Codex

by Megan Fatheree

  There were few places to hide on the grounds, save the trees. She wouldn’t have gotten that far if she hadn’t made it to the gate, either. Amorette seemed more the type to run far, far away if she were to run at all. Chances were, she lost her way somewhere along the expansive property. She must have gone out the back.

  With only a hunch to light his way, Eadric jogged around the side of the house. Here, things sounded different. The wind didn’t blow quite as harshly. Leaves rustled from bushes and trees.

  A low rumble vibrated across the gravel pathway.

  “Cronus...” Eadric groaned and closed his eyes to better pinpoint the sound. If he had to wager, he would bet all his money that Cronus found the woman first.

  A second rumbling noise, similar to the first, alerted Eadric that Kratos had tagged along.

  Eadric took off running. If he heard correctly, they were somewhere in the maze.

  That architectural beauty took years to grow as tall as it currently was. If he had known then that she would get lost in it, Eadric might have reconsidered.

  His knowledge of the maze and the menacing growls of the dogs led him to a dead-end corner. He hesitated but a second at the sight before him.

  Amorette sat huddled in the corner, her entire body pulled up and as far away from the dogs as she could get. Kratos watched her every move, but it was Cronus that worried Eadric the most.

  The dog drooled at the sight of the fresh meat before him. Eadric had only seen him like this once before. It hadn’t ended well for the man on the other end of Cronus’ focus.

  The shift in Cronus' stance alerted Eadric to the danger. Eadric lunged forward, vaulting over his dog and into the path of the sharp canines headed for Amorette’s throat.

  Cronus’ teeth latched onto Eadric’s arm, instead.

  Eadric growled and shook the dog off. “Bad boy.” He hit at Cronus’ muzzle with his fist, just hard enough to dislodge him and remind the Doberman who ran things around here.

  Cronus backed off with a whine. Kratos, always the gentler of the two, sat back on his haunches and let his tongue loll. His tail wagged, expecting treats from his master, no doubt.

  Eadric turned his attention to the trembling girl in front of him. “Are you alright?”

  “Are they your dogs?” Amorette didn’t move an inch, as if she didn’t think the dogs would back off.

  Eadric couldn’t say he blamed her. “They are.”

  “Good. You take care of them. I’m going back inside.” Amorette braced her hands against the shrubbery and clamored to her feet.

  Eadric watched her, sure she wanted nothing more than to get away from him. She shouldn’t have winced if that was the case. He didn’t overlook anything when it came to the safety of his friends and guests.

  “You’re injured. What happened?”

  “I’m not injured. I’m fine.” Amorette somehow refrained from sticking her tongue out this time. Pity. Eadric had been looking forward to her childish tantrum. “You didn’t have to come looking for me.”

  “You’d rather I let Cronus have his desired dinner?” Eadric looked up at her, maintaining eye contact even when he wanted to look away.

  Amorette tugged her lip between her teeth. “His desired dinner?”

  “You.” No sense beating around the bush.

  She couldn’t possibly be dense enough to believe that Cronus wouldn’t harm her. Cronus and Kratos were guard dogs, trained to take out any intruder. Really, it was Eadric’s own fault for not introducing them to Amorette the moment she moved in.

  “Oh.” Amorette nodded.

  If their previous encounters were any indication, she took everything in stride. Eadric had to admire that in a woman. “How long have you been out here?”

  “Long enough to get chased and cornered.” Amorette wrinkled her nose. “Are you okay?”

  “Me?” Eadric looked down at his arm, where blood soaked the material of his jacket. “Oh. I’ll be fine. I think you’re the main concern here.” He didn’t admit that the wound was deep. She didn’t need to know. It wouldn’t matter in the long run.

  Amorette turned her nose up. “I told you, I’m fine. I’m a little cold, so I’ll head out now.” She took a step forward. Her legs gave out beneath her.

  Eadric wrapped an arm around her waist as she fell. Deftly, he swung her up into his arms, bridal style. “You aren’t fine.”

  “So what if I’m not? I’m thankful you saved me and all, but seriously, how bad could it be?”

