“It is,” he answered.
“Why?”
“That wasn’t part of our arrangement, remember?”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re so freaking stubborn. Why can’t you—”
A loud crash sounded from beside us.
Maddox’s arms wrapped around me, and he spun on the spot, placing himself between me and the commotion. Briar took position at his side.
“There is no place for your kind here!” a man shouted. “If I see you near my store again, I’ll have ya dragged away in chains like the beast you are.”
A man was on the ground, having been thrown into a wooden cart along the street. Apples were spilled everywhere. We stood in front of the bakery, the same one Kuya and I had visited during our day out months ago. The baker disliked demi-humans and discriminated against them. He’d refused to serve Kuya a slice of cake, the bastard.
And by the look of it, he was still a bigoted old bastard.
“Forgive me,” the man on the ground said. Brown, rounded ears jutted from his chestnut colored hair, and he had a large, bulky frame with broad shoulders and biceps bigger than my head. A demi-bear maybe? As he got to his feet, he was taller than Maddox. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I only—”
“I don’t care what you wanted,” the baker snapped. “Get away from my bakery before you scare off my customers.”
“Is there a problem here?” Maddox asked, stepping forward. He had brought clothes to swim in but wore his armor now, sword and all. He rested his hand on the hilt.
The baker glared at Maddox before recognizing him and changing his tune. He forced a smile. “No problem at all, Captain. The beast was just leaving.”
The demi-bear dusted off his pants, his gaze lowered. He frowned at the spilled apples and started picking them up, placing them back on the cart. A cart that was broken now after he’d smashed into it. Poor guy.
“Don’t call him that,” I said, unable to hold my tongue. “He’s a person, just like you and me.”
The demi-bear looked up at me, surprise flickering across his face. As if no one had ever stood up for him before.
“You.” The baker’s cheeks got all puffy and red as he pointed a fat finger at me. “You’re the golden-haired brat who’s been stealing all my customers! You and that miserable excuse for a business.” He came at me. “I have half a mind to—”
Maddox’s gaze turned lethal as he took a single step forward. “I suggest you stop where you are, lest you wish to be the one dragged away in chains. Though, if you lay a hand on my male, I can’t guarantee your arms would still be attached before that happens.”
The baker froze, cheeks reddening even further. His mouth opened and closed, like he was struggling for something to say that wouldn’t get his tongue sliced off.
“What crime did the demi-bear commit against you?” Briar asked him.
“Crime?” The baker spat on the ground. “He’s breathing in my presence. That’s crime enough.”
I approached the demi-bear. “Hey. Are you all right?”
He startled once seeing I was so close. His face had an adorable roundness, with rosy cheeks and gentle brown eyes. “Y-Yes, sir. I am well. I regret to say the same can’t be said for the cart and apples.”
“That wasn’t your fault.” I held out my hand. “My name’s Evan.”
His round ears wiggled as his gaze fell to my palm. He then clasped my hand, and despite his massive size and obvious strength, the handshake was delicate. “I’m Miles.”
Maddox was speaking to the baker, up close and personal now. By the hard set of his brow and the baker’s nervous demeanor, I knew my captain had everything under control. Briar looked at me before walking over.
“I’m Briar,” he told Miles. “The court physician. Are you hurt at all?”
Miles glanced at the back of his arm where a thin line of blood streaked his bronzed skin. He winced a little when he tried to stand taller too. His side was probably bruised from slamming into the cart. “I’ll be okay. It will heal.”
“Here. Allow me to help.” Briar neared him. “I can alleviate the pain with a spell and stop the bleeding.”
“I don’t wish to be a bother.”
