Chapter 6 A Loyal Dog

• My curiosity got the better of me. Scanning the occupants furtively I saw dark skin to light skin beings. Some with pointed ears, some with twisted snouts or thing lips exposing fanged teeth.
• Monsters of every breed here. I noticed.
• But turning my head a bit further beneath the hood of my cloak, allowed me to glimpse the figure sitting in the west windowsill. His booted feet resting on a chair beneath him. Men surrounding him. Ones that had been happily regaling the group with tales of their feats until I walked in. His hair was pale blonde and mimicked the shade of the moonlight peering in on the wide, indented sill next to him. Blue eyes were fierce as they stared at me unblinkingly.
• Oh, no.
• He must've nodded because the barkeep told me where to go.
• I climbed the side stairs, far against a back wall. Turning twice, before they reached the second level. The railing dusted in gilt. And the steps trimmed in it. I suspected there'd once been a shining gold or red rug which had long since worn through to the point it was irreparable. That was typically the preferred colors of the Eternus.
• They liked flaunting their power and wealth.
• That was why I preferred hounds. The man-beasts, contrary to nasty rumors, were typically kinder and gentler than most other species in Ferus Country.
• The tavern was built with the usual extravagance of a place made for the soul-draining, air stealing, Eternus beasts.
• It was now a place nicer than most that the Hounds, the shapeshifting animals, and the dwarves and goblins of Endless Wood knew.
• Making it their favorite place.
• I reached the upper level and found the room that would be mine. Stepping inside I swung my cloak out of the way and closed the door. Sighing in relief I walked over to the chair and swung the cloak off.
• "Hello, Baby Girl."
• The words came from behind me.
• I stiffened. Going ramrod straight. Knowing that dreaded, husky voice anywhere.
• "How can you be roaring one moment and then speaking so huskily the next?" I whirled around to face him with a deep glower.
• He shrugged. Tilting his head with a grudging smirk.
• "How'd you get in here?" My hands worked in white knuckled fists.
• Something his keen gaze didn't miss.
• "Walked with you."
• I knew what those cryptic words meant. Knew instantly what he'd done. From the time I'd left the counter speaking to the barkeep he'd been with me. Walking in pace with me. Expertly matching his movements to mine so I'd have zero chance of hearing something.
• Something he's done to me before.
• Then when I cracked the door, he'd have slid in behind me, even as I turned to move my cloak, he was a breath behind me.
• Without me ever noticing.
• I hated that he could move like that.
• "How'd you find me, Gray?"
• Jackson Gray was the most doggedly determined being in all of Ferus.
• He wore a blue cloak, which matched dark penetrating eyes perfectly, draped loosely around his collar but was laced tight enough down the front to cover his gold chain mail.
• Hiding the fact that he was the Commander of the Pyre Army.
• King Eternus' most favored mercenary.
• He was tall and broad.
• Like something carved from stone.
• His nose made of perfect angles, complimenting high cheekbones over a mouth which seemed perpetually tight with condescension.
• Or is it only when he's looking at me?
• "You seem to think I ever lose you."
• I deflated a little. Knowing well, that when Jackson Gray caught the scent of something he wanted, he was nearly impossible to shake.
• "Where's that hound of yours?" He glanced about as if looking for him.
• "Lionel?" I feigned being unsure who he spoke of.
• Though I know very well.
• He grunted.
• "You know well, I don't take him with me."
• "Not on purpose. But he is a loyal dog." Gray remarked. The way he said it, making clear it wasn't a compliment. Tugging the lace at his collar until the cloak fell down his arms. He rolled it into his hands. Strolling thoughtfully around the room.
• "Is that jealousy I hear in your voice?"