The Soldati General (Soldati Hearts Book 3) Read online

  Segreti nodded. “How do you know it won’t take off again?”

  Ezra glared at the orb. “It better not, if it knows what’s good for it.”

  Segreti chuckled, and Ezra arched an eyebrow at him. Why was the general amused?

  “Very well. Let’s fetch your orb.”

  Ezra took several steps back, observing Segreti as he prepared to shift. He had heard many a tale regarding General Segreti. He was a warrior of legend, his heroic feats captured in song. As the fiercest of Orso warriors, he was even greater in stature than Khalon, certainly wider and more muscular. His biceps were so thick Ezra couldn’t wrap his hands around one if he tried. His shoulders were impossibly broad, his chest expansive. His whole body appeared as if chiseled from the great Orso mountain his realm was known for, from his square jaw down to his tapered waist and strong legs. The strength that radiated from Segreti was impressive. Each thigh was almost the size of both of Ezra’s combined. As a masculine specimen, he appeared perfectly proportionate.

  Segreti clapped his hands together, drawing Ezra’s gaze to their size. His fingers were long and calloused. Segreti was a man who forged swords, who’d spent centuries pushing himself to his limits. Ezra was grateful the Orso queen, Verity, had released Segreti from his pledge. The general deserved to live out the rest of his immortal life in peace, without fear of being called out to battle. He’d already served far longer than any general, thanks to the previous bastard of an Orso king.

  It was the swiftest change he’d ever seen in an Orso. Their bulk and mass impeded how quickly they could shift, especially compared to Soldati, but General Segreti was an Orso warrior of great experience and power. He shifted, the ground trembling beneath Ezra’s feet when Segreti landed on all four paws. He was the largest Orso that Ezra had ever laid eyes on, with golden-brown fur that looked wonderfully soft despite the various nicks and scars around his body. His left eye was open, the pupil and iris a foggy white with a sliver of amber around the iris. The scar remained, running from his brow over his eyelid, and down to his cheek.

  Ezra stepped before Segreti, his frame all but eclipsed by the Orso, and Segreti hadn’t even stood on his hind legs yet. Segreti lowered his head in a show of respect, and what Ezra sensed to be… uncertainty. As if fearing Ezra would reject him in his bear form. Why would he think such a thing?

  “My, but you’re magnificent,” Ezra said with a broad smile. He slowly placed a hand to Segreti’s head, in awe of how thick and soft his fur was. “General, I’ve never been awestruck by an Orso until this moment.”

  Segreti let out a huff and nuzzled Ezra’s side, making him chuckle. He then lowered himself to the ground, and Ezra climbed up, mindful not to tug too hard at Segreti’s fur as he did. Once he sat across his wide shoulders, he patted Segreti’s head.

  “I’m ready.” Ezra surprised himself by laughing when Segreti stood, the sudden movement forcing Ezra to throw his arms around Segreti’s head so he wouldn’t fall. “That was quite thrilling! Now, please, as close to the Eye as you can get.” He held on as Segreti turned and stepped up to the tree. “Steady, General.” Slowly, Ezra reached out and grabbed the orb. “Aha! I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but I do hope it’s out of your system. I have the orb,” Ezra informed Segreti, clutching the temperamental orb under one arm while holding on to Segreti with the other.

  As soon as Segreti lowered himself to the ground, Ezra carefully climbed off. The orb pulled at his arm, and Ezra stepped back quickly, snagging his cloak with his bootheel. He flailed an arm and gasped as he fell back. Instead of hitting the hard ground, he landed in Segreti’s strong human arms. Ezra blinked up at Segreti, who stared down at him.

  “Good catch, General,” Ezra said cheerfully. “I’m pleased to see retirement has done little to impact your agility and vigor.”

  Segreti’s eye widened. There was that flush again. “Oh, um, thank you.” He straightened, and Ezra ended up a little closer to Segreti than was proper, but for some strange reason he couldn’t fathom, he didn’t mind. Segreti’s scent was pleasant—a woodsy mix with many layers, one of them Segreti’s own Orso scent. He stood unmoving; his cheeks rosy in color.

  Ezra lifted his arm and laid the back of his hand to Segreti’s brow. “Are you unwell, General?”

