The Stone Wolf (The Chain Breaker Book 4) by D.K. Holmberg (digital book reader TXT) 📕

into Jessica. Gavin had been careful about encountering her since he’d left the tavern, not wanting to have conflict with her, but also not wanting to raise the possibility with anybody who might be watching that he had any residual affection for her. It was for her own safety.

That’s all it is.

He doubted that she would agree, but that was part of the reason he’d made a point of doing it. Jessica would tell him that she was safe, and though she might be, she didn’t really understand the depths of the danger to her. Gavin also didn’t want to put her in any more risk than necessary, especially considering how he had been responsible for so much of what had happened to her.

Which meant going in one of the side entrances.

Gavin ducked around the outside of the Dragon and made his way toward the kitchen door before pausing. Even that would potentially draw Jessica’s attention, especially if she was the one cooking.

He could scale the wall, but he didn’t really want to. It might be necessary so that he could get to Wrenlow, but then they’d have to sneak back out. That wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, and certainly not the most difficult.

Gavin scaled the wall and pulled himself up to the window of the room where he knew Wrenlow was staying, then tapped on it.

There was no answer.

He tapped again and peered through. Considering that it was midday, he wouldn’t be terribly surprised if Wrenlow was already gone. There was another possibility, though, and as Gavin stared through the window at the still-made bed, he smiled to himself.

“That rascal,” he whispered.

He started to scramble back down, when he slipped, landing with too much noise.

Gavin bounded to his feet, ready to hurry from the alley, only to come face-to-face with Jessica. She was a lovely woman about five years his senior, with deep brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. Grease stained her apron, and her arms were crossed over her chest.

“You’re making all that noise sneaking back here?”

“I’m not sneaking,” he said, though knew it wouldn’t convince her.

“And you’d rather sneak up the side of my tavern than come through and visit with me?”

Gavin flashed a smile at her, though she didn’t react to it the way she once had. “I was in your tavern last night, Jessica.”

He looked past her, and immediately wished that he hadn’t. When he turned his attention back to her, she watched him with a sour expression.

“You were there, but you didn’t even bother to stop and talk to me.”

He should have, and he understood why she’d be upset that he hadn’t. “I’m sorry. I was out of it last night. Work. And other things.”

She opened her mouth, looking like she wanted to say something, then shook her head. “What happened to us, Gavin?”

“I didn’t realize that anything happened to us.”

“We both agreed it was going to be casual. You’re the one making this uncomfortable.”

She was right, and Gavin knew she was, but it didn’t make it any easier for him. “I’m not trying to make it uncomfortable,” he said. “It’s just…”

“Just that you think you can protect me.”

Gavin cocked his head, watching her before nodding slowly. “Is that wrong?”

“You know, you would be better able to protect me if you stayed at the Dragon rather than wherever you’ve skulked off to.”

“I’m not skulking off anywhere.”

“You haven’t come around nearly as much. I remember the first night you came to the Dragon and needed a place to stay.”

“You offered me your room,” Gavin said.

“That doesn’t need to be the case now,” she said. “If you would prefer more traditional accommodations, I’m more than happy to provide them.”

“I know you are,” he said. He looked around the street before turning his attention back to her. “I’m… just worried. There.” It was hard to admit. “There’s a danger in the city, and I’m not sure it’s the kind you would be able to handle.”

“Is that right? I’ve managed to keep the Dragon under my supervision for the better part of twenty years. You don’t think I can manage a little bit of trouble?”

“It’s not that,” he said.

“Then what is it?”

“It’s just that… I know the kind of men we’re dealing with.”

“It’s not just the kind of men we’re dealing with,” she said, tapping him on the chest. “You know the exact man.”

“I do,” he said. “And I know that we need to be careful with him. You need to.”

“I have been. I’ve made sure we have enchantments all over the tavern. Is that what you wanted to hear? Did you want to know that I’ve done everything in my power to ensure the safety of the Dragon? Zella has been working with me to make sure we have everything we need.”

“I didn’t know that,” Gavin said.

“Maybe if you came around more often, you might.” She shook her head. “Or you might spend a little time with Gaspar. He’s worried about you, you know.”

Gavin smiled slightly. “I doubt he’s all that worried about me. Gaspar and I have a working type of relationship, nothing more than that.”

“Maybe that’s how you view it, but I’ve noticed the way he’s talked about you.”

“With a lot of swearing?”

Jessica just shook her head again. “Come by and visit with him, would you? And maybe sit and have a mug of ale, and talk with me as if we’re friends rather than whatever you’ve decided to make us.”

Gavin took a deep breath before nodding. He really should be better with that. “I will.”

“And don’t go climbing the side of my tavern again to find Wrenlow. He never came back last night.”

“I figured that. I saw that his bed was made.”

Jessica smiled. “That boy. He keeps such a messy room, but I’ve been trying to pick up after him. Somebody has to care for him.”

“I’m trying to help him learn to care for himself,” Gavin said.

“I’ve heard,” she said. “Teaching him to fight isn’t going to turn him into