Page 28 of Griffin Food

Somewhere along the way, that has changed. Now he has a mile-wide stubborn streak where my safety is concerned.

Pity for him that I likewise have a stubborn streak. No way am I leaving without seeing a griffin. While wintering here when they might come closer to the village would be a very bad idea, maybe seeing one from a distance would fill that yawning hole in my soul. Besides, the longer we stay, the more likely it is that Rafe and Lark will catch wind of griffins and chosen ones.

“Well, there are many passes through the mountain. And the old lodge used by the shepherds in spring is a sure bet,” Master Pugstone says.

Yes. Yes!

“But we are late in the summer,” he continues. “The journey must be made on foot and could take several weeks. And then you must journey back. The seasons can change swiftly. I could not advise it.” He smiles brightly. “But you could winter over here. It is always a quiet time, and several vacant properties might suit you and your attendants. There is no shortage of work for capable men… and I have long been meaning to re-catalog my many books. It would be a pleasure to have your assistance. The pride members do usually—” A little color enters his cheeks. “Visit the village for the⁠—”

“Wintering here is not a good idea,” Rafe says in a no-nonsense tone.

“I agree we should leave tomorrow,” Lark pitches in. “We have virtually seen a griffin already and verified that they are real. What possible reason could we have to linger?”

No, no, no! “That does not sound like a good idea,” I say tartly. “Neither of you is listening to me!”

Rafe folds his arms and nods his head at me. “She’s going to be stubborn.”

Lark sighs heavily.

It is not only Rafe I have fallen for. Lark has also taken possession of my heart. It was not difficult. He is easy on the eye and a highly competent soldier in his own right. That he lacks any kind of censor on the comments that leave his lips is his one annoying fault. Then there are times when I catch an almost lascivious expression on his face. It turns my insides to goo and makes my panties wet.

They both make my panties wet. Which is inconvenient when I have limited supplies while traveling, and further, neither man would look at me twice were I not paying them… Actually, I haven’t paid them in a long time, although I do have a small amount of coins left. Moreover, they often pick up work along the way, which is why I still have the coins…

I need to discuss this with them later… after I have seen a griffin. I turn to Master Pugstone, giving him my best pleading look. “If we were to travel straight away and swiftly to this shepherd lodge you mentioned, it is possible, though, isn’t it? My many weeks of riding have improved my stamina no end.”

Rafe makes a strangling sound like he is thinking about putting me over his knee.

Master Pugstone’s face softens. “Well, I suppose if you were swift… but I would really recommend⁠—”

“That is settled then!” I interrupt lest anyone get ideas to the contrary.

Home. Why do I have such an inexplicable connection to this place? Why do I want to linger here even beyond Master Pugstone’s suggestion of wintering over? It would be dangerous to make this a permanent home. I am an omega after all.

Only I am broken, much like their pride…

It’ll be fine. I won’t let it be anything else.

The air is thick with tension as we leave Master Pugstone’s residence, but as Rafe surmised, I am feeling stubborn. I will see my damn griffin, and on my terms.

They barely speak to me during supper. I catch their eyes meeting more times than I like, and a world of silent communication is going on between them.

They are planning something—most likely how to thwart me and my plans.

When I was little, I used to talk to my sisters about the adventures I would have, never daring to dream I would live them.

Look at me now, here, on the verge of realizing a seemingly impossible dream.

I’m not going to let my omega side, nor two stubborn men, get in my way.

Chapter Eight

Violet

The next morning I rise more determined than ever. But I have also reflected upon their motivations. They are only concerned for my safety, and in the honesty of this moment, I love them more for it.

Forces beyond earthly understanding are pulling me. A compulsion so strong, it defies logical explanation. I am unwaveringly set upon this course.

“Did you find a stable for our horses?” I ask casually as we sit down for breakfast in the main tavern room. It is early, but the sky beyond the window is already showing the promise of a cloudless day.