“Let’s speak of more pleasant things,” Vestri suggested. “Khalon is a most fortunate king, isn’t he? Imagine being gifted with such a young and beautiful mate.”

  Fausti perked up and nodded his agreement. “Not even half a century old! I can’t fathom it.”

  “Yes, well, let’s not forget the prince was born and raised among humans,” Lazzari added.

  “He might have been born and raised by humans,” Segreti said, “but make no mistake, he’s powerful and will protect his king at all costs.” Vestri lifted a questioning brow, and Segreti quickly cleared his throat. “Not that Khalon needs protecting.”

  “As pretty as the prince may be, I would not wish for such a mate. Far too much upkeep. Plus, he’s a Sauger.” Fausti waggled his eyebrows. “Can’t get into trouble when your mate is a prophet.”

  They all laughed, then cheered when Basso and Coiro returned with their tankards of wine. Segreti thanked them for his and took a sip. The Soldati truly did know how to feast.

  “What of the king’s second?” Gori asked. “His mate is a foxling.”

  Vestri shook his head in wonder. “A foxling Soldati. I never thought I’d see the day.”

  “He’s far too delicate for my taste,” Lazzari said with a grunt. “I’d fear crushing him in my sleep.”

  Gori grinned wickedly. “Or during some other bedroom activity.”

  Most of the others agreed. Fausti glanced at Segreti, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, before speaking up. “There’s the king’s healer. He—”

  “No,” Segreti growled. “There will be no talk of the healer.”

  “And why might that be?” Vestri asked, studying him.

  Segreti fought the urge to punch the smug grin off Vestri’s face.

  “Perhaps the general has eyes on the healer for himself,” Gori said with a knowing smile.

  “Watch your tongue,” Segreti warned.

  “Why do you not make a claim on him?” Fausti asked, curiosity filling his warm brown eyes.

  “The Soldati do not claim mates in the same manner as the Orso.”

  Orso mating was simple. When a warrior found a potential mate, he made a claim. If the claim was accepted by the intended and no other Orso challenged said claim, the mating would be presented to the queen for blessing. Once the blessing was given, the mates would bond, and it was done. Mates were chosen on several factors, from strength to virility. Sentiment rarely factored into the process.

  “The Soldati are passionate creatures. They tend to select mates based on emotional connections.”

  Lazzari huffed. “Sounds exhausting.”

  “I admit he’s intriguing,” Fausti said. “The Soldati Eye flows through him, gifting him with unimaginable power, and yet he chooses only to use his gifts for healing.”

  Which was why Segreti assumed the Eye had chosen Ezra. In the wrong hands, who knew what destruction the Eye could cause?

  Fausti took a big gulp of his drink. “I hear he’s always lost in some book or in his herb garden. Odd for a Soldati warrior.”

  “But he’s very pleasing on the eyes,” Gori offered.

  Lazzari nodded. “Agreed.”

  “What did I say?”

  “Come, General. If you feel affection toward him, you should make it known.”

  Fausti’s concern was touching. Segreti shook his head. “His soul is filled with warmth and virtue. I dare not sully it.”

  Fausti cleared his throat. “Um, General…”

  “I’m a beastly weathered Orso general covered in battle scars, with no army to command and a soul too battered to fight. He is beautiful and sweet, the light in him shining brighter than any sun. I have nothing of worth to offer him.”

  “I would have to disagree, General.”

  Segreti’s eye widened, and he slowly sat up straighter. He turned to find Ezra standing there, a book hugged to his chest and a timid smile on his handsome face, but there was something else in his eyes. Ezra had sought him out for… some reason. And where was the Eye? Its absence meant this encounter was more than it seemed, and Segreti would be wise to play along. Ezra lifted his gaze to meet Segreti’s, an intensity those who didn’t know him well enough would miss.

  “I would say a noble and loyal heart capable of great sacrifice and love is worth its weight in gold. Whomever you give your heart to will be a lucky fellow indeed. I pray he’ll be worthy of such a gift.”

  Segreti opened his mouth to reply, but no words came. Fausti elbowed him sharply, and Segreti asked, “Do you think it possible this fellow might feel some affection for this noble and loyal heart?”

