The Wind's Call (The Broken Lands #4) - T.A. White Page 0,168
the way to the herd lands.
"Well, take care." Hardwick walked away on those abrupt words, but not before Eva caught the slightly reddened eyes and sheen of wetness.
She hesitated before throwing herself at his back, wrapping her arms around him and leaning her head into his shoulder blade. "Thank you. If I could pick my father, it would be you."
A sniffle escaped him before his voice came, thick and clogged. "Don't be daft. You're mine whether there's a drop of blood between us or not. You remember everything I taught you, when they start getting unruly. And for Rava's sake, use the tent. I spent a lot of time gathering the best materials for you. Don't make my hard work go to waste."
A sob tried to escape as Eva nodded against him. She hadn't thought this would be so hard. This goodbye was ripping out her heart.
He pushed her away. "No more of this. This isn't the end. As your adopted people say, ouvea auntou ani. Farewell until our paths cross again."
He patted her head awkwardly, giving her time to rub the tears away. "Now get with you."
Eva's smile was more watery than normal as she walked toward the Kyren.
Are you ready? Sebastian asked.
Eva nodded.
The fox had already scrambled onto Sebastian’s back, curling into the small cradle the Trateri artisans had created for him. By the way he yipped and pawed at it, she could tell he was pleased, especially when he settled into place with a happy grin.
Eva started toward him, stopping when a familiar form next to Orion caught her attention.
Caden finished strapping his pack to the new saddle the Trateri artisans had created based on what they'd used during their first trip. This one was better, taking into account the Kyren's wings and unique musculature.
Her lips parted in surprise. "What are you doing?"
He shot her a look, his lips barely tilting up on the ends. "What does it look like?”
Eva blinked dumbly at him, almost afraid to hope. There had to be some other explanation for this. He couldn’t be coming with them.
She shook her head slightly, her lips parting as her eyes found his.
His gaze softened, warmth filling his gaze. “You really should ask me that question.”
She bit her lip, her eyes glossy and wet as she tried to swallow back the feeling in her chest. “Really?”
“Ask and find out.”
She nodded, even as a hand dashed away some of the tears that had escaped. In a voice so low she wasn’t sure he’d hear, she whispered, “Will you come with me?”
The smile that came was slow and wicked. “I think I will.”
Eva found herself with her arms around his neck, clutching him to her before she could think better of it.
“Did you think you'd escape me so easily?” Caden whispered into her ear, his arms closing around her. “Someone has to make sure your pretty ass doesn't get dead. Otherwise who knows what sort of situation you’ll find yourself in."
His grin was taunting as she drew back
She sputtered as Caden used his body to gently push her out of the way so he could check over her bag and saddle, much as he had during that first trip.
Finished, Caden dropped a kiss on her surprised mouth. Even that small touch sent heat flickering through her.
"But Fallon—," she whispered.
One hand cupped her neck. "He’s always been able to protect himself. We both agreed you could use me more than him. I've handed over the reins of the Anateri's day to day operations to Trenton, but I’m still the commander. My focus will simply be on founding a new division, one meant to work closely with the Kyren."
"That means—"
"I'm all yours," he finished for her.
She stared at him, stricken. "You didn't have to give up everything for me."
His thumb caressed her jaw. "I gave up nothing. I found another way to serve him, one that is just as important and something only I could do."
Her head cocked, a question in her eyes.
“Not everyone could have beaten a force like that back almost singlehandedly,” he teased.
Her mouth dropped open. He’d nearly died. Would have if not for Orion. Not like she could say that, however.
The dark look in his eyes said he had guessed anyways.
He nudged her toward Sebastian and stepped back toward Orion. "You should saddle up. We have a long way to go and you have more sword lessons this evening. If you're nice, I'll even show you how to set up your tent."
Eva gazed at him for several seconds before a smile dawned. "Don’t think that because you decided to tag along that you’re going to get your way. I never agreed to lessons or sleeping in a tent."