  Segreti looked puzzled. “Unwell?”

  “Your face is flushed.”

  “Oh, uh…” Segreti cleared his throat, and Ezra smiled warmly.

  “I know! I’ll make you some herbal tea. It’ll work wonders. You’ll see.” He started for the south gardens but realized Segreti hadn’t moved. He turned and arched an eyebrow. “Come along, General.”

  Segreti chuckled, and in two long strides was beside Ezra. “I’ve spent many a century following orders, but I daresay yours have been the most pleasing.”

  Ezra lifted his gaze to Segreti’s. “Forgive me. I meant no disrespect.” He’d been told many a time he could come across as brash. It wasn’t his intent. He simply had no time for pretenses.

  “There is nothing to forgive, sweet Ezra.” Segreti took hold of Ezra’s hand and kissed it. “It’s certainly no hardship to follow you. Dare I say, I find myself eager to see where you might lead me.”

  Ezra nodded, though he was somewhat perplexed by Segreti’s behavior. As they walked together, Ezra discovered he rather enjoyed Segreti’s presence. Despite his stature and Orso nature, he exuded a pleasing sense of peace. Odd, since Ezra had always cherished the time spent on his own. He wasn’t quite sure what to make of it, or of the quiet, smiling general at his side.

  Chapter Two

  Fascinating.

  Segreti found himself enraptured by the Soldati healer. Truth be told, he’d been beguiled by Ezra for centuries. The Soldati had fought alongside the Orso in many a war against the putrid demons that threatened the human world. It was where Segreti had met the gentle healer and voice of the Soldati Eye. His beauty had struck Segreti first, from his soft features and chestnut-colored hair to his eyes—bluer than the brightest cloudless sky. From the moment he’d heard Ezra’s first quiet words, Segreti had been charmed, and he often wondered whether the healer had bewitched him in some manner. No other had stirred emotions in Segreti the way Ezra had.

  The Soldati warrior also confounded him. Segreti had never known a more puzzling creature. Ezra went about collecting herbs from his many tiny pots, absorbed in his task to the point Segreti wondered if Ezra remembered he was there. He’d accompanied Ezra to a sizable cottage-like structure behind the castle, one whose walls were covered in winding vines of ivy and beautiful flowers.

  Inside, it was bright, the sun coming in through the large open window on each wall. Several levels of wooden shelves ran along the walls, all heaped with little pots, glass vials, small boxes, and trinkets. Beneath the shelves, several oak tables were covered with stacks of books, parchments, paper, stationary, more pots and vials, and an array of knickknacks. In front of the stone fireplace sat a comfortable-looking love seat with scattered throw pillows and a warm blanket, and beside it was a stool with a square pillow, where Ezra placed the orb. He scolded the magical artifact and wagged a finger at it in the most adorable fashion.

  It was clear Ezra spent a good amount of time in here. He mumbled to himself as he worked. On what, Segreti had no idea. As far as Soldati went, Ezra was somewhat smaller than his brethren, but not by much. Segreti was under no illusion Ezra wasn’t as fierce. All Soldati were fearless warriors.

  Not one hair was out of place on his head, not one wrinkle on his clothes. Ezra smoothed down the front of his tunic, its blue leather bringing out the brilliant hue of his eyes. Despite being covered from neck to toe—except for his hands—the regal attire left no question a sensuous and delectable figure lay beneath the soft cotton and leather. The black leather trousers fit snug and had a habit of drawing Segreti’s gaze. Thankfully, the weather in the Soldati realm was always perfection. Segreti couldn’t imagine wearing so much leather in the heat, or the long sleev
es Ezra wore beneath the finely detailed jerkin.

  A kettle whistled from the fireplace, and Ezra hurried over. He turned and cocked his head to one side. “Please, do sit.”

  Segreti took a seat at the end of the love seat, though his great frame took up a good portion of it. Ezra turned to carry on, and Segreti inhaled deeply. The scent of Ezra mixed with the aroma of flowers and herbs stirred him deep inside. Perhaps accepting Khalon’s invitation for an early arrival had been a mistake. In truth, he’d accepted in the hopes of catching a glimpse or two of the lovely healer. He hadn’t expected the pleasure of spending time with him, much less being alone with him.