  Ezra’s cheeks went pink, his eyes darting to the others before returning to Segreti. “I do.”

  Segreti stood slowly. “And why has this fellow not made his sentiments known?”

  “Perhaps matters of the heart have always been somewhat of a puzzle for him.” Ezra’s gaze lowered to his book. “Perhaps he fears he has nothing to offer such a great and noble warrior.” Ezra leaned in to whisper loudly, “They say he’s a bit of an odd one.”

  Everyone chuckled quietly behind Segreti.

  Segreti laughed softly. He placed his fingers to Ezra’s chin and lifted his face. “Perhaps odd is just what this Orso general needs.”

  Ezra’s smile filled Segreti with warmth. “Would you care to accompany me to the gardens?” He held up the book he cradled to himself. “I found this wonderful story of an Orso prince. It’s very possibly fiction, but the prose is exquisite.”

  Segreti didn’t question the request. “I would love nothing more than to accompany you and hear of this tale that seems to have enchanted you.” He excused himself from his brethren, promising to catch up with them at a later time. He also ignored Fausti waggling his eyebrows at him.

  As they walked side by side, Segreti waited until they were far enough away not to be overheard. “What is it?”

  “The Eye urged me to seek you out.”

  “Why?”

  Ezra shook his head. “I don’t know, but the moment I neared your table, it took off. It’s close by but remains hidden.”

  “Do you think it suspects any of the Orso I sat with?”

  “It’s very likely. We’ll wait in the garden. Perhaps when it returns, we’ll know a little more.”

  The gardens were stunning, but then that was no surprise, considering the rest of the castle grounds. He’d heard the gardens were particularly favored by the prince, which would explain why they were immaculate, filled with colorful flowers of every variety, lush shrubs, and trees. Birds chirped happily; squirrels and tiny woodland creatures frolicked. It was like something out of a fairy tale.

  Ezra’s expression softened. “Forgive my boldness, but I must admit the Eye having insisted I seek you out doesn’t change how happy it made me to do so, or the words spoken between us.”

  Joy washed over Segreti, and he brought Ezra into his arms for a sweet, tender kiss. “You don’t know the exhilaration your words bring me.”

  “I think I might,” Ezra replied shyly. He took hold of Segreti’s hand and led him toward a huge tree with many branches, its sparkling green leaves providing wonderful shade. “Sit with me.” Ezra took position at the base of the tree and crossed his legs at the ankles, the buckles of his boots clinking together at the movement.

  Segreti made himself comfortable beside Ezra, his larger frame eclipsing a great portion of the tree’s trunk. “You said the Eye insisted that you seek me out. Are you saying it speaks to you?”

  “Yes, but it’s a rare occurrence.”

  “Is it usually so cryptic?”

  Ezra chuckled. “For the Eye, yes. All will be revealed in time. I’m simply its voice. As I searched for you, I received a vision of this garden. You and I sat in this very spot in front of this tree, and I had this very book in my hand.” He held the book out to Segreti, but Segreti placed his hands over Ezra’s.

  “Would you read it to me?” Segreti was certain his gruff baritone would not do the prose justice. Ezra’s voice, on the other hand, was lyrical.

  Ezra’s face lit up, his smile wide as he nodded. “I would love to.” He opened the book while Segreti attempted to get comfortable—attempted being the key word. Perhaps if he closed his eye, he might settle.

  “Segreti?”

  “Hm?”

  “You needn’t keep your discomfort to yourself.”

  Segreti opened his eye and frowned down at Ezra. “How did you know?”

  “I’m a healer,” Ezra reminded him. He patted the grass beside him. “Lie down. Put your head on my lap.”

  Segreti cleared his throat and averted his gaze, afraid his face might be as red as it felt. Goddess above, shyness! At his advanced years. “Where will you put your book?”

  Ezra chuckled. “I have already moved it.”

  Segreti turned his face, his brows shooting up at the sight of the floating book. Well now, wasn’t that something? With a nod, Segreti lay on the grass, his head against the softness of Ezra’s lap. The relief was instant. Ezra smiled down at him, and Segreti returned the gesture.

  “Close your eye.”

