Kaitlyn
Linton doesn’t let me respond. Instead I’m lifted off my feet into his arms which are like iron bands as they clamp onto me. I could fight him, but I doubt very much I’d win.
Because I belong to him, apparently.
I know some of the creatures of the Yeavering take mates. After all, my friend Wynter is married to a huge werewolf called Reavely. Their mating brought his entire family back from the dead. Mating is a powerful thing, or so it seems.
But belonging to a Bluecap is not mating. Given Linton seems to think he knows everything about humans, when he clearly knows nothing, I’m not sure belonging to him is anything like being mated.
If belonging to him means I don’t have to die, I’m prepared to give it a go. I might even be able to persuade him to let me go back to the bakery.
Or I might end up as a Bluecap’s pet. It’s genuinely difficult to tell which is the most likely outcome. Linton is not going to be clear, other than he has taken me and he is going to keep me.
Yet, belonging to him is not the worst situation I’ve been in during my time in the Yeavering, and as strange as Linton is, he’s handsome, completely ripped, and he’s saved me from some Redcaps and a spectral army.
If I had to choose between him and a Faerie Lord when there is a claim on me, I’d pick Linton every time.
Other than his main attributes, he doesn’t smell like old cheese either. And his good looks are not a result of glamour, like the Faerie.
I look up at his face. His antennae are flat against his head as he keeps up an impressive pace.
Fortunately we are not flying again, but we’re moving faster than I could walk in my slippers.
I wish I had an idea of Linton’s plan. The full moon is still many nights away, and while we’ve been going all day, there’s no sign of the forest ending or of where we’re going to stay the night.
Given Linton is a sort of mothman, perhaps he won’t stop at night. Perhaps he’ll keep on, never slowing his pace, until we reach wherever we are destined to be.
My heart eases a little in my chest. I don’t think I’m going to die, today or perhaps any day. Whether this is down to the intervention of Linton remains to be seen, but for the time being, it looks like I’m stuck with him and he with me.
Although given I belong to him, it would appear he’s happy enough to have me, well, in his arms.
Linton slows his pace and I see ahead in the gloom some lights.
“Where are we?”
“Inn,” he growls.
Unable to help myself, I shiver. Maybe it’s the idea of meeting others in the company of my Bluecap, or possibly it’s because I’m in my nightclothes (and no underwear) I feel this might be awkward.
“Kaitlyn?” Linton is looking at me like I might break.
The way he says my name, in his deep rasp, is as if I’m the only creature in the entire universe.
“Are we…staying there?”
He blows out a hot breath. “I would continue our journey all night, but you say humans need rest and food. I have seen your food, and I’m not sure I like it, but if you like it, then you should have it.”
His chest heaves from the stream of words. I’m not entirely sure what to make of it, but I know, even with Linton carrying me, I can’t continue all night. I’m hungry, thirsty, and I ache.
I’m going to pick a night resting in an inn over the alternative.
Linton pads up to the inn. Outside torches burn brightly, and I think for a minute we’re going in the front door, but then he swerves, and instead we enter the stable yard. Horses poke their heads out of stalls, see Linton, and blow great snorts into the night air.
He lowers me to my feet. I have to cling to him for a moment or two until the circulation comes back. Linton grunts slightly, and I realise I have hold of the edge of his wing. It’s incredibly soft, like deep pile velvet.
“Sorry.” I let go instantly.
“There are things you should know about me, Kaitlyn,” Linton says.
I look at his head. It’s covered in what looks like shards of glass, glittering in the flickering torch light.
“Bluecap,” a voice growls behind us, “what are you doing here?”
Linton turns with a growl as an absolutely enormous creature walks into the light. It’s a centaur. His chestnut flanks gleam like a shiny penny, his muscular torso, in sharp contrast, streaked with dirt.
“Warden.” Linton nods. “I am staying here with my female.”
“You have a female?” the centaur rumbles. “Wonders will never cease in the Yeavering. First the Wyrm and now you.”
“And the Barghest,” Linton says.
“The Barghest is mated?” the centaur booms.
“Um, we’re not mated,” I say, pointing between me and Linton.
“You look like you are in your wedding attire,” Warden says, looking me up and down.
Linton growls deep in his chest, and I feel like my sartorial situation has gone from bad to worse.
“I’m not. We’re just…friends,” I finish lamely.
Warden barks out a hearty laugh. “The Bluecap doesn’t have any friends, do you, Linton?” He levels his gaze at us. “Not given your habits.”
Linton continues to growl, a set of sharp fangs on full display.
“I’m due back in the Night Lands.” Warden stomps across the yard. “But it’s good I’ve seen you. I hear Tam Lin is interested in your services, and I would suggest you decline.”
“Why?” Linton forces the word out of his mouth.
“He isn’t who he appears to be.”
“I know what he is.”
“Good. Then don’t let him bind you in a contract. No good will come of it,” Warden says, and trots out of the yard.
I hear the thudding of his hooves as he gallops into the night.