"You absolutely were!" I accused. A bit outraged.

"I wouldn't have to if you'd just obey."

It was my turn to snort.

"As I thought."

"Would you promise me then, to stay indoors?"

"But what if something were to happen to you?"

"Then you run."

"I can't do that if I'm barricaded in."

He paused to look down at me.

I gave him a snooty look. Crossing my arms over my chest.

"Fine." He relented.

I gave a cheerful little head shake.

"You're so pleased when you get your way." But the hint of humor entered his voice.

"Well, how often have I gotten it!"

"Fair point."

He got me inside and tucked me into a corner with a few furs he was able to gather from the other shacks. Giving me a worried look.

"I'm fine." I promised. "Go be king."

He sighed. Forcing himself to turn and stiltedly walking to the door.

"Warlord?"

He turned at the door with a frown at what I'd called him. "I love you. Whether Warlord or King of Alphas."

"I guess either one makes me Warlord, doesn't it?" He looked at me with a smile teasing about his mouth.

I nodded.

"I love you, My pretty mate."

I melted so much I thought I might turn into a puddle on the floor. Hearing him say something so tender was so far from how I'd first seen him.

My chest swelled with pride as the door closed. I absorbed as much of his strength as I could.

Trying not to worry.

The hut shook slightly and then was shrouded in a darkness so black that it nearly seemed like night had fell.

And I knew what'd just happened.