  “I fear your voice and your lap may put me to sleep.” He realized what it sounded like, and his eye flew open. “Not that you put me to sleep,” he quickly corrected. “I would never be wearied by you, ever. I was referring to how comfortable I am in your presence, and I, um…”

  Ezra laughed softly. “General, I know what you meant, and it pleases me to hear it.”

  “It does?”

  “Yes. The fact you would feel such comfort in my presence that you’d allow yourself to fall into a state of vulnerability speaks volumes of your trust in me.”

  Segreti hadn’t considered that. “You’re right.” He’d never allow himself to sleep in the presence of someone he didn’t trust. Being alert and distrustful had been ingrained in him from centuries upon centuries of being out in the battlefield.

  “Now, close your eye.”

  Segreti did as asked, his entire body growing heavy against the soft ground. A contented sigh escaped him, and he rubbed his cheek against Ezra’s leg, basking in the warmth and heavenly scent of flowers and herbs that followed Ezra.

  Ezra’s palm came to rest on his brow. “Rest, my fierce General. There are no more wars to fight, no battles to concern yourself with. Only peace and the promise of a good sleep.” Just as he said the words, a gasp escaped Ezra.

  Segreti’s eyes flew open, his gaze landing on the golden Soldati Eye floating above him, a pulsing glow emanating from it. Before he could speak or move, an echoed voice entered his mind and he jerked.

  “Sleep.”

  Everything went black.

  CHAPTER SIX

  An agonized cry startled Ezra, and he turned to find himself in a dark, filthy chamber, its stone walls splattered with a murky substance. The rancid smell of sweat and other bodily fluids threatened to choke him, and he reeled back. He ran into something hard and spun, a gasp escaping him at the sight of the battered creature covered in gaping wounds and festering lesions. Dark hair matted with blood hung over the face, concealing his identity. He was wide and built strong, his powerful body looking as if it had been bathed in blood. A low groan left the man’s lips, sending a shiver through Ezra.

  It can’t be. Ezra drew closer and gently parted one side of the hair.

  “Please… kill me.”

  The plea had Ezra snatching his hand away as if burned. His heart splintered, and tears filled his eyes.

  Segreti…

  How…? Ezra scanned the chamber around him and realized he was in a cell. Could it be? He had heard tales of Segreti’s capture. How he’d been tortured and barely escaped with his life. Ezra turned to Segreti and clamped his hands over his mouth to stifle the sob threatening to break free.

  What have they done to you?

  Ezra held his palm up, and the light in Segreti’s soul showed itself to him. It was a beautiful blue, steady and honorable, but it was fading, the desire to depart their world growing with every heartbeat. Segreti would never surrender his life willingly to an enemy. What would cause his soul such agony as to wish its own demise?

  “Have you learned your lesson yet?”

  Ezra’s blood turned to ice, his worst fears come to light. Segreti had not been captured and tortured at the hands of an enemy, but at the hands of his own king.

  Pavoni’s face twisted in rage as he mercilessly beat Segreti, saliva flying from his jowls as he snarled and spat his displeasure.

  “You dare defy me?” Pavoni roared, placing his blade to Segreti’s back and slicing into his skin. “I gave you orders. You are mine to command. You’re nothing but a rabid beast. The only reason I don’t kill you is because of your men and the power you seem to wield over them, but you forget this is my army, not yours! If I command a village burned to the ground with everyone in it, then you do as I blasted command! I don’t care if it was infested with cubs. It would teach them to cower before me!” Pavoni tossed the bloodied knife to the floor. He wiped sweat from his brow as he paced. “Did you think I wouldn’t discover your treason? That I don’t have Orso soldiers loyal to me? The moment you transported those filthy villagers to another realm, my faithful servant informed me of your treason.”

  A shadow loomed in the cell, another Orso, his soul a murky brown tinged with red. Evil filled his soul, one akin to Pavoni. Ezra couldn’t see his face but felt his perverse joy at Segreti’s pain. He’d helped Pavoni slice at Segreti’s skin, reveled in his assault.

  “Please stop,” Ezra begged. How much more could Segreti take? He’d been burned, stabbed, cut, beaten, and whipped.

  Pavoni stopped in front of Segreti and grabbed hold of his chin, forcing his head up. Segreti was barely conscious.

  “Look at me,” Pavoni demanded.

