Broken Kei (The Broken Ones Book 4)

by Jen Wylie

  "Aro?"

  She looked up to meet Kei's worried glance. "You ready to go?" Thankfully he nodded in return.

  It was late enough Bo didn't comment when they found him and Elaina to say goodnight. After making it home with only a bit of stumbling, she got Kei tucked into bed. Luckily, she remembered to have him undo her laces before he passed out.

  "I love you, Aro," he said softly, his words slightly slurred.

  She brushed her hand over his short hair. "I love you, too."

  "I'm glad someone does. I won't be so lonely."

  Her brows drew together. "What do you mean?"

  His eyes fluttered closed and she sighed. Holding her loosened dress in place, she returned to her room.

  Grabbing clothes to change into, she came across the pipe she'd bought for Baelan and then forgotten about. Setting it on her dresser, she stared at it while she struggled to get all the pins out of her hair. Should she, or shouldn't she? Would he see it as meaning something it didn't?

  Deciding she was just thinking too hard, she left it on his bed and then found her own.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  Soft music pulled her out of sleep, though the pleasant sound kept her in an unmoving doze until it finally stopped.

  Cracking an eye open, she groaned as her brain banged away at the front of her skull. Too much ale.

  She found Baelan leaning against the wall by the window, watching her. As she sat up and rubbed at her aching head he walked over and sat on the edge of her bed. Her mouth felt horrible. She really needed a drink of–

  He pointed to the bedside table with his pipe. "There."

  "Thank you." Grabbing the water, she cast him a wary look. She never would get used to that.

  Leaning back on his forearms, he tipped his head back and closed his eyes. "I must be dreaming."

  Her eyebrows rose as she set the empty cup back on the table. "Why would you say that?"

  Not answering, he shifted, pulling himself fully up on the bed to sit across from her. She barely had time to pull her feet up and out of his way. The faint dark circles rimming his eyes, and the fact he still wore the same clothes from yesterday, were the only clue he'd stayed out all night and not been to bed yet. And the smell of ale, though that may have come from her, too.

  Rubbing sleep out of her eyes, she waited for him to answer.

  "Well, my master who despises me let me go out, and gave me this delightful gift." He twirled the pipe around.

  "I don't despise you."

  He tipped his head to the side. "You should."

  She shrugged a shoulder and looked away. "I'm not very good at hating people. Except Damon," she amended.

  Baelan drew her attention back to him as he leaned forward. "But, my lovely, I killed you."

  "Didn't we already talk about this?"

  "Not really."

  She struggled a moment with what to say. "The thought of dying doesn't bother me very much."

  He gave her an incredulous look. "That's not normal. Even I don't want to die."

  "I don't want to die," she said irritably. "I'm just not afraid of it. It's going to happen one of these days."

  "Definitely not normal," he muttered.

  "You're really going to talk to me about normal?"

  His mouth opened, and then closed abruptly.

  She waved her fingers at him to get off her bed. "There, you aren't dreaming. I'm the best. Now go to bed and try to get some sleep."

  His eyes sparkled as he tipped his head to the side and chuckled. "You certainly are the most amusing human."

  "See, the best. Sleep time. We've things to do."

  Setting his elbow on his knee, he stuck his chin in his hand. His smile turned predatory as his smokey gaze locked onto hers. "The best at everything, my lovely?"

  Her teeth ground together in irritation. "Are you still drunk? Go away."

  Leaning back, he raised his hands. "Of course." He smiled again. "However, I would like you to know, should the…need arise, you needn't worry of the spell. I would be more than happy to come to your bed. At any time."

  Her cheeks burned. She flung her arm out, pointing at the door. "Get out!"

  He smirked and shifted backward. "Or I could offer kisses–"

  "Out!"

  "Or just to hold you in the night."

  Her embarrassment and anger disappeared so quickly she couldn't breathe, only stare at him. She didn't need to be reminded how alone she was now. How she had neither Prince or Kei to keep her nightmares away. Rotting tears threatened. Her lips quivered. Snapping her head around, she clenched her fists, willed herself to calm. Thought very, very hard on how she desperately needed the stupid Elf out of her room.

