The Dancer (Men of the North Book 7)

by Elin Peer

Salma jerked in her seat. “Fishing is barbaric.”

  Leo didn’t look fazed by her criticism at all. “I love fishing. Just say when and I’d love to come.”

  Salma shook her head. “I can’t believe you’d be that heartless, Leo.”

  Chuckling, I shook my head. “You Motlanders crack me up. Do you think the fish worries about being heartless when it eats other fish? Or what about the bear that eats the fish? It’s the food chain, Salma. It’s been that way for millions of years.”

  “That doesn’t make it right.”

  “Actually, it does. There’s nothing better than a fresh-cooked fish roasted over the fire. You have no idea what you’re missing out on.”

  “I don’t fish,” Tristan hurried to say. “And I’m a vegan too.”

  Willow raised her eyebrows and gave Tristan a pointed stare, calling him out on his lie. We’d both seen him eat meat several times.

  “What?” he said with his shoulders popping up in a shrug. “You know I was raised in the Motherlands. I’m a vegan.”

  “Oh, for sure. Your blood type is basically chlorophyll.” Willow’s use of sarcasm went over the head of Ben and Salma, but the rest of us got it and my stomach filled up with butterflies. Fuck, I’d missed being around Willow when she was relaxed and not worried about our troubled past.

  “Okay, so I may have strayed from the vegan path a little,” Tristan admitted. “But I’m a vegan ninety-five percent of the time.”

  Willow and I exchanged a quick look of amusement.

  “I hope you go back to being a full-time vegan again.” Salma leaned in and placed a hand on his elbow and was rewarded with a warm smile from Tristan.

  As expected, Willow didn’t look bothered at all.

  “Be careful with all that touching, Salma,” I warned her. “Tristan is used to it because of his being half Motlander. He knows it doesn’t mean anything to you, but other men would get the wrong idea.”

  Ben looked up. “That’s a good point, darling. We don’t want any more drama on this tour.”

  Salma folded her hands in her lap. “Thank you for reminding me, Solo. I’ll be more aware and keep my hands to myself from now on.”

  The way Tristan tensed his jaw with suppressed irritation made me turn my head and look out the window to hide the smile on my face. There was no fucking way he and Willow were in love, and that meant I still had a chance.

  CHAPTER 21

  Taking Chances

  Willow

  I’d been to the Gray Manor a few times before, but it was still as impressive as the first time. Built to resemble something from the old world, the windows were large with black frames and the color of the façade a crème-colored beige.

  Mila was there to welcome us, giving both me and Tristan big hugs and holding Ben’s and Salma’s hands in official Motlander greetings.

  “I’d hug you too if you’d let me,” she told Solo but he kept his distance.

  “Thanks, but only a man with a death wish would hug Magni’s daughter.”

  “You’re silly. My dad isn’t so bad.”

  The expression on Solo’s face told me he disagreed.

  “Raven is here somewhere. She and the kids are just helping some of your travel companions to their rooms. We’re all so excited to fill the manor for once.”

  “You have room for all of us?” I asked.

  “No, only the performers and technicians.” Her eyes went to Solo and Leo. “The security will be sleeping in the greenhouse in the park. Don’t worry, it’s large and very nice. I helped set up beds and we even hung some adorable strings of light in there to make it cozy for you.”

  Solo smiled at her. “Mila, you’re too kind, but I don’t mind sleeping under the stars. It’s summer.”

  “That’s what Khan and my dad said, but I convinced them that you should at least have a tent or some kind of roof over your head. You know, in case it begins to rain.”

  “Who did your braid?” I asked. “It looks beautiful.”

  Mila’s hands touched the braided circle of blonde hair on top of her head, her dimples popping out. “I did. I’m glad you like it. I wasn’t sure if the flowers were a bit much.”

  “Not at all. It looks adorable.”

  The sound of running feet made us turn to the double entrance doors, where a group of children and Raven came out. One of the boys stopped right in front of Solo. He was a little taller than me with copper-colored hair and I recognized him from the reunion party as Magni’s son, Mason.

