Page 40 of Bradi

Chapter Eighteen

“Are you sure that you want to go out?” Christian asked.

Marisa turned and flashed him a wide smile. “Never been more sure.”

“Fabulous, then I think we should start our tour near the outskirts of the territory.”

Marisa wasn’t an expert on the area, but she’d seen enough over her time on Sargaidia to know that they didn’t tend to wander far.

Christian put his hand on her shoulder and seemed to read her thoughts. “Have no fear, little doctor. We have many, many hours until suns set so let us enjoy our day together. Bradiainn was most insistent that I keep you occupied. He was also very specific as to which activities I am and am not permitted to keep you occupied with. I believe that he will be most pleased with your suggestion of learning native healing techniques.”

She blushed at the mention of Bradi’s name. They’d spent the night making love and she’d been disappointed to find out that he had to meet Nina at the training fields at suns up. The entire compound had been on red alert after Pheebes and his men had returned with news of a pending attack by some man named Stegian.

“I can’t figure this damn thing out,” she said, trying again to wrap the gold cord around the loose shirt she wore, if you could even call it that. The thing barely came under her breasts and the pants they’d given her were so low-riding that she feared if they slipped down any more, she’d be giving the world a free peep show.

Christian laughed and took the cord from her hands. “Here, put your arms up.” She did and he carefully wrapped the cord under her breasts, before crisscrossing it around her waist. She felt more like she was stepping back into time and entering the Roman era, but couldn’t complain. The outfit was beautiful. Christian stopped wrapping her up and ran his large hands over her stomach.

“It’s so strange,” she whispered, still amazed that she was going to be a mommy.

“I take it that Bradiainn has finally told you.”

“I love him, and I know that he was afraid I’d take the news wrong. He didn’t intentionally deceive me,” she said, suddenly feeling the need to defend Bradi.

Christian nodded and took her by the arm. “I know. “

Marisa hesitated slightly before allowing him to lead her out of the room. Something was off. She couldn’t put her finger on it but there was something that wasn’t quite right. “So, tell me. Are all Chieftains this insightful?”

“I wouldn’t know. I am the only one. My father seemed to know quite a bit, but when you are young, you believe that all adults are wise.”

“What?” She eyed him closely. “You’re like the king?”

He nodded his head and motioned toward the guards approaching them. Marisa couldn’t help but notice the intricate markings on Christian’s body. The men rarely wore more than leather straps on their upper bodies, and most of the time those only seemed to be places to store their weapons. Every now and then, Christian would wear a leather vest but that seemed to be on cool days. As much as she liked the idea of being surrounded by sexy men, she only had eyes for one—Bradi.

“What do all the symbols mean?” Lightly, she traced the side of Christian’s arm, where several geometrical markings seemed to blend into tribal tattoos.

“That particular one allows me to connect with nature.”

That piqued her interest. “So, they actually do something other than accent your muscles.”

The deep laugh that bubbled forth from him made her smile as he winked. “That they do, little doctor.”

“I noticed that Lorelei has many, and that Nina has a few. Why doesn’t Bradi have markings?”

“Ah, their mother was a native Shamenian, and their father a werepanther mix. With such a varied genetic makeup, each child received different skills and markings. Lorelei is a gifted healer. Nina is a warrior. Bradiainn is a warrior as well. In time, I hope that you will be able to meet the other brothers too.”

A blond guard approached and Marisa scowled. The very sight of the man from the forest made her stomach turn.

Christian smiled. “Ah, welcome, Pheebes. I am pleased you have decided to join us this fine day.”

Marisa wasn’t nearly as happy to see Pheebes as Christian was. The man had run her husband through with a sword. Granted, Bradi was fine now, but still.

Pheebes bowed his head and put his arm out to Marisa. She looked to Christian for guidance and he nodded his head. Not wanting to disappoint the king, she did as required, all the while wanting to rip the man’s arm from his socket for daring to harm her husband. It didn’t matter that they’d thought him to be in league with this Stegian character. Bradi was Bradi, and she loved him. No one had a right to harm him. No one.

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