Page 28 of Bound By Blood
"I suppose that it's true what they say about iron being a fae's weakness."
His mouth screwed up, then he shook his head. "Any heavy blunt object to the head would have a similar effect. It bypasses all the defense mechanisms. You'll need to modify your expectations in future conflicts."
"Should I expect to have more conflicts with blood fae?"
"Not if I have anything to do with it." He smiled, then stooped down to pet Buttons once more. "I hope it's a good day for you."
"I hope it is for you as well." She hugged herself as she walked to the door. "And you're welcome to come back in tomorrow night when you return. The door will be unlocked."
His smile broadened, his eyes brightening. He stood a little taller. "I'll see you soon, Erryn."
DISCOVERED
The way that fae could make her heart clench and her insides somersault and twist wasn't something she wanted to contemplate. It was just a crush. Nothing more.
And if those feelings tried to become something more, she would have to ignore them or grind them out of existence.
Even so, Erryn found it hard to sleep.
Buttons curled up next to her, his head on her shoulder and his body tucked in her arm. He licked her cheek.
"I suppose you like him now," she said softly.
He wagged his tail.
Fae were charming. And dogs were supposed to be excellent judges of character. Did fae charm extend to them? Could they be fooled?
She closed her eyes, but that soft way Ryul had smiled at her and that look of surprise and then delight when she had invited him in sent her pulse racing once more. Draping her elbow over her face, she released a long slow breath.
Morning came swiftly. Even with only a couple hours sleep, she found herself surprisingly full of energy. Maybe it was because she hadn't had to do cleanup on her own. Even the floor was already swept and the rugs straightened. He was surprisingly good at household chores.
Maybe that was the real reason she was feeling all gooey and soft. When she'd traveled on the road, the men she'd traveled with had simply expected her to handle most of the housekeeping tasks unless she'd asked for help. Ryul had volunteered to do it.
Glittering droplets of dew clung to the grass when she took Buttons out to play. After last night's storm, it had turned far cooler than in previous days. Autumn's chill had started to set in. The air smelled of wet earth, fallen leaves, and a hint of smoke from the hearths of the town homes some distance away.
Buttons bounded through the short grass, chasing butterflies, snapping at craneflies, and barking at tufts of tall grass. When a rabbit scurried out, he yip-shrieked, raced behind her, and barked even harder.
Laughing, she stooped down to pet him. "Are you afraid of the bunny, darling?"
"It certainly doesn't look like he should be."
Her muscles clenched, her heart leaping with fear.
Traelan.
What was he doing here so early?
Stuffing down the fear, she turned toward his voice. The red-cloaked man stood only a few feet away as if he had come from the Barrens Wild. But how? She hadn't heard even a footstep. Maybe she'd been too absorbed in watching Buttons.
"What are you doing out so early?" she asked with forced cheer. "Are you hunting for more artifacts and runes?"
He rested his hands on his belt as he strode closer. "That's a very interesting dog you have there. I don't remember you mentioning you had one."
"He stays in the bedroom while I have customers. Too many new people overexcite him." She picked Buttons up and stood, moving back toward the cottage. Despite the warmth of the sunlight on her face, she now felt cold.
"Where did you get him?"
Her chest tightened. She hated lying, even when it was necessary. She had to sell this one better than any other she had ever told.
