Vixen's Challenge by Aron Lewes

Author:Aron Lewes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: kitsune romance, books with kitsune, paranormal romance, cute paranormal romance, shifter romance, shapeshifter romance books
Publisher: Aron Lewes
Published: 2021-03-16T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

“I'M EAGER TO MEET THE girl that has you so worked up. I can't remember the last time I've seen you so excited.”

Esha's head shook at Larien's observation. It wasn't entirely wrong, but he was embarrassed to own up to his fervor. “I wouldn't say I'm worked up. I just want to know she's real... and I want to help her, if I can.”

They were a mile away from Brennick, heading north along the coast. If Sara's directions were accurate, Esha expected to see a ramshackle cottage perched somewhere on the bluffs. He would have preferred to meet her alone, but Larien had insisted on making a nuisance of himself. The king needed some entertainment during Kylin's requested break.

“Do you really think Kylin is in danger of quitting?” Esha asked.

“She'll quit... if Wilhelm tells her to quit,” Larien theorized. “Truth be told, I think he does the thinking for her.”

“And I think you're wrong. Kylin's a strong-willed girl. If she did what was expected of her, she would be married to me instead of him,” Esha said. “If she really believes in your mission, I don't think Wilhelm could sway her.”

“And what about Vala? Do you think I could sway her?” Larien asked. “She seems determined to hate me, but... I love her, you know.”

“I know... but Vala has a lot of pride. She doesn't hate you, but if you want her to open up to you, you'll have to set aside your ego and apologize for certain things that were said.”

“Like... the fact that I wouldn't marry a commoner?”

Esha's nod was slow, but firm. He might have had more to say, but he was silenced by the sight of a thatched cottage on a faraway hill. Its stone chimney was leaning, as if it could slide off at any second, and the weeds in the yard were as tall as some men. “Do you think that's it?” Esha asked. “Is that where Sara lives?”

His companion hitched a shoulder. “I don't know. The only thing you can do is knock on the door and ask.”

The hill was steep, and the climb to its summit wasn't without a few grunts and huffs from both men that tackled it. Esha would have preferred to make the hike in his four-legged form, which was speedier and lithe, but he knew the king wouldn't have been able to keep up.

“My knees!” Larien whined. “You never told me the bulk of this journey would be up a damn hill!”

“As if I knew!” Esha exclaimed. “Had I been able to warn you, I assure you, I would have done so. I care about your knees, fragile little things that they are.”

Larien was doubled over and panting when they reached the cottage. Esha, needing less time to recover, tapped on the door, clenched his teeth, and waited.

When the door swung open, its passage was blocked by a ginger man with close-cropped hair and meaty shoulders practically bursting from his tunic. Freckles peppered his massive forearms, and coils of orange hair peeked over the top of his collar.

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