  "Aro? I was just–" His voice lowered, deepened. "Look what you've done."

  The change in tone startled her enough she dared to look back at him. Her eyes met the dark, stormy gray she rarely saw. Jaw clenched, lips pressed tightly together, she leaned back, away from his anger.

  He saw and relaxed slightly. "We are sorry, master. This stupid, selfish one gets carried away at times."

  His eyes shifted again and then squeezed closed. Baelan smacked either side of his head with his fists. "It's not your turn! I know! Be quiet!" He hit himself again a few times before cracking open an eye. "I apologize. Very much."

  Picking up the pipe, which had fallen to the bed at some point, he tucked it in his pants and stood in one fluid motion.

  She had no idea what to say.

  Walking to the door, he started banging on his head again. "Be quiet, already!" At the door, he turned to her, fingers curled in his hair. "So sorry, again." A brief bow and he slipped out.

  "Wither me," she muttered.

  "Quiet. Be quiet!"

  It shouldn't have been so difficult.

  They managed to leave the house by dawn. Baelan had only been sent back twice for something they forgot.

  And once to the market.

  At least he hadn't thought it overly strange they decided to take the dog. Of course, the Elf also looked like he'd been run over by a carriage. After sleeping half the day after their incident, he then alternated between throwing up, apologizing, and helping them pack.

  She now knew the Elf couldn't handle his liquor. Between that, his constant apologies, and the bit of crazy she'd seen, she forgave him.

  At least their delays helped them avoid the earliest morning traffic of workers heading out of the city toward the fields and quarry.

  The crowds near the city gates were still thick enough Garen kept close to them. Kei stuck to her side even closer. She wondered what he remembered but didn't ask. Maybe he just felt her growing unease.

  Hands clenched into fists, lips pressed tightly together, she tried to ignore all the people pressing around her and concentrate on reaching the gates.

  You don't like crowds?

  Her eyes flicked over to Baelan. No.

  But you go to the market.

  The market isn't this crowded. Or hurried. It's different.

  He kept glancing over at her, waiting for her to explain. She certainly didn't want to tell him how the press of mens' bodies terrified her, or why large crowds did. The second reason she didn't mind sharing. Ever been in a crowd trying to escape a city under siege that just had its gates breached?

  His brows drew together, and a slight frown crossed his lips as he looked away. His next steps moved him closer to her.

  Kei glared at him and growled.

  Baelan shook his head in annoyance. "Really? You're more likely to hurt her than I am."

  Eyes wide, Kei's head jerked in surprise.

  "How many times do I have to explain how this rotting spell works," he muttered in annoyance. "I swear I'm surrounded by idiots."

  A laugh sputtered out of her as she listened to his tirade, she couldn't help it. From the small smile on his lips, she realized he'd done it on purpose.

  Adjusting her pack, she trudged onward. The weight bore down on her already. Yesterday
when Kei wasn't looking, she replaced what she could to lighten his load. He could yell at her later, if he noticed. Her shoulders were already aching. Maybe she would need Baelan to rub them tonight.

  He stumbled beside her and choked. What was that?

  What was what? She kept her voice innocent and her gaze on the gates slowly drawing closer. Her lips twitched. He was so easy to tease. At least after telling him more than once to speak as he wished and "be himself" he'd finally taken her words to heart. She didn't regret it, for the most part. It was certainly better than his moping.

  She shouldn't have been surprised when Silas and Raythe fell into step with them when they'd nearly reached the gates. Her evening talk with Roan had been short the night before. He hadn't mentioned anything in particular about her leaving, other than to be safe. She should have known better.

  She smiled at the two Were as Baelan slowed his step and fell behind so Raythe could be next to her.

  "Good morning, Miss Aro."

  "And to you." When he didn't speak for a moment, she decided to just get it out of the way. "Should I be afraid to ask?"