  Leaning his head back, the boy looked up at Solo. “I know who you are.”

  Solo wrinkled his brow. “So do I.”

  “Yeah, but do you know who I am?” the boy asked eagerly.

  Solomon nodded. “I have a pretty good idea that you’re Laura’s and Magni’s son, aren’t you?”

  “Could you tell from my size?” The boy straightened to his full height. “I’m tall for my age, just like my dad was.”

  “And strong too, it looks.”

  Mila stepped forward. “Mason just turned ten but he’s very proud of his height.”

  “I’m going to be eight or nine feet tall at least,” he bragged.

  “Oh dear.” Salma held a hand to her mouth.

  Solo looked amused.

  “My dad says that you’re the best warrior he has ever trained and that when I can beat you, I can call myself the greatest warrior of my generation.”

  “Magni said that?” Solo looked surprised. “How good are you now?”

  Mason threw a nod in Raven’s direction. “I can take her.”

  Raven objected, “You took me by surprise, Mason. That was all.”

  Leo stepped closer and crossed his arms. “Have you ever fought a real fighter, though?”

  Raven spun in his direction. “Hey, wait a minute. Are you saying that I’m not a real fighter? Who are you anyway?”

  Solomon took a step forward. “Sorry, Raven, let me introduce my friend, Leo. He’s a police officer.”

  “Police Inspector,” Leo corrected him and squared his shoulders.

  “Right. Sorry, I always forget about your promotion.”

  Raven lit up. “I plan to join the police force too.”

  Leo gave her an overbearing smile. “Women can’t be in the police force here. It’s too dangerous. Maybe if you go back to the Motherlands…”

  Raven’s hand landed on her hip, which she pushed out to the side. “The Motherlands don’t have a police force. They have mediators and it’s not the same thing. For the record I’m not going anywhere. This is my home and has been for ten years. Just because there are no women in the police force yet doesn’t mean there never will be. Times are changing, or haven’t you noticed?”

  The grin on Leo’s face grew. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He shook his head and placed his hands in his pockets. “Female police officers, now that would be a sight.”

  Mason came to Raven’s support. “She’s a good fighter.” He bit his lip. “But not as good as me.”

  “Is that right?” Solo bent down to eye level with Mason. “Tell you what: I’ll let you fight me right now if you want. And to make it fair, I’ll keep my hands on my back. If you can hit me, I’ll let you fight me for real.”

  The interaction between them moved something inside me. Solomon might play tough with Mason, but I knew he adored children and wanted a family of his own.

  After being stuck in the bathroom with Salma and the other two women, I’d thought about my time in the Motherlands more. My anger with Solomon hadn’t been my own. It had been coming from well-meaning people and for some reason, I’d adapted to their views. Now, my hatred for Solomon seemed out of proportion and beneath my confusion, there were feelings of regret.

  Mason’s excitement was fun to watch as he moved away from the group of people and held his hands up in front of him. “Can I hit you as much as I’d like?”

  Mila sighed. “Do you have to fight right this minute?”

  Solo ignored her an
d focused on Mason. “Sure, you can hit me as much as you’d like.”

  “Can I kick you too?”

  “For now, let’s stick to you hitting me. Put as much force into it as you want, but I’m warning you, I won’t make it easy for you.” Solo walked over to stand in front of Mason, placed his hands behind his back, and waited for the boy to take his first shot at him. Mason was eager and moved forward with a right hook, but Solo was quick to move his head and Mason’s hand swung through air.

  “That was a nice one, keep going,” Solo encouraged Mason, and moved his head and body every time the boy took a swing. They danced around each other, Mason full of energy and determination to get a blow in on the larger warrior, and Solo concentrating on using his instincts to move every time. For a man his size, Solo was fast and graceful in his movements. I shifted my balance, feeling an old familiar warmth in my belly from looking at him.

  After a few minutes, Mason’s arms got heavy and his head sunk with every hit he missed.

  “Okay, let’s stop.” Solo placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “You have good moves, Mason. If you want, I’ll be happy to train with you later.”

  “Can I come too?” Three of the five children raised their hands and ran to Solo.