  “You couldn’t even walk. Did you hurt your ankle?” Eadric turned his head to look down at her.

  Amorette’s face was closer than he anticipated. It had been years since he carried a woman. He forgot how close it put him.

  Amorette curled her arms against her chest. Her shivering fingers clenched above her heart. “Maybe...”

  “We’ll check it inside.” Eadric cleared his throat and looked over his shoulder at the dogs. Only one thing to do with them now. “Cronus. Kratos. Heel.”

  Even Amorette jumped at the command, but that was none of Eadric’s concern. For now. He needed to get her inside. Her skin was cold and clammy, every inch of her shaking. Because of chill or because of fear, he couldn’t say.

  The dogs fell in line behind him, docile now that their master had the situation in hand.

  “I can walk, you know.” Amorette didn’t struggle physically, but her words sounded desperate to Eadric.

  He glanced down at her again. If he could spend a while studying that pretty, ever-changing expression of hers, he would. But he shouldn’t. So he wouldn’t. “You cannot. We established that in the maze. Stop arguing.”

  For the first time since he met her, Amorette listened to instruction.

  Of course, it didn’t take long to heft her through the back door and set her on the kitchen island. The sooner she was out of his arms, the better. Eadric refused to admit the stirring of conscience he had around her. Why did this have to happen now, of all times?

  Amorette settled her palms on the counter and made to push off.

  Eadric reacted without thinking. His fingers wrapped around her wrists. He pressed his legs against hers. Effectively, the grip he had on her kept Amorette from going anywhere. “Stop.”

  “You don’t scare me.” Amorette lifted her eyes to glare.

  Eadric allowed his lips to bend into a wry smile. “I’m not attempting to frighten you. If you don’t hold still, I can’t assess your injury.”

  Amorette wrinkled her nose. “I’ll be okay. It’s not even that bad.”

  “Amorette.”

  “You carried me all the way in here. I’m sure I can find my way around the house. It’s much easier than navigating out there with the dogs—”

  “—Please shut up.”

  “To be honest, I’m more concerned about you. I mean, look at you! You’re still bleeding. Are you sure it’s not a deep wound? Because you’ve been known to placate me before. Oh, wait, I didn’t mean it like that, I’m sorry, I—”

  Eadric released one of Amorette’s wrists to clamp a hand over her mouth. “I am quite alright. Thank you. Are you going to calm down now?”

  Amorette’s head bobbed, Eadric’s hand following its movement.

  “If I let go, you won’t try to talk or run your way out of this?”

  Another nod. Innocent doe eyes stared up at him, but Eadric knew better than to believe them.

  “Hold still. Let me examine your injuries. No arguments.” Eadric tipped his head and shot her a firm look, brooking no more disagreement.

  Amorette didn’t open her mouth to protest. She held perfectly still, like a child who had been scolded one too many times.

  Eadric tried not to pay attention to the petty way she stared him down. Instead, he dropped to one knee and gently lifted her ankle in his hands. It had already turned purple and blue. Not a great sign, but not terrible. Eadric rolled the joint and listened to Amorette’s reactions.

  “Ow,” she complained on a whin
e.

  Eadric glanced up at her. “It’s not popping and the joint seems fine.”

  “Mi Amor!”

  Eadric winced at the term of endearment shouted from the doorway.

  Hunter dashed into the room. His fingers roamed Amorette’s face and arms, presumably searching for an injury. “Are you okay? Where did you go? What happened?”

  “I’m okay.” Amorette’s voice sounded a lot stronger talking to Hunter than it had speaking with Eadric.

  “She’s not.” Eadric figured he might as well tell Hunter the truth. Amorette wouldn’t be able to hide it for long, anyway. “She sprained her ankle. It will need elevation and ice.”

  “Are you a doctor now?” Hunter spat in Eadric’s general direction.

  Cronus and Kratos, who had followed their master inside, both growled.

  Eadric grinned as Hunter shrank back from the Dobermans. Thank the heavens for such loyal companions as canines. “I’ve seen enough injuries to know how to treat them.” Eadric released Amorette’s ankle and rose to his feet. “Rest, elevation, and cold compresses. That’s all she needs.”

