Free A Warlord's Heart by Michelle Howard Page B

Vaan didn’t have time for lengthy explanations.
“See to Balal and Amrod. We ride on those who have taken my
young.”
    Ramar protested. “I would ride at your
back.”
    Vaan shook his head and coughed. “No, I need
you here protecting our home in case they return or there are
others.”
    Ramar blanched but bowed. Vaan suddenly
thought of his mate. Mikayla would be unaware of the dangers
present. The skin on his arms pebbled and a wave of intense fear
rolled over him until he shook. He needed her home now. “Summon
Argan. Tell him I need Mikayla and my men brought home.”
    Ramar nodded. “As you wish, Overlord.”
    Argan’s bride, the Shadow Queen, had gifts
beyond his comprehension and Vaan trusted his best friend would see
to his mate’s safety. Argan would understand more than anyone the
driving force behind Vaan’s desire for Mikayla to be home within
reach of those who would give their life for her.
    As Vaan and his men thundered off, he turned
to his youngest Warlord riding to his left. Though pale, Kiel met
Vaan’s gaze. “Whatever you need, Sire.”
    “Track them. Find my enemies.”
    Kiel didn’t hesitate. “Of course,
Overlord.”
    The youth raced ahead. Kiel had an uncanny
ability to follow the smallest detail on a trail. Vaan placed his
trust in those instincts now as he kneed his hapfe faster.
     
    ***
     
    Miki gave the youngling, Ora, an extra cuddle
then handed her to Genisa. Sendal smiled at his mate and youngling
before shifting his gaze to Miki.
    “We thank you for coming, Mikayla.”
    When the stable master brought the hapfe
over, Miki grabbed Hapani’s leads and nodded. “I’m just sorry for
the events of the last day.”
    Sendal’s green eyes darkened as he took a
step toward Miki. All four Warlords clustered around her,
preventing Sendal from touching her. Miki tossed them a frown as
she shoved Merik in the side for a clear view of her fellow
Su-Su.
    Sendal’s lips quirked up at the corners. He
looked lighthearted for the first time since her arrival. “Rumors
of the Overlord’s care for you are true.” Genisa chuckled at his
side then Sendal became serious. “What happened here wasn’t your
fault or your mate’s. The blame is on those who refuse to accept
peace.”
    Sendal waved an arm at their surroundings
from the steps of his home. “All of this can be rebuilt. Your True
Union has given the rest of us faith. Worries of continued war
between Desani and Kaban are a thing of the past and all because of
your courage.”
    Miki flushed at his effusive praise. “I
didn’t do anything.”
    Sendal curved an arm around his mate, drawing
her closer. “You did what the rest of us were afraid to do. Fought
back.” His shoulders straightened as he continued. “It won’t happen
again. If you or the Overlord ever need us, the S’Asigi household
will stand by you.”
    Miki’s fingers tightened on the leather in
her hand and she absorbed his commitment. “Thank you Sendal and
you, Genisa.”
    “Su-Su Mikayla!”
    Miki turned. Running across the open
courtyard was one of Sendal’s people. Steel rang behind her as
Carog drew his sword. Kavan eased her behind his back, keeping one
arm at her waist. The Raasa male came to a halt, gaze darting from
the Warlords then back to Miki. Or as much as he could see of her
around Kavan’s bulk.
    “Miki,” he called.
    Miki craned her neck and couldn’t stop her
bright smile when recognition flared. She dropped Hapani’s leads in
her excitement. “Arlis.”
    He offered a small bow and took a step
closer. This time all four Warlords moved to create a wall between
Miki and the Raasa male. She sighed internally then broke Kavan’s
hold and ran to hug Arlis. His arms eased around her waist in a
comfortable embrace as he rubbed his face against the top of her
head.
    “It’s been ages,” he murmured in her ear.
    Miki gently pulled his arms from her then
slid her hands up to his shoulders where she gave a firm squeeze
before letting him go.