  “Sure, we’ll have a training session later. I’ll bring my friend Zasquash, he loves kids. But just so you know, we’re not the kind of grown-ups who let kids win just to be nice to them.”

  “I hate it when adults do that,” Mason declared.

  “I’ll remember that.” Raven reached up to tousle Mason’s hair as he walked past her, but he was already much taller than her and quick to get away. “For now, show Willow and her friends to their rooms, will you?” she told him.

  Mason’s twin sister Aubri, whom I’d met at the reunion, picked up a bag.

  “No, let me.” Mason took it from her. “You know Dad and Khan would scold me if they saw you carrying stuff while I’m around.”

  The girl rolled her eyes. “It’s so old-fashioned. Pearl says that men and women are equal.”

  “Whatever.” Mason was already marching ahead with the bag and spoke over his shoulder. “Which room are we taking them to?”

  “The Ghost Room.”

  Salma looked at me and then back at Mila. “Why is the room called the Ghost Room?”

  Aubri answered in a tone that revealed she found it self-explanatory. “Because it’s haunted of course.”

  Raven grinned. “It’s all part of the charm of an old house. We think it’s the old King who got killed in a rebellion. He’s pretty harmless and he’ll probably enjoy the company. It’s rare that anyone sleeps in his part of the manor.”

  “Stop it, Raven, you’re scaring her.” I took Salma’s hand, wanting to protect my new friend from Raven’s wicked humor.

  “Yeah, be nice, Raven,” Tristan chimed in and I almost gaped at him. This was a man who loved pranks and loved to make fun of everyone.

  When we got to the three rooms that were allocated for Ben, Salma, and me, the kids pointed to the right-hand door. “That’s the Ghost Room.”

  “Willow and I can take that room. We don’t believe in ghosts anyway.” Tristan made it sound like he knew everything about me, but he didn’t.

  “Sure.” I thanked the kids and walked inside. As soon as Tristan entered, I closed the door and whispered. “What are you doing?”

  Tristan set down the bag he’d been carrying and walked over to sit on the bed. The whole room looked clean but outdated with a bright color scheme out of fashion.

  “Can you stop drooling over Salma, please?”

  Tristan looked away. “I’m sorry, it’s just…” He rubbed his face.

  “Just what? You’re supposed to make it look like we’re a couple and instead you might as well carry a sign that says I’m Salma Rose’s biggest fan.”

  “You don’t understand.” He tucked his hands under his thighs and looked down.

  I walked over and sat down next to him. “What don’t I understand?”

  Tristan lifted his head and looked into my eyes. “I’ve never felt this way before about anyone. I mean, I used to think I was in love with you, but…” He licked his lips. “With Salma it’s a million times stronger and I get both nervous and euphoric around her. It’s like I’m possessed, and I can’t stop thinking about her.”

  I drew in a long inhalation. I knew what it was like and the sickness had been sneaking up on me too these last few days.

  “It’s bad, Willow.” Tristan’s large brown eyes stared at me with so many emotions that I had to close my eyes.

  “I promised you and Hunter that I’d have your back and pretend to be yours, and I would never break my promise. I just wonder if there’s a way we could tell Salma that it’s a scam.”

  “She already knows, Tristan.”

  “She does?”

  “Yes. I told her when we were hiding in the hotel.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m not sure. The whole situation was so scary and coming up with a lie when she asked about us just seemed too much.” I sighed and flicked my fingers through my long soft hair while looking down at the old-fashioned carpet on the floor. “I’m not going to stand in your way, Tristan. And if you’re as in love as you say you are then I don’t think anything can stop you anyway.”

  Tristan was quiet for a few seconds. “Be honest. Do you think I have a chance with Salma?”

  “Maybe. It’s hard to say if she’d be open to a romantic relationship. Few Motlanders are.”

  “I know, but the way she smiles at me. You’ve seen it, haven’t you?”

  Taking his hand, I thought about my words before I spoke. “Salma is amazing, sweet, and very pretty.”

  “But?” Tristan narrowed his eyes a little.