  “Oh, so you can tell her what she needs, but I can’t?” Hunter scoffed. His arms slid around Amorette as if to lift her.

  The dogs growled again. Cronus barked.

  Eadric bit back his grin and leveled a stare at Hunter. “Easy, boys,” he commanded the dogs. He didn’t like Hunter touching Amorette any more than they did, but it wasn’t his job to say that out loud.

  “I’m taking her up to her room,” Hunter announced.

  Amorette rolled her eyes. “I can walk.”

  “No.” Eadric and Hunter shot the word her direction in perfect unison.

  “Why not?” Her pout did nothing to help her case, but Eadric would admit to its cuteness.

  “Your ankle.” Eadric folded his arms. “No walking for the next few days. There are three capable men here. We can help you get around if you absolutely have to move.”

  “Yeah, where is Doon?” Amorette perked up.

  Hunter reached to lift her again. “He’s on his way back from the gate. I’m sure he’ll be relieved that you’re okay. Let’s get you up to your room.”

  Cronus and Kratos growled again.

  This time, Eadric couldn’t help the chuckle. Apparently, his dogs disliked Hunter even more than Eadric did. “I’ll take her.”

  “No, you won’t.” Hunter shoved Eadric out of the way.

  Cronus and Kratos both leaped to their feet.

  “Down.” Eadric held out a hand to calm them.

  He didn’t appreciate Hunter’s use of force, but he could play the better man. If need be, he could challenge Hunter to a duel. The younger man hadn’t used a broadsword before.

  “It’s okay, Mr. Hawkmore.” Amorette offered a tired smile. “Hunter can take me up. You should bandage your arm. Thank you. For everything.”

  He didn’t want to let her out of his sight again, but Eadric knew he didn’t have a choice. Pushing Amorette too far too fast meant risking another runaway situation. Caution must come first.

  “You’re welcome. But, please, call me Eadric.”

  “Eadric.” Amorette’s smile lit her eyes this time. “I can do that. Thanks for calling off the dogs, too.”

  “They won’t bother you from now on,” Eadric assured. “Now that they know you’re my friend, they’ll expect your presence.”

  Of course, the explanation was unnecessary, but Eadric found he liked Amorette’s company. He could never quite be sure what she would say or do next. She kept him on his toes.

  “Okay, awesome, we’re all buddies.” Hunter didn’t try to pick Amorette up this time. Instead, he turned his back and looped her arms around his neck. “Hang on tight.”

  A distinct twinge of sadness overtook Eadric as he watched the duo disappear. If he had courage, he could have taken her, himself. Instead, Eadric yanked the freezer open and rummaged through the ice packs.

  “Is she okay?” Doon’s voice floated into the kitchen this time.

  Eadric spared a glance over his shoulder. “She sprained her ankle, but I don’t have the whole story yet. Take Cronus and Kratos back outside, will you?”

  “Sure.” Doon bent and clapped his hands at the Dobermans. “Come on, gents. Time to patrol again. I’ll bring treats.”

  Like moths to a flame, the Dobermans perked up at the word. They raced to Doon’s side and followed when he jogged out the back door.

  Eadric sighed and rested his head against the refrigerator door. What had he gotten himself into? Why did he suddenly have feelings, of all things? He didn’t interfere in the lives of mortal beings. Yet, here he was, desperate to protect a girl he knew little about. Wouldn’t his friends laugh if they could see him now?

  IDIOT, Amorette berated herself. Why did she go outside? She knew about the dogs; she heard them when they first arrived. Why didn’t she think that they were guard dogs, set to devour anyone they didn’t know? Laying in bed with a sprained ankle gave Amorette too much time to think.

  Eadric appeared in her thoughts way too much.

  Oh, sure, he was handsome and rich and mysterious, but seriously? How cliche could one girl get? Eadric wanted to protect her from something, but Amorette didn’t have a clue what that something was.

  On one hand, it was nice to finally have someone taking care of her. On the other, this whole situation seemed too peculiar to be a coincidence.

  Which reminded her...

