Chapter 39: Chapter 39

Dhol

Dhol knew he had to make a move. Raven had been giving him the cold shoulder since she arrived. The last time she was here, they’d had an unforgettable night together.

He had planned to ask her to be his girlfriend the next day, but after getting Laro’s message and a memo from the office, he let his worst fears take over.

And then he screwed everything up.

Dhol replaced the flowers on Donikca’s and Zahli’s graves. He had expected his secret to be out after Raven discovered them, but everything was the same when he returned to work.

Her floral scent hit him first. It was faint; he could tell she was trying to sneak up on him. Her footsteps were silent.

Raven would make a great spy if she learned to control her scent.

Dhol glanced over his shoulder. “I’m—last time was rough. I’ll make sure we always part on good terms from now on.”

She nodded and sat next to him. At least she wasn’t hiding in her room with her books.

Raven seemed let down when Arenk called a few days ago and asked if she could stay longer, but Dhol was glad for the chance to make things right.

“I found this new spot by a lake, daki-free. I had the seamstress make you some clothes.”

“I’m supposed to be leaving today,” Raven said.

“Arenk called and said he was still tied up with work.”

“Laro too?”

It felt like a punch to the gut as he nodded. She was desperate to get away from him. He hated being out in the open, let alone socializing, but Raven seemed to enjoy it last time.

Dhol hoped she would be in a better mood later after having some fun. The only time she smiled now was at Bellamy. He’d be damned if he let a hairy beast outdo him.

***

Dhol had gathered every kind of meat he could find for this occasion. He even bought every dessert from that special shop he wanted to take her to.

Raven was still in her tent, getting ready according to the maid.

Dhol picked up the scent of a group heading his way. At least ten. He cursed under his breath. He was sure no one else knew about this spot.

Most respected each other’s space and privacy and would likely find another site or keep their distance.

“Alone tonight?” General Hokji asked, with a woman on each arm.

Who the hell invited him? The whole forest and lake were available, and he chose to come here. General Hokji probably saw his vehicle and decided to crash.

Dhol didn’t like how Hokji had interacted with Raven the last time, but he forced a smile. The last thing he needed was for Hokji to make a scene and ruin the night.

General Hokji waved the rest of his group over and began to help himself to the food and drink.

“No, if you don’t—”

The sweetest smell wafted through the area, silencing every being in its path. It grew stronger as a silhouette came into view. Raven emerged from the trees with Bellamy at her side.

Her outfit was unusually modest compared to what she usually wore. He hadn’t ordered this piece, a long shimmery gown in a pale pink shade with a long slit up each side.

Gold accessories hung from her neck, wrists, and ears. As she got closer, he could see her feet were bare except for gold anklets. Raven’s hair was pulled up in a curly ponytail.

Her attire reminded him of something that slipped his mind. Dhol reached out for her.

“Goddess Aikra in the flesh,” General Hokji said, reaching her first.

He took her hand and pressed his forehead to it. His dates were fuming at his sudden change of interest. General Hokji was right. She was dressed as Goddess Aikra. Then it hit him.

The books she had been reading. He didn't think she was at that reading level yet.

She pulled her hand away. “Yes, the Goddess of Fertility. I was torn between her and Goddess Donikca.”

“Would you like to take a walk by the lake?” General Hokji asked, stepping closer.

Bellamy positioned himself between them.

Raven petted him and giggled. “I have another escort here. You have two beauties that would take you up on your offer,” she said, looking past him and nodding to the women he left behind.

“They'll be just fine.”

“Next time.” She smiled, stepping around him.

The torch lights made her glow and reflected like a mirage off her dress as she approached Dhol. The look she gave him excited him to his core, but something in him screamed danger.

“Is this your way of apologizing?” she asked.

“I feel bad about how I treated you.”

“But you're a protector of Tarea first,” she said, finishing the thought he didn't want to say out loud. “I understand. You had every right to do so.”

He was taken aback.

“Are you done avoiding me then?” Dhol asked.

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“On if I can be Daddy’s little whore tonight.”

The cool breeze and light chatter around them filled the silence. Dhol took a long sip from his glass. His instincts were at odds again, but he was sure it was because of all the prying eyes.

Maybe he was nervous about asking her tonight and what her answer would be.

“You will always be mi—”

“Raven! Universe, I love that dress!”

A squealing woman pushed between them and examined Raven. He recognized the woman with blue eyes and brown hair. She was from the same mother as Arenk’s favorite.

“I want you to meet some of the others.” The woman looked to him. “Can I steal her for a while?”

“Who are you introducing her to?”

“Some other women from the dorm. Don't worry, any man that wants her will come, especially with this look.” The woman smirked.

This woman was trouble if he ever saw it. A free spirit, like Raven, but when did they meet, and how?

“As long as you both behave, I have no problem with it. No drinking or drugs, Raven.”

Her shocked face almost made him smile. He didn't mean to embarrass her, but he wanted them both to know the rules, mostly because he knew Raven would break the rules anyway, and he didn't want any excuse used when it was time to punish her.

Dhol couldn’t help but take note of her fuller figure as she strolled away, Bellamy at her side. It was only natural. She wasn’t one for exercise, and her appetite had definitely grown.

If Arenk and Laro wanted her to stick around longer, he’d have to get her back into training.

“Sir, do you have a moment?” the maid inquired.

The maid had a knack for appearing out of thin air. If his lifestyle wasn’t so unconventional, he’d have a promising future in the military.

Dhol didn’t see it as a problem as long as he did his job well, but the department heads were stuck in their ways. So, he put his unique skills to good use.

“Is it urgent?” he asked, his gaze fixed on Raven as she chatted with a group of women.

She was happily indulging in the food, combining sweets and meats. The group of women closed ranks around her, which made him uneasy. He needed to get closer.

“The captain of the King’s Guard is here to see you.”

The glass slipped from Dhol’s grasp.