Page 29 of Bound By Blood
"Sometimes, I go out past the boundary markers to look for ingredients for the soup. And I found this little darling." She gestured toward Buttons.
Despite the wings folded against his back and his dark-red eyes, he looked like a relatively ordinary, albeit not very bright, dog.
Traelan tilted his head. "So you just found him in the wilds?"
She nodded, forcing a big smile. "Exactly."
"You realize this dog is magical. It was formed from magic. Blood fae magic."
"Really?" She lifted her brows, staring at him wide-eyed. "I mean, I know he isn't totally ordinary. He does have wings after all. And the cutest little tuskies. But he isn't really that odd. There are so many strange things out there."
"And you just found him?" He stepped closer, his bright-green eyes narrowing.
"He came running to me." She kissed Buttons on the top of the head once more. He started wagging his tail faster, panting. "Sweet boy. All he needed was a home."
"And when did this happen?"
"Hmmm." She frowned, hugging the little dog closer. "Maybe a week or two ago. About ten days? I can't remember exactly. The days blur together. But it's like I already told you. I can't smell blood fae magic. Most humans can't smell magic at all unless it's very intense. This dog smells like a dog to me. Maybe a bit like chestnuts? Now you say that he isn't a dog, but should I believe you or my eyes?" She shrugged dramatically.
"No. He is a dog. Now. But he was made with magic." Traelan canted his head, his thick brown curls sliding over his shoulder. The hardness in his gaze remained. "And you don't know the blood fae who created him?"
"I didn't see him being created, no. He just ran up to me, and he is happy to stay with me. Probably because I feed him and give him a place to sleep." She kissed him between the eyes.
"Easy to see why he would want to stay. For now."
Her skin crawled. Her stomach was a pit of anxious energy. "So what are you doing here so early?"
"I was just out for a stroll," he said. That smile was no longer so pleasant, his eyes harder, evaluating her.
"Did you enjoy it? Most people don't venture out this way so early. Night is still a little too close for comfort. Especially if you're coming from the Barrens Wild."
His smile smoothed. "I always enjoy walking. If you would care to join me, I can show you some of the more fascinating finds. You can bring your dog, if you like."
"Maybe. Though I can't stay out long. I've got to get the soups started. The broths are still simmering, so I don't like to be gone long. It's almost time for me to start adding the other ingredients actually."
"Well," he said, his tone amiable enough despite the sharpness in his gaze. "If you change your mind, I'm almost always about."
"Hmmm, well, if I do change my mind, I'll be certain to tell you."
She turned and strode away, keeping her pace slow and focused as if nothing was wrong. All she wanted to do was run. It felt like he was still watching her, but she didn't dare glance back.
Polph! Had he bought the story?
He was suspicious about something, but what? What could he possibly think? Had she given anything away?
It was hard for her to focus on the rest of her tasks. Something wasn't adding up. Aside from their initial encounter, Ryul had shown no signs of being dangerous or even mildly threatening. Was it possible that Traelan was searching for him for some legitimate reason? Or was he just looking for blood fae in general? They could be dangerous and problematic, especially when in large groups.
Time passed slower this day. A fact made all the worse because fewer customers came by to pick up soup. Traelan arrived again a little after midday and purchased a container of summer bounty. He made no reference to Buttons, but he did tip his hat and wish her a good afternoon.
Unlikely.
She watched him leave.
What was he up to?
Her stomach twisted.
Buttons appeared unaware of any tension or concern. He pranced and played in the late afternoon, caught a few leaves, and barked at the grass even though there were neither squirrels nor rabbits about. Once he'd tired out, she took him back in and tried to calm her thoughts.