  Raythe grinned and winked. "Never."

  "Roan being overprotective again?"

  He chuckled and shrugged a shoulder. "Always. You know how he is."

  "That I do." A quick glance showed he and his twin bore no packs of their own. "I'm surprised you're not coming with me."

  "It was considered."

  "Of course, it was," she muttered under her breath. Some days she rather wanted to throttle the pirate. "That's too bad. I wouldn't have said no to someone carrying my pack."

  Even Silas grinned at that. "It can still be arranged, if you like."

  With a tight smile, she shook her head.

  "No Elves have come or gone within the last two days," Raythe said, getting to the point. "If that changes we'll let you know. I've men up the road today beyond the quarry. You won't be caught unawares. If you need assistance for any reason before you reach the forest, please don't hesitate to contact one of us."

  "Thank you, I will." She wasn't sure what else to say and still be polite. It rather infuriated her how Roan had not mentioned any of this. She wasn't stupid. She'd planned on having Garen alternate running ahead or behind to keep watch.

  The Were smiled and gave her shoulder a quick squeeze. "We are quite happy to assist, Miss Aro." He paused a moment and then leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Thank you, for talking with him again."

  Clearing her throat, she fought the heat rising to her cheeks.

  "Safe travels," the Were said together, and then slipped away into the crowd.

  Kei's elbow bumped her arm. "I don't remember them."

  At least this she could ease his fears on. "You wouldn't. I met them after Damon took you and haven't seen them since you've been back. They work for Roan."

  He frowned before turning his attention again to the crowds around them. Her heart twisted, how different he was now. Quieter, unsure of himself. His shoulders curved in as he nervously fingered the straps of his pack.

  Baelan stepped up to her side again, pulling her attention away. Unsurprisingly, he didn't remain silent for long. "You know, for just a friend Roan seems–"

  She cut him off. "I already know what you're going to say, so don't bother."

  He batted his eyes at her. "But you're quite beautiful when you blush, my lovely."

  She glared at him, contemplating bodily harm.

  "That rosy flush to your cheeks–ah!" He winced and smacked a hand to his temple. "I know… I wasn't…" His hand dropped and he straightened. "I apologize," he said quietly, his voice lower.

  Well, she hadn't expected that. A wagon took her attention away and she glanced at Kei as they made their way around it. His glare at the Elf was part anger and part confusion. Usually how she felt, really, which brought a small smile to her lips.

  Once close to the Elf again, she looked over and saw Bay remained. "Stay a while?"

  His stormy eyes flicked to her for a moment before once again roaming the crowd. "I believe that is for the best."

  "Unless he's…ah…giving you problems," she said quietly, not wanting to have to deal with an irritated assassin.

  "I have no trouble ignoring him," came the quiet reply.

  Finally, they made it out of the city and though the road remained crowded, it wasn't pressing.

  Garen, I know the Were are watching, but roam a bit and keep your eye out.

  Understood.

  "The dog ran off," Bay said.

  "He'll come back if we call him. He just wants to run."

  She looked to Kei and saw his small secret smile. "Will be nice to have the horses to carry the packs," she said, trying to judge how he was doing without actually asking.

  His smile dipped into an irritated frown and he looked away. "I'm fine, Aro."

  "Well, my rotting shoulders hurt," she grumbled and was rewarded with a small smile.

  A while later Garen informed her they were being followed by two men he was quite certain were Roan's. She thought for a moment before contacting Raythe.

  You have men following us?

  After a brief silence, he answered. Yes. Two.

  Anyone else? When he didn't reply, she snapped out. You do realize I've an assassin with me. Tell me now so your men don't get killed.

  Easy, Miss Aro. Can't really come to your aid all the way from the city. There are men randomly stationed up to the quarry road. Some will follow you down and then set up to rest where you head up the ridge to make sure no one follows.

  You could have told me this, she said angrily.

  Roan thought–

  Roan's an idiot.