  “Here you go.”

  The sweet sound of Ezra’s smiling voice startled Segreti out of his thoughts, and he gave Ezra a rueful smile as he reached for the teacup held out to him. Like Ezra, it was delicate and beautiful. He feared causing it harm.

  “It’s all right, General. The porcelain is the finest the Soldati realm has to offer. It can withstand far more than one would expect.”

  Segreti arched a questioning eyebrow at him, and Ezra smiled knowingly.

  “Your concern was written all over your face.”

  “For a moment I wondered if you’d read my thoughts.” He frowned down at the golden liquid in his cup. “What is it?”

  “A recipe of mine.”

  “It smells… flowery.”

  Ezra chuckled. “It tastes like honey. You’ll enjoy it.” He winked at Segreti, who almost choked on his first sip. The healer was going to be the end of him. Segreti coughed, and Ezra reached over to pat his back.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yes. Went down the wrong way.”

  “Do be careful, General.” Ezra turned and headed for a round wooden table strewn with all manner of herbs, some of which Segreti had never seen before. He proceeded to clean the mortar and pestle he’d used for the herbs in Segreti’s tea.

  “Well, if I choke, at least I’ll have a healer close by.”

  Ezra shook his head at him. Once he’d finished cleaning, he went about tidying a stack of already tidy books. How very intriguing. “How long will you be staying in our realm?”

  “How long would you like me to stay?”

  Ezra’s head shot up, and Segreti hid his smile by taking a sip of tea—more carefully this time.

  “It’s not my place to say,” Ezra replied, matter-of-fact.

  Segreti hummed. “I won’t take offense if you wish me to leave once the festival is over.”

  Ezra wrinkled his nose. “You’re free to come and go as you please, General. However…” He paused, seeming to take great interest in the leaves of a small herb plant. “Should you wish to extend your stay, I would not be opposed.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Segreti replied, unable to hold back his smile this time. Was it possible Ezra might be interested in his company? Segreti quickly shook that notion from his head. What would a beautiful healer want with a battle-scarred Orso like him? Ezra was merely being hospitable. He leaned back in the love seat as he sipped his tea and studied Ezra, who busied himself returning books to their shelves. “Have you read all those books?”

  Ezra turned to face him, a book clutched to his chest and an endearingly puzzled expression on his face. “Of course. Why would I have them if not to read them?”

  “Some use books to decorate or to appear scholarly.”

  Ezra’s delicate snort charmed Segreti. “Waste of a perfectly good book. Why not decorate with books you enjoy reading? And surely if you wish to appear scholarly, at some instance someone will believe you are and engage in scholarly conversation.” He dropped his gaze to his book, his expression timid. “Do you enjoy reading books, General?”

  “I do.”

  Ezra’s dazzling smile reached his bright blue eyes, making them sparkle. It stole Segreti’s breath. “That’s wonderful!” He rounded the love seat and sat, one leg bent on the cushion so he faced Segreti.

  Segreti chuckled at Ezra’s excitement. He finished his tea and placed the cup on the small table beside the love seat before turning his body enough so he could comfortably face Ezra, their legs touching due to the limited space. “I admit I didn’t have as much time for it as I would have liked, but when you have an army to command, free time is a scarce commodity. When I managed a few blissful moments of rest, I often fell asleep while reading a good book.”

  “What kind of books did you read?”

  Segreti settled against the backrest, enjoying this heavenly moment. The sun’s rays filtered in, catching several of the colored glass bottles around the cottage, giving it an ethereal feel. Birds chirped and sang outside the windows. It was a far cry from his dark, somber quarters, tucked away against one side of the Orso mountain. But as magical as his surroundings were, nothing could compare to the sweet creature before him.

  “I fear you may be disappointed in my response.”

  Ezra looked aghast. “I would never judge someone’s choice in literature.”

  “Very well. I prefer more fanciful tales, often those filled with lovely prose. A happy ending is required.”

  “Love stories,” Ezra deduced, sounding awed.

  Segreti felt his cheeks burn, and he dropped his gaze to his calloused fingers, his frown deep. “They are everything my life has not been.” He shook his head and laughed softly. “Forgive me. I’m not usually prone to be so maudlin. I’ve never regretted my position as general of the Orso, merely some of the actions that have resulted from it.” Centuries of war, years under the command of that vile creature Pavoni meant he had blood on his hands, his soul forever tainted.

