Chapter 24: SAVAGE JAXSON - RedBayne Bears a Warning

Blue Lark Guild, Dread Hideout

SAVAGE JAXSON

Savage was leaned over the counter, watching Dimurah serving, like a hungry predator. Trying to persuade her to let Adrea take over tending the counter. And come back to my tent.

“Savage Jack!” RedBayne roared from the doorway. Even before the door he’d ripped open slammed against the wall.

Yes? Savage’s blue gaze slid to him coolly. He turned, cocking his hip to give the mammoth man his ear.

“We must talk!”

About what?

People were hissing breaths at the barbarian’s commanding tone with their King.

“About?”

I see no reason to move from where I am, this moment.

“No’ somethin’ ye wan’ me saying out here!” RedBayne gestured around.

Savage’s unwavering gaze made others in the alehouse cringe.

“It’s bout ye’re lass!” He gestured to Dimurah.

What about her?

Savage’s eyes went sideways to see her. “Is there something I need to know?” He asked from the corner of his mouth.

“Yea.” She paused wiping the counter to lean forward. “Ye’re an ass!”

He gave her a dark glance as he lurched off the bar and uncrossed his legs to go greet the huge redhead.

“Come, barbarian.” He waved over his head as he aimed for a bench in the dark corner. The one commonly used for business.

I’ve no interest in bad news. Let’s get to the point.

“What is it?”

“King Ocnomad.”

There was the faintest curl of Savage’s upper lip.

RedBayne glanced at the motion.

Unsurprising since he doesn’t miss much.

“He’s put a bounty on her.”

Savage leapt to his feet and drew RedByane’s blade from the sheath, crossing his chest to hang near his left hip. Pressing the metal to the bigger man’s throat. Panting with rage. Take it back.

RedBayne slowly lifted his hands. Assessing Savage with alert blue eyes. “No’ me fault, Brother. I’m just hear ta warn ye.”

It isn’t his fault. He drew no weapon on me.

“Dammit!” Savage tossed the blade across the alehouse, sliding over the wood floor in a rare flare of temper.

“I understand.” RedBayne said in an even tone. “That’s why I came ta warn ye.”

“How much?” He leaned over RedBayne to whisper in a low voice.

“$1000 crowns.”

They’ll tear this alehouse apart to get to her. He turned to Dimurah. Looking incredibly defeated as his chest heaved.

She met his stare, wide-eyed.

Everyone is. He realized.

“I came to help ye.” RedBayne said. “I can get her out of ’ere.” He whispered to Savage’s back.

“Can you give me one night?” Savage turned back to him.

RedBayne nodded. Lips tight. “I’ll wait.”

“Thank you.” Savage impulsively grabbed the top of RedBayne’s shoulder. Squeezing it firmly. “Thank you…”

“I know.” RedBayne lowered his head in deference. Standing, he walked around Savage to head out of Winter Haven.

“Dimurah.” He waved as he strode past the counter. Heading for the backdoor.

The command had her leaping to obey, despite herself. She stepped through a swinging half door and headed through a few men parting to make a path. Once outside, she quickened to catch up to him crossing the floating deck to round the front of the structure.

“What is it?” She asked urgently as he rounded to face her.

Without a word he spun and grabbed her cheeks. Slamming his mouth to hers as she ran into him. Consuming her in a kiss that bordered on violent.

She reared back startled.

Probably because I’ve never touched her harshly.

“You have to go.” He gave her a piercing look.

“No.” She shook her head, brows lowering. “No…”

You have to.

“I won’t leave.” She read his face.

“Dimurah…”

I knew she’d be difficult.

“No, Jax. I’ve done everything you ever asked me to. You promised me you’d never make me go. You promised!”

“You’re leaving. If I have to banish you, haul you out myself or order my men to drag you by your hair.”

“No, I can’t.” Her eyes instantly welled. “You’ll have to be the one to drag me by my hair.”

He flexed his shoulders. You know I’d never do that.

“I know. You’re scared.”

It’s the only place you’ve ever felt safe.

I’m dethroning the Barter Queen. He realized sadly.

“They put a bounty on your head. High enough to make every man in this Guild turn on you. I can stave off a lot. But not all of them.” His mouth whitened. The hard line of his jaw ticking.

“Why would they put coin on my head? How do they even know?”

“They don’t know. It’s a $1,000 crowns for the Barter Queen.”

“Why for me?”

Because you’re an easier target.

“To get to me.”

“Why don’t they put it on you?”

“They have. I’m worth 3,000 crowns but it’s a reward they can’t collect dead. No one will come at me directly.” He shook his head sadly. “But you…they know you’re the quickest way to get to me.”

And you’re vulnerable.

“Then let me stay with you!”

I can’t.

“It’s too risky. I wish I could.”

“Come away with me, Jax! Be with me. Let all your hate go. Let all these schemes be, and be with me!” He saw the plea in her teary blue eyes and fractured.

Don’t ask me that.

“Dimurah…” He caught her in a tight embrace. Tucking her under his chin.

“What if something happens to you!”

“Nothing will happen to me.” He reassured.

I’ll hunt them all down to bring you back.

“I’m safer with you.”

“You’re not.” He breathed.

I wish you were.

“Then I’m staying here.”

“It won’t work.” He shook his head adamantly. Arms tightening around her as she sobbed against his studded tunic. His chin lifted and his body was so tight, his muscles ached. “You can’t stay here, Dimurah. You need to understand that your kingdom is going to crumble.”

“And what about yours!” She cried.

“You are my kingdom.” He whispered against her forehead. Pressing a soft kiss against her hairline. “If anything happened to you then this tenuous world I’ve built would fall and shatter along with me.”