Page 49 of Bought to Break
Greygor either didn’t notice or chose to ignore him. ‘I’ve heard a story of our newest Brother stealing gold and a horse. Normally, as it transpired before, I wouldn’t worry, but considering all that’s happened since you brought her here, I want her punishment carried out. Soon.’
‘It will be done,’ Kane replied.
‘We shall see, boy. We shall see. On to other matters. I’m down three of my best men days before one of the most important invasions in a hundred years. I suggest you find a way to make it up to me or perhaps I’ll find another second.’
Kane felt his lip curl into a sneer. ‘Indeed.’
‘You seem different. Is there anything I should know?’
‘No.’
Kane left without a backward glance. It was done for now, though he feared it was far from over. At least Greygor couldn’t take Lana by force. He could try to seduce her, but he and the other Brothers couldn’t do anything else without just cause. And what if Sorin was right? What if Lana was a witch the stories warned of? The alliance that had existed between them and the Army when they were still the sentinels of the realms was long dead. There weren’t enough witches now to be a thorn in their side, but that wasn’t really the point. If anyone did believe and suspect Lana, all of their lives would be in danger. There was little the Army feared, but the stories of the witches who’s magick stole your fight and left you useless as a warrior were told in scared whispers while grown men shivered in terror and blamed the cold.
‘There you are, Brother.’
‘Quin.’ Kane nodded in greeting but didn’t stop.
The other man fell into step beside him despite Kane clearly not wanting to talk. ‘I just heard something and I wanted to find out the truth.’
So it was starting to make the rounds. Kane stifled a sigh and reminded himself that it was a good thing. The more who knew Lana was untouchable, the safer she was for now. ‘It’s true. We claimed the girl. She’s one of us now.’
Quin looked thoughtful. ‘I thought you had no liking for her.’
Kane shrugged and muttered a farewell, veering away between the tents and hoping the man left him alone. He was in no mood to chat. He passed the training grounds and caught sight of Lana and Sorin. He was teaching her how to throw those tiny knives of his, and she wasn’t too bad considering it was her first lesson. He watched them for a moment as they chatted easily, laughing freely with each other.
He almost wished he could be like that with her, but he didn’t have that easy way about him that Sorin did. Kane frowned. Sorin did seem happier – they all did. Was it just because they’d got what they’d wanted and she was theirs, or was it something more? Was it possible that she was what Sorin said?
Chapter 24
Lana
Throwing knives at an unmoving target was infinitely easier than learning swordplay. That much was clear to Lana within a few minutes of beginning her training with Sorin. And though her arms now ached from flinging the little daggers for hours, Sorin’s company was markedly more desirable than Kane’s. He even showed her how to pick locks, surprised when he told her that Kane was a master of sleight of hand and had taught him everything he knew. She would have thought their unit’s indomitable leader too, well,largein body to be very stealthy whereas Sorin was a bit more lithe. All three men were so different, and not just physically.
Where Kane was all scowls and severity and Viktor brusque yet quietly caring, Sorin was almost always smiles and jokes. He had her chuckling all day as he told her funny stories and ribald tales. He told her she wasn’t too bad with the knives, which she knew was a lie. But at least he made her feel like it was possible to learn these momentous things that all the rest of the Brothers seemed to be able to do so easily.
One day, perhaps, she would be an asset to their unit, or so she hoped. She desired the respect of all three men and knew learning their crafts was the way to get some degree of it. She didn’t want her measure to be taken on her back, so to speak. There was more to her than that, and she would show them.
‘Come.’
‘We’re finished already? But Kane said that training lasts until sunset.’ She looked around and planted her feet stubbornly. Everyone else was still training. ‘What will they think if we just leave in the middle of everything?’
Sorin rolled his eyes and waved a hand flippantly. ‘Who the fuck cares, Lana? We’re the strongest unit in this army. Anyone who remarks on our absence isn’t training hard enough themselves and can suck my giant cock. Now, come.’
He practically dragged her back to their tent and ushered her inside before turning away to stow his knives with his things.
‘I care,’ she said as she watched him putting his weapons away with meticulous care.
‘Hmm?’
He wasn’t listening. Lana’s brow furrowed. ‘You said, “Who the fuck cares?” I care. I want to learn, Sorin. I don’t want to be a millstone.’
Sorin twisted around so suddenly, she took a step backward uncertainly. ‘Oh, Lana.’ He framed his hands around her face and then tugged her plaited hair softly. ‘I should have known you’d take that to heart. I’m sorry. Millstone was a poor choice of word. You’re not a burden. The training will take time and you’ll work hard, but you can’t run before you can walk.’
‘But Kane said–’
‘I don’t care what Kane said,’ he interrupted. ‘Kane can train you his way and I will mine. Understand?’
She nodded.