  Feel free to tell him that. I'm certainly not going to. I'm just doing my job.

  She snorted and then relayed the information to the boys. Bay frowned but didn't comment. She didn't ask what he was thinking. His silent presence was almost nice. Beside her, Kei relaxed slightly.

  A short time later, Silas let her know of an Elf with a wagon coming by. He was known, with a scheduled shipment. Bay ordered them to the side of the road to sit and Garen kept an eye on him until he moved well passed them.

  They'd nearly reached the quarry road when Raythe contacted her again.

  One got by us. Not sure how, maybe while we were checking out–

  Don't care how, she interrupted. Where is he and what does he look like?

  Glamored. Brown hair. Workers clothes.

  She passed on the information. Garen took off. Bay nearly flung her to the side of the road. Kei didn't even growl, just followed quickly.

  The Elf shrugged off his pack and dumped it beside her. "Stay. Here."

  She sat on her pack, Kei quiet beside her. Garen found him, she told Bay, even as she spotted the man herself. Close. Way too close for comfort. "Rot," she muttered, trying to appear as if she wasn't looking but still not taking her eye off the man.

  Too pretty to be human, he walked with a slow but purposeful stride, eyes scanning the people on the road. Are we sure he's–she began to ask Bay. She certainly didn't want to be responsible for the death of someone innocent.

  Yes. Bay appeared in front of him, slipped around him, and then caught the body before it fell, expertly moving it off to the side of the road with no one the wiser. Unless you'd been watching, then maybe you'd have seen the blood.

  "Did you see that? He's good," Kei whispered.

  "He's the best," she murmured in response before gathering her composure and contacting the Were. He's taken care of. Body's off the road. Right side.

  Bay returned, picked up his pack, and started off again without a word.

  Everyone remained tense and silent for the rest of the walk. Nearing the quarry, she grimaced, trying to remember where to break off the road to find the hidden trail up the cliff.

  Do you remember where we're going?

  Of course, Garen replied easily.

  Another thought occurred to her. Might not want to surprise Bae
lan while he's in this…mood.

  I absolutely agree.

  Aro glanced over at the Elf, who still looked ready to kill anyone who looked at him, or her, twice.

  Once they slipped off the road and made their way amidst the fallen rock and brush, they paused for a rest before starting the journey up.

  "Roan's men are supposed to be watching so we aren't followed," she reminded everyone as she stretched her back, keeping her voice low. "But we still need to be quiet."

  Bay eyed the not quite path they were to take. "You are certain we won't be seen?"

  "The Were use it. I think they have the rocks and trees set up to keep themselves hidden."

  They set out again, moving slowly. Garen, still glamored as a dog, bounded around them and led the way. Considering even she struggled in some of the steeper areas, Aro kept more of an eye on Kei than she did on where they were going. It was a decent distraction from thinking about the Were king.

  They were nearly halfway up when she called another stop. Sweat ran down her face and between her shoulder blades. Bay appeared unaffected, but she'd seen Kei's hands begin to tremble. She sat on her pack, taking a long drink of water. Garen flopped down at her feet, tongue lolling. Cupping her hand, she poured water in to share with him, too.

  Kei wiped his forehead on his sleeve and looked up. "Will we get there by dark?"

  She pursed her lips, trying to remember how long it'd taken them coming down. Of course, down was also a lot easier than up. "We should," she finally answered. "We'll move into the forest a bit once we do and make camp."

  "Will Garen be meeting us up there?"

  She cleared her throat to hide her amusement at the Elf's question. "Probably sooner."

  He nodded, blinked, and amused eyes met hers. "That sounds delightful, my lovely."

  Her lips curved into a smile as she shook her head. Kei glanced over at him and frowned. He's starting to wonder about you.

  It was bound to happen, the Elf replied. I will tell him, if he asks.

  Does it bother you? People knowing now.

  Looking over at her, he smiled faintly. It would have before. They wouldn't have understood, he explained. However, you and Kei…

  He didn't have to finish.