WolfeBlade: de Wolfe Pack Generations by Kathryn Veque (top 20 books to read .TXT) 📗

a stylish leather robe, lined with fur around the cuffs, something that looked quite elegant and manly on him. It draped all the way to the ground.

Because of his position, everything Edward owned was of fine quality, so the clothing was much better than anything Andreas owned. Washed, combed, and shaved, he appeared quite presentable. Edward even loaned him a belt with brass links that draped over the black leather broadsword sheath that Andreas had strapped to his waist. As he secured the sheath to his left thigh, as he was left-handed and fought left-handed, Edward brushed off the shoulders of the fine robe that was so soft and light that it had a velvety feel to it. The entire back panel was made from the finest silk damask, gold and red in color. He stood back, running a practiced eye over Andreas.

“Excellent,” he said. “You look quite presentable, Dray. All the women should be going mad for you dressed like that. I usually see you only in mail and armor, so this is a definite change.”

As a seasoned knight, it was unheard of to go out in public without protection, and Andreas was already feeling strange about it. “I feel naked.”

“You look very handsome,” Edward said, enjoying his discomfort. “Now, do you have enough money to tend to the lady’s every whim?”

Andreas grinned. “Yes, Papa, I have enough money,” he said sarcastically, teasing Edward, who laughed softly. “In all seriousness, I do appreciate it. And I had better go or she will think I have forgotten her.”

He headed out with Edward following him. “Be careful over in Southwark,” he said. “There are thieves and pickpockets over there, so watch yourself.”

Andreas moved through the narrow corridor and out into the reception hall. “I will,” he said steadily. “You needn’t worry about me. Your focus should be on Tay. He may try to return to Gomorrah and you must not let him. I wish to return him home in one piece.”

They were at the entry door that led out into the yard. As Andreas opened the panel, Edward came to a halt. “I shall tell Cassie where Theodis wishes to go,” he called after Andreas. “She’ll make sure he does not go there, I promise you.”

Andreas lifted a hand, waving it at him with a grin. Like all de Wolfe wives, Cassiopeia de Wolfe was strong beyond measure. She wasn’t beyond tying Theodis to a chair if she didn’t want him to leave.

But he didn’t want to think about Theodis anymore.

He wanted to think on the golden-haired angel in his future.

Since The Asher wasn’t very far from Lothbury, Andreas decided not to take his horse. The animal was big and snappish at times, and he didn’t want to have to worry about it as they traveled over the bridge spanning the River Thames and in the close quarters of Southwark. He only wanted to worry about his companionship, so he departed Lothbury through the fortified gatehouse and spilled out into the London street beyond. The Asher was about a half-mile east of him, so he headed off in that direction, anticipating the day more than he had anticipated anything in a very long time.

Gavriella.

The smile on his face seemed to be permanent.

CHAPTER NINE

Falstone Castle

“I understand that you are asking about my daughter, Harman. What do you want with her?”

Harman the Wise stood in the bailey of Falstone Castle, a compact but heavily fortified castle with an enormous yew tree growing up in the center of the bailey. Everything about Falstone was circular – the wall, the keep – with the outbuildings nestled inside. Situated just over the Scotland side of the border with England, it gave the impression of a place hunkered down on itself, expecting trouble at any moment.

As the wind kicked up the dust of the bailey around him, Harman was at the base of the stairs that led up into the keep, with Merek standing at the top. Harman had arrived at Falstone several minutes earlier, asking to see the Lord of Falstone and sending a servant for the man with one simple phrase – I am inquiring on the health of the lord’s daughter.

Now, he had his attention.

Merek de Leia was a big man with big blue eyes and as bald as a newborn babe. He wasn’t very sociable, or even very likable, but he was a fair man in all things and he had a well-trained and well-supplied army, which was essential this close to the Scots border. He was known to be a good but cautious battle commander.

But Harman hadn’t come about armies or Scots.

He had come to speak with Merek about his daughter.

“My lord,” he said, mounting the steps. “I have come on a most urgent matter. I must speak with you.”

Merek eyed him. “About what? My daughter? You have already seen her, Harman. She does not require any more of your attention. She is… well.”

“I did not come to inquire about her health.”

“Then why were you asking for her?”

“What I have to say about her could be a matter of life and death. Will you speak with me now?”

Merek was reluctant. That was clear. “What could you possibly know about life or death for my daughter?”

“If you will speak with me, then you will know.”

Merek’s gaze drifted over him for a moment before finally grunting, which Harman took to be an affirmative, and headed inside.

Harman followed.

The interior of the rounded keep was dark and dusty, smelling like dogs. In fact, there were dogs everywhere, wandering in and out of doorways as Harman followed Merek into a chamber directly off the entry.

There were dogs in there, too.

It was Merek’s large and cluttered solar. Merek had to push some of the bigger dogs out of the way, who milled around him, looking for scraps, before wandering over to Harman in search of handouts. Harman ignored the dogs, even when they jumped up on him. He simply pushed them down.

“Now,” Merek said as