40

G E O R G I E

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"Beware of Miss Malvera's greedy hand," called out the old lady, peering out the shop door one shop down. She leaned on a wooden stick. "She sucks the coins from you like a ravenous anteater."

"Oh! I had no intention of going in either.” My hand, already on the latch, belied my words.

"Everyone says that and they end up walking out the door with long faces and empty pockets." She clicked her tongue in disapproval. 'You'd better come to my shop, kid. I promise you it's the finest jewelry you'll find in all Minkaujin."

The shop windows were crammed with golden statues and jewellery. Large and small elephants, hissing cobras, dragons with outstretched wings, bracelets with bells, chains with large, colorful amulets hanging from them.

With one last look at the mysterious shop with the dark curtains, I followed the old lady.

"Just take your time and look at everything," she said, and then disappeared behind the counter. Her shop was small, compact, and packed to the brim. One statue after another was piled up on the shelves. Candles were lit, there was a smell of incense sticks, smoke hung in the air. Carpets hung on the walls, embroidered with unfamiliar symbols.

My boots rolled gently on the carpet as I browsed the quaint shop. I was passing the counter when a gold statue caught my eye.

“It's called Kadin. It means little dragon,” the dark-haired girl behind the counter said softly as I looked at the object in my hand. The colored stones that adorned his wings sparkled in the sunlight that filtered into the room through the shop windows.

"It's beautiful," I said, amazed.

The girl smiled. 'Oh yes, and it brings great luck. It is said that the Kadin brought back into the light those who are in darkness."

"Hitomi, help me with the heavy boxes!"

With a mumbled apology, the girl disappeared into the back room.

"And have you already decided?"

I almost dropped the kite. I spun around, startled. "Oh! I didn't hear you come in."

Beau had crossed his arms across his chest and bent his leg against the wall. The dark shirt fit him like a glove, and the way it tightened around his muscles made my mouth water. Well, I could understand what Reyna found in Beau.

"Did you really think I would leave you alone in a strange city?"

I swallowed the stale aftertaste left by the bitter thoughts. "Yes, at least I'm a soldier now." I passed the exam this morning. Beau had watched me every second and then hugged me tightly when I found out the result. I'm so damn proud of you, he had whispered in my ear.

"Yes, you are." He slowly let his eyes travel over me, up and down. It was like he was caressing me. The possessiveness in his eyes should have startled me, the way his eyes nearly swallowed me and undressed me. It was obvious that he considered me his own. All the insecurities that had slumbered in me before fizzled out and I put the dragon decorated with gold and covered with colored stones back on the counter when he lured me with a finger.

A salacious grin covered his mouth as I stood in front of him. "Of course you're a soldier." He looked down at me and slipped his hand under my hair on the back of my neck. He encircled him, claws grazing my carotid artery. “My soldier. I can't get enough of it, no matter how many times I taste you."

I breathe shallowly. "Yes?"

He smiled and his eyes softened. "Yes." He tapped my nose gently, and warmth flooded my chest. He would never be so gentle with anyone else, even though he might find Reyna sexy.

"So, have you decided if you want to buy this thing?"

"I don't know yet." I shrugged, then tugged him towards the exit when I could feel the old lady's curious eyes on us. "What do you think? Yes or no?"

Beau grimaced and held the door open for me. "For what?"

"Well, I don't know." The door rang shut behind Beau as I stepped out into the crowded alley. "Maybe for our apartment."

He was in front of me in a flash. A glitter in the eyes.

"I was thinking you could move in with me," I said, heart pounding against my chest.

"To live with all the other healer werewolves so they could watch my every move like an eagle?" Beau grimaced, his fur bristling at the thought.

I clung to his hand as we walked down the street, then, trusting the pulsing bond between us, I said, "Then I'll move in with you."

Beau moved closer to me and his body touched mine. A spark jumped over me. "Hm, where else did you think you were going?"

I bit my lip. "I don't know. I think Isaac has room - Ahh!"

He grabbed my waist and pulled me in for a kiss. He smiled. "Shut the fuck up."

I laughed under his kiss as I felt his smirk on my lips. "We're in the public eye."

“You can guess how much I don't give a fuck. Also, I want all unbound wolves to know that you're the hell forgiven. After all, I certainly didn't get that damn cocoa for myself."

I crossed my arms behind his neck and snuggled up to him. When this was all over, we would move in together. I didn't allow myself to think that it could be otherwise. I wouldn't let that curse get to him, no matter what I had to do to get it.

We both looked up when we heard Xenos calling us. We hastened to follow them. Minkaujins consisted of small, branching lanes, all leading to a mountainside, at the top of which a magnificent palace was enthroned.

I tilted my head back and stared up at the wide, winding stairway that led to the royal palace. Oh, holy moon goddess.

"At least your hard training has dulled me to physical pain," I joked as we followed our packmates and Reyna and started up the mountainside.

He gave me a sidelong glance, but then stared straight ahead. “You wanted to be a soldier. You area soldier. It's a tough job. You will always live in a certain danger, expose yourself to it permanently. You had to learn to take care of yourself, to be able to defend yourself. When I'm not with you anymore."

He had only mumbled the last sentence to himself, but I had understood him. My throat tightened as I grabbed his hand and we silently climbed the mountainside.

"Welcome to my home." Reyna paused in front of the large crimson palace door, adorned with gold hinges and symbols. The wind blew through her fair hair as she motioned to one of the guards.

Beau pulled me close. "Stay close to me."

"Why do you think there's trouble?" I whispered, but before he could answer, the palace doors opened.