  “But she’s also delicate and comes with a lot of issues.”

  He nodded. “She told me about her anxiety.”

  “Right, there’s that.”

  “I’m good at calming her down though; she says so herself.”

  “But think about it, Tristan. Salma Rose is a superstar and she travels a lot. She can’t just give up on her career and come live with you here in the Northlands.”

  “So what? I can live in the Motherlands. Hell, I’d live on the moon if it meant being with the woman I love.”

  I lowered my head and rubbed my forehead. “It’s not love, Tristan. What you have is an infatuation.”

  “How would you know?”

  “Because that’s what I had for Solo, and the psychologists who helped me get over him told me so.”

  “I see.” Tristan rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Maybe love is different for everyone. I’m pretty sure I’m head over heels in love with Salma.”

  I stood up from the bed. “Yeah, could be. I just hope you don’t get your heart broken like Hunter and I did.”

  “Hunter?”

  “He doesn’t talk about it.”

  Tristan was frowning. “Hunter had his heart broken? Why didn’t he tell me?”

  “It happened about three years ago. Alice was a friend of mine that he’d met a few times when visiting me in the Motherlands. When he asked her to marry him it came as a surprise to me. I never knew he was in love with her, but he must have been because he took her rejection hard.”

  “Why doesn’t he talk about it? He should have told me.”

  “You know Hunter; he’s proud.”

  Tristan stood up too. “It explains why he’s always finding faults with every woman he meets. I figured he might not be into women at all.”

  “He got burned, and it could happen to you too if you’re not careful.”

  Tristan looked thoughtful. “At least Hunter took his chance. I would regret it forever if I didn’t take mine with Salma.”

  With a last sigh, I walked to the door and stopped when he asked, “What about Solo? You still want me to pretend that we’re together, right?”

  “Nah, with the way you’re drooling over Salma it’s pointless
.”

  “Okay, but…”

  I turned. “But what?”

  “You’ll tell him then, right? It’s just that if he thinks I’m being unfaithful to you, he’ll have my ass.”

  With a hand on the door handle, I paused.

  “After your speech today, he pulled me aside, Willow.”

  “Solo did?”

  “Yeah, he didn’t like how I looked at Salma. He’s still very protective of you.”

  A tingle ran up and down my spine but I didn’t show my excitement. “Did you tell him anything?”

  “No, of course not. I kept it cool and told him there would be another woman for him. He agreed.”

  My fingers squeezed the doorknob. “He agreed?”

  “Yeah, that’s a good thing, right? Hunter says Solo isn’t over you, but you heard Zasquash and Leo. I don’t think you need to worry about Solo anymore. I was thinking that maybe I could help set him up with one of the other performers; that way he would leave you alone. I’m pretty sure he’ll be loyal to whomever he marries.”

  “Great. Yeah. That’s good.” Pressure built in my chest as I opened the door and walked out. It shouldn’t bother me that Solo had agreed with Tristan about finding love with someone else, but the idea of Solo with any of the other performers made my heart hurt.

  “Oh, by the way, Willow.”

  I was walking away from the room but turned around to see Tristan in the doorway.

  “Can I still crash here with you tonight? I think every room is full.”

  “Sure.” I hurried down the corridor feeling desperate for some fresh air and a bit of alone time. I should have known that getting alone time in a mansion full of people would be impossible, but I couldn’t have known that I’d be dragged into a heated town hall meeting with Khan and Pearl five minutes later.

  CHAPTER 22

  Town Hall Meeting

  Solomon

  “Fucking hell, it’s like an old-fashioned airport here.” Khan shielded his eyes from the sun and looked up at the sky. “It’s the seventh drone today. Did you hear that, Pearl? Seventh!”

  Pearl sat on a garden chair with their daughter Freya in her lap. The girl was Mason’s age and the way she leaned back on her mother told me the two of them were close. Both of them looked up as well and Pearl spoke: “That’s what financial growth does to a country. More people own their own drones now and you have no laws restricting them from flying wherever they want to. This is why the drones in the Motherlands are restricted to flying certain routes.”