  Segreti forced his eye open, the fiery amber Ezra had come to admire barely visible.

  “You will not forget this day,” Pavoni promised. He pulled at the pins holding Segreti’s shackled wrists, and Segreti fell onto his knees before Pavoni. With a curl of his lips, Pavoni unfastened the belt of his tunic.

  “No.” Ezra shook his head. He pushed at Pavoni, but nothing happened.

  Pavoni reached under his tunic and unfastened his trousers.

  “Stop. Please.” Ezra took a step back, the light inside him threatening to burst free. He couldn’t let Pavoni do this. Pavoni dropped his trousers and grabbed a fistful of Segreti’s hair.

  “Perhaps this will remind you that you are nothing but my whore.”

  “No!” A roar tore from Ezra’s throat, and the Soldati light within his soul flared, exploding out of him, plunging everything into white light. He couldn’t allow Pavoni to further hurt Segreti. Ezra harnessed his powers and called on the Soldati Eye. Death was too good for Pavoni. He wished to see wrath? Ezra would show him wrath. And send him to the very pits of hell where he belonged.

  A horrific cry startled Segreti from his slumber, and he scrambled to his feet, a sharp pain piercing his heart, as if someone had driven a knife through it. The earth trembled beneath his feet, and he took a quick step back, a gasp escaping him at the sight of his sweet Ezra.

  “Ezra? Love?” Segreti inched closer and carefully placed a hand on his arm, then hissed when the touch burned his skin. What the bloody hell happened? Another wave of pain, fear, and nausea rolled through Segreti. Terror washed over him, and he shifted into his bear form, releasing a ferocious roar to alert the Soldati king and his council. Shifting back into his human form, he was relieved when he spotted Khalon and the others speeding toward him in their tiger forms.

  “Khalon!”

  Khalon arrived with the prince and their council in tow, along with several Soldati warriors. They quickly shifted into human form.

  “What the hell is happening?” Riley asked.

  Ezra stood by the tree where Segreti had been asleep only moments ago. He was exceptionally still, his eyes completely white and his arms at his sides, fingers splayed. His face was ashen, but it was his expression of terror that would haunt Segreti for the rest of his immortal life. Whatever was happening, Segreti could feel it, or at least partially, which made no sense. They weren’t mated.

  Khalon turned to Segreti. “What happened prior to this?”

  “Ezra sat with his back to the tree. I lay on the grass, my head on his lap, dozing as he read to me. Next thing I know, I hear him gasp and open my eyes to find the Soldati Eye hovering over me, glowing. I heard a voice in my head say ‘sleep’ before everything went dark. Then I was startled awake by Ezra’s scream and a sharp pain to my heart. I quickly got up, and he stood. I tried to get his attention, but it’s as if he can’t hear me, and when I tried to touch him, it burned.”

  Khalon cursed under his breath. “Did he touch you? Before any of this happened, did he touch you?”

  Segreti frowned. “Before I fell asleep, I felt his palm on my brow.”

  “Blasted hell.”

  “What is it?” Segreti asked, concerned.

  “He’s having a vision, but not of the future, of the past, something the Eye needed him to see. I fear it did not take Ezra’s possible reaction into consideration. Ezra is a healer, as you know, but there are times when he’s not in control of his gifts.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “When Ezra touched you, his soul found a source of great pain, and it triggered a vision. The power of the Eye flows through him. Its knowledge is infinite, and as it’s connected to Ezra’s soul—a soul whose purpose is to heal—it’s drawn to great suffering. It’s taken his mind to the source of your pain. Unfortunately, his gifts can’t distinguish between pain of the body and pain of the mind. Ezra can’t heal wounds to the mind, only to the body. When an attempt to heal the mind through a vision occurs, the Eye quickly pulls Ezra back.”

  “So why isn’t it pulling him back now?” Riley asked.

  Khalon shook his head sadly. “Because Ezra isn’t allowing it. He’s called on the power of the Eye, determined to stop whatever he’s witnessing, keeping him stuck in that vision.” Khalon’s eyes filled with concern and heartache as he turned back to Segreti. “He cares for you, my old friend. Whatever pain he’s found inside of you, it’s taken hold of his heart and won’t release him.”