  Amorette contorted her body until she could reach her bag beneath the edge of the bed. While she was down and out, she might as well read the book... journal... novel... whatever it really was. She intended to find out before anyone knew she still had it in her possession. Might as well start now.

  The leather felt familiar by now, old but supple between her fingers. Amorette carefully unwound the bindings and opened the journal.

  A knock on the door made her jump. The journal fell off her lap and under the blanket. Perfect. It could stay there while she dealt with this.

  “Who is it?” Amorette called in her most pleasant voice.

  Instead of an answer, the door opened. Eadric strode into the room, followed closely by Doon.

  “I see he elevated your ankle.” Eadric lifted an ice pack wrapped in a towel. “He overlooked the cold compress part of the instructions.”

  Amorette giggled. Eadric already knew Hunter too well. Hunter wasn’t one to listen to instructions, especially when he wasn’t the one giving them.

  “What’s Doon doing here?”

  “He brought your dinner.” Eadric waved a hand, beckoning Doon across the room.

  Doon set the tray on the bed with a flourish. “Mademoiselle...” he gave a dramatic bow.

  Amorette laughed again. Doon had a calming way about him, as if he knew she needed to be reassured after the day she had. “Okay, if injuring myself means I get to see Doon in an extra good mood, I’m all in.”

  “No more injuring yourself,” Eadric intoned.

  Amorette rolled her eyes at him. “I can’t really control that, now can I. To be fair, this is the first time it’s my own fault that I’m injured.”

  “Yes. About that...” Eadric locked eyes with her. “Won’t you tell us what happened?”

  Oh no. Amorette pulled her lip between her teeth and chewed on it. “Well, you see... it’s nothing spectacular. I wouldn’t know where to start.”

  “How about the beginning?” Doon suggested.

  Amorette snapped her head his direction. Leave it to the one she thought she could trust to take the other side. She should have known he would be curious. Doon didn’t let things go, and she would know. He hadn’t given up on Melodia yet, despite the woman’s cool brush-off.

  “What if I don’t want to?”

  “Doon...” Eadric motioned to the other side of the room. “Does that sofa not look particularly comfortable?”

  Amorette jerked her head the other direction. “Is that... a threat? Are you threatening
to stay in here indefinitely?”

  “I said no such thing, but make your assumptions as you will.” Eadric rearranged the ice pack around Amorette’s swollen ankle.

  Sly man. Amorette underestimated him, her first mistake. If she weren’t injured and unable to move around properly, she would kick him in the nose. He deserved it. “Fine. I’ll tell you the abbreviated version.”

  “Start with why you left the house in the first place.”

  “Personal reasons.” Amorette stuck her tongue out in a childish fit of temper. “Play nice or I won’t tell you anything at all.”

  To be completely honest, she didn’t think the ultimatum would work. From everything she knew about Eadric Hawkmore, he didn’t give up so easily. Yet, despite that, he merely nodded.

  Amorette sighed. Now she had no choice but to tell the story. “I went for a walk in the back. I was going to avoid the maze because it looked so difficult to navigate, so I picked a random path instead. Unfortunately, a couple of large canine terrorists decided I was dinner. I ran, they chased me into the maze, I tripped over my own two feet and sprained my ankle.”

  A sudden thought occurred. Amorette snatched Eadric’s wrist and shoved his sleeve up his arm. Where there was once a large, gaping wound, now only a small incision remained.

  “How...?”

  “I told you it wasn’t deep.” Eadric wrapped his larger fingers around Amorette’s wrist and dislodged her hold. “I am well. Thank you for your concern.”

  “Let me see it again.” Amorette reached out for his arm. Even in shock, she knew he bled profusely. It couldn’t have healed that far in a matter of an hour or less. Ridiculous. “How do you heal so fast?”

  Eadric blocked her grab by standing. The look on his face settled somewhere between shock and amusement. “I told you it wasn’t deep. Just a flesh wound.”

  “I didn’t believe you for a second.” Amorette pasted on her prettiest smile.

  This man, whoever he was, frustrated her beyond belief. She didn’t want to be a snob or a jerk around him, but he made it hard to be on her best behavior.