Twill began sleeping more during the day leaving me feeling alone more than ever. I missed Eveline and Aslan dearly.
I let him sleep roaming the Lower City deep in thought. Aslan had left the city to return to her own people not long after her release with Quinn's blessing not wanting to relive the nightmare she had been force to endure in the dungeon. I had asked her to take a not to Nicholas, the alpha's son, who was more than likely married by now, but he at least deserved to know I was well. Her people were not too far from our lands. It had been years now and I had yet to receive a response, but I guess I didn't really expect one either.
As I walked the muddy cobbled streets, the scent of cedar and honey assaulted my senses and plummeted me back to a time when I had run with a pack and had been loved by a boy with that same intoxicating smell. I could still picture his translucent amber eyes and flawless hunter's smile.
I ran head on into a man jarring me back to the present. I flushed glancing up to see bright lime green eyes glaring down at me. He smelled of pine and of a hearth.
"S..sorry," I mustered.
As I scrambled out of his way, he grabbed my wrist and bent down giving my hair a quick sniff.
"You smell like that other try hard halfling. I didn't realize he had such a beautiful sister he was hiding."
I had never met a man as barbaric as him. I wrenched myself free of his grasp.
"And who are you?" I quipped.
"I'm Sweede," he said smiling a toothy grin. "Quinn's son."
My heart hammered against my ribs and my eyes widened. I had just ran straight into the self proclaimed lord of the lower city's son. This wasn't good- especially if I made him angry. So far we had been in Quinn's good graces- it was hard to fall from that, but I didn't want to be the first. I had heard of what had happened to people that he disliked.
"And you are, beauty?"
My heart slowed a bit realizing he was now trying to flirt with me which was even more strange- werewolves didn't usually like halflings.
He had sharp angular features with short messy hair and an angular goatee. From his demeanor, I could tell he was a womanizer and used to getting what he wanted. I had to admit, he was easy on the eyes when he didn't look feral.
"Sasha," I said sweetly. "I'm so sorry for running into you."
I saw his rigid stance relax ever so slightly. Perfect- the hunter was now the prey.
"It's quite alright," he said casually. "It's not every day that I get to meet a beautiful woman."
I flushed involuntarily. I needed to steel myself against his charm or I would be clay in his hands.
"May I grab you something to eat? I was just on my way for a meal," he offered.
"Another time?"I asked.
Perhaps if I could get in good with Quinn's son, I could help protect my brother.
He took my hand in his kissing the back gently sweeping himself into a flamboyant bow.
"I can't wait, Sasha," he said. "Till next time we meet."
With that he disappeared into the crowd leaving me alone once more. I tried spotting him in the crowd, but his clothing was simple and didn't stand out and the crowd was larger than I thought. He was good at being aloof.
I continued towards the market to pick up the few things I needed for our stew that night without further problems.