Broken Core [LitRPG • Cultivation • Post Apocalyptic • Romance]

Amber slipped her hand out of the pocket of her target, taking the few coins that she could. The jangle of metal always made her smile as she shifted through the demi-human district. Her target was the shared market, where she could steal more.

It's only been a few months, yet it feels like years since I was a pickpocket and queen of the city.

Memories of the throats she had slit and the iron fist she had ruled by came to her like a wave. They weren't particularly happy memories, but they also helped her realize how far she had gone with James. From that first moment she had tried to steal from his group, to the time he asked her to drink with him. It was all perfect.

I wonder if I can sneak into his room tonight.

Despite being in her twenties, she still felt like a teenager falling in love for the first time. She was giddy with excitement at being back in a city where they could relax for a few hours. Maybe even relax for a night before handling business. Sadly, they couldn't relax for long. Not yet anyways. The Pact still needed to be dismantled and the both worlds saved.

Sighing, she slipped her hand into another pocket and claimed a few more coins. She refused to talk to anyone, less they tell her the truth about everything, and she simply didn't want to deal with it. Zenaria was likely having more fun as the woman didn't seem to have a curse. Her soul was stronger than everyone's but Luna's. A fact that Amber was jealous of.

Got to finish this up soon. We just need enough coin to buy a few things.

Determined to see it through, Amber moved to the market and found Zenaria already there. Sharing smiles, they both got to work, securing the funds they needed.

***

Mender held his hand over a young girl's head, healing a cut from falling out of a tree. Her eyes were still glazed over as he reduced the swelling, but the concussion was taking longer.

"How is she?" a woman asked as she walked over.

Mender glanced up at the doctor. "She'll be fine in a few hours. The swelling is nearly gone, but she needs rest and food."

"Thank you, Mender." Smiling, the woman gently touched his shoulder, sending a shiver down his spine. He wasn't going to lie and say he didn't find her attractive. With long black hair, and just a few inches shorter than he was. But her robe hid the allusive curves of her body.

"Any more patients for me, Autumn?" he asked.

"A few." Glancing over her shoulder, Autumn smiled at Jamie. "Will she be following you all afternoon?"

Chuckling, Mender shrugged. "It's hard to say. Did you need me to stay longer? I can send her to the inn if that's the case."

Leaning in, she nearly pressed her lips to his ear. "Dinner?"

Perking up, he shot his sister a glance. Sighing, Jamie walked away. Turning his attention back to the beautiful woman, he smiled. "I can make that work. But to be honest, I don't have any money from this city."

"Oh?" Autumn looked surprise, her eyes widening slightly. "I imagine there's a story in there. What city are you from?"

"It'll take more than one date to get that answer from me," he said with a shrug.

Stolen novel; please report.

"How about one really good date?"

Chuckling, he held up his hand. "That would work, but I must warn you. I'm leaving town in a day or two and won't be back for a few months. My family have a few things to handle before settling down."

"You're going to the wilds? As a healer?"

"I have a few tricks up my sleeve," he said with a smirk. "Maybe I consort with dragons and Forsaken."

Laughing, she rested her hand on his shoulder. "Tales of fantasy and wonder. Are you sure you're not a bard?"

Winking, he went back to focusing on the little girl. "There's a hint of truth in every story, Autumn."

***

James relaxed on a bench with Luna in his arms. The sun was nearing the end of its descent, making the residents of the city hurry home. The others had already claimed an inn, and were nearby, drinking and relaxing.

"Should we join them?" Luna asked after another minute.

"Probably." Getting up, he cradled Luna in his arms, making her squeal in delight.

"Going to carry me through the threshold of our room?" she teased.

"Yes, then I'm going to lay you in our bed and rip your clothes off."

Blushing, she smiled up at him, her yes shimmering with happiness.

"When this is all over, we are taking that day together," he stated. "Just you and me, savoring one another before letting the others in. You'll be the first one pregnant, I promise you that."

Her blush deepened as she touched her stomach. "Do you think I'll look good, swollen with a child?"

Chuckling, he pulled her up and kissed her with as much love as he could muster. "I do. But it might be a contest between you and Amber. Zenaria will probably win."

"Hey!" Slapping his arm, she added, "what about Grace?"

"Won't know until we try." Starting toward the inn, he continued to carry her. "Our lives have changed so much over the last year. It amazes me."

Luna's smile started to slip. "I'm sorry, James. About how we first met. I was so scared…"

"Now look at us. I can't keep my hands off you."

With her smile returning, she clutched his shirt. "That makes two of us."

Reaching the inn, he carried her through the door to cheers from his family. Amber already had two mugs poured for them and was walking over with a coy smile.

"You aren't sharing our room," Luna stated as she took her mug.

"But, Luna…" Amber whined.

Zenaria walked over, her ears folded down and eyes misting up. "James…"

He was about to give in when Luna growled, startling both girls. "Bad kitsune! Bad cat! Don't guilt trip even more."

Giggling, both girls returned to the drinks, but hardly took their eyes off him. Setting Luna down, he claimed his drink and moved over to Grace. "Did you find what we need?"

Beaming, Grace nodded. "I did. I took the money from Amber and bought us some soaps and shampoos. They are all purpose ones for us demi-humans. And yes, I got some for the humans and you as well."

"Thank you." Tapping his mug to hers, he let out a soft sigh. "It'll be nighttime soon."

"You mean cuddle time?" she teased.

"That's not fair!" Amber protested as she listened in.

Luna growled again. "She asked first. And I love her more than you." Sticking out her tongue, the Fenrir giggled.

Glowering, Amber shook her fist. "Zenaria and I get him tomorrow night."

"Fine, fine." Luna waved her off. "Where's Mender?"

Jamie cleared her throat. "He's with a woman."

Everyone stopped laughing and drinking to focus on Jamie.

"A woman?" James asked to confirm.

"Yup. A pretty, young doctor that asked him out. He caved."

"Good for him!" Nudging Amber, James said, "it looks like Jamie isn't the only one getting lucky tonight."

Jaw dropping, the nekorian snapped her attention to Jamie. "I thought we were waiting until we got home?"

Smirking, Jamie walked over and sat in Amber's lap. "Oh, no, dear Amber. You are carrying me to bed the moment I finish this drink." Tipping up her mug, she downed the last of her ale. "Oh, look, I'm out."

Everyone laughed as Amber shook her head. "Let's go." Picking Jamie up, Amber started for the stairs. "I swear you are hornier than a dog in heat."

With them gone, Zenaria yawned and set down her empty mug. "We have to be up early tomorrow. We can go over what we learned at breakfast."

James nodded and kissed his kitsune before she wandered toward the stairs. Linda and Bronson were the next ones to stand, sharing small smiles with everyone before retiring. Boris and Brakin continued to drink, sharing laughs with some of the other bargoers.

"Shall we retire?" James asked.

"Just cuddling," Luna reminded Grace.

The skunk smirked. "We'll see."

Rolling her eyes, Luna took the lead, guiding all three of them to their room once Grace handed over the key.