  As if reading his thoughts, Ezra placed a hand on Segreti’s, his touch warm and tender. “No need for apologies, my dear General. Anyone who knows you, knows of you, is aware the manner of Orso you are.”

  “And what manner of Orso am I?” Segreti dared to ask. He leaned forward, his body gravitating toward Ezra as if by some magnetic force.

  “An honorable and noble warrior whose fearless deeds have become legend.”

  Segreti bowed his head. “You think too highly of me.”

  “Perhaps you don’t think highly enough of yourself.”

  Ezra’s sweet words stunned Segreti, and he lifted his startled gaze to meet Ezra’s bright eyes. They were filled with nothing but sincerity and what could easily be mistaken for affection.

  “You truly believe so,” Segreti murmured, a smile tugging at his lips. The healer continued to amaze him. Ezra offered no meaningless flattery or hollow words, only truth.

  “I wouldn’t have said so otherwise. Tell me of the books you read.”

  Segreti smiled. “I could lose myself in those stories, in the notion that someone might love another so completely they’d face any threat no matter how great.”

  “I had no idea you were such a romantic at heart, General.”

  “You would not be the first to think so,” Segreti said, a world-weary sigh escaping him. “Immortality can be a curse when all one is good for is war.”

  “That’s absurd!”

  Segreti blinked at Ezra, startled by his outburst. “You disagree?”

  “I bloody well do.” Ezra jumped to his feet and began to pace before Segreti. “You’re more than your position, Gen—Segreti.” He spun to face Segreti. “Why would you believe such a thing?”

  “Experience. Few suitors have lasted. They find me… beastly.”

  Ezra tilted his head in observation. “How so? Do you possess a violent temperament?”

  “Oh no. I meant in appearance.” Despite his size and ferocity, Segreti had always been aware of his power and strength. He would never harm the tiniest of creatures, much less a mate. Outside the battlefield, he found violence deplorable. Quite the contradiction for an army general.

  “I don’t understand.” Ezra’s expression showed as much. He truly didn’t understand why someone might be repulsed by Segreti’s appearance.

  “My body carries centuries of battle s
cars, the worst of which are from the lashings… during capture. I am large, with calloused hands, my hair untamable, my bones ache in the winter, and there is this.” He pointed to the patch concealing his hideous eye. The foggy white had revolted plenty of suitors.

  “May I see it?”

  Segreti nodded. He was quickly discovering he could deny Ezra nothing. The time had come for him to get the silly notion of Ezra becoming more to him out of his head. Ezra was too beautiful and too gentle to be mated to someone like him.

  Ezra resumed his seat and placed his book between him and the backrest. Closing his eyes, Segreti removed the eyepatch and remained still. He’d never hesitated before an enemy, yet he faltered before the healer.

  A tender touch to his cheek made him flinch, and his eyes flew open. He sat stunned as Ezra smiled warmly at him, his hand cupping Segreti’s cheek. Why was he not reeling back in horror or disgust? Ezra’s expression fell, his lashes wet from unshed tears. A deep sadness radiated from him, so much so that Segreti felt it. He covered Ezra’s hand with his.

  “Why such sorrow?”

  “It must have been terribly painful. I wish I’d been there. Perhaps I could’ve healed you, or at the very least relieved you of the pain.” A tear rolled down his cheek, and Segreti wiped at it with his thumb, his pulse quickening. No one had ever shed a tear for him.

  “Forgive me. It wasn’t my intention to bring you sadness. If I’m honest, I expected a far different reaction.”

  “Oh? What sentiment other than sorrow could such an injury possibly evoke?”

  Ezra continued to amaze him. Was it possible he truly didn’t see what others did? “Most believe it to be rather repulsive. Even now I find myself eager to shield it from your view.”

  “Outrageous,” Ezra said, seeming affronted by the very notion. “Your injury and loss of sight is a tragedy. It’s not something to be repulsed by, but to be respected. The mark of a warrior. A general who has survived against the deadliest of enemies. Your eye does nothing to detract from your handsome face.”