Page 109 of Hunt Me

“They were,” she responded.

His heart pumped with more vigor when he picked up on the light teasing in her tone.

“I recall Moonshire. Our little one was conceived during our diplomatic trip.”

“You are a brute, Luka. That was your nefarious plan all along—ensnare me and breed me to your heart’s content.”

“Twas not my intention; however, I do not disapprove of the outcome. We shall engage in such practices again when we try for the next child.”

“There will not be another child.”

“And why not?”

“You wouldn’t be able to use them as political pawns.”

“It is no different from arranged marriages, which is a practice even humans participate in. Surely, your marriage would’ve been arranged had—”

“Had you not slaughtered my family and eligible suitors.”

“Must I remind you that the Helsings killed my family first?”

“It was cruel fate. It was unfortunate that Queen Anastasia met her demise; however, we would not have crossed paths had it not been for tragedy.”

“We would have certainly crossed paths, but the outcome would’ve been significantly different,” he corrected as he stroked her curls.

“Yes, you would’ve made me your concubine.”

Tired of her antics, he closed her eyelids with his fingers and clamped his hand over her mouth. Despite his efforts, it wasn’t enough to stop her muffled giggles from escaping.

***

Matilda’s mouth gaped as soon as she entered the tavern. Belzara hadn’t been gone long, and the establishment was in shambles. A musty stench that was a mixture of body odor, sweat, piss, vomit, and burnt food assaulted her nose. Many of the furniture pieces were missing, and the once-packed establishment only had one lone soul passed out at the bar. She walked further into the tavern and grimaced when her boots peeled off the floor. The floor was covered in something sticky, and she dared not question what it was. She was amazed she once called the place home.

“Tilda? Is that you?” Belzar called out, entering the social area from the galley.

“It is I.”

She took in his appearance and noticed he was worse for wear. He’d always taken pride in his appearance, and seeing him so disheveled was off-putting. She glanced away and swallowed down her guilt.

“What do I owe the pleasure, Your Highness?” he asked snidely before tilting back his tankard of ale.

“Watch it, orc,” Luka snapped.

“Or what? As you can see, there is nothing left to take from me. All I have left to give is my life, and you might be doing me a fucking favor, vamp.”

The guards that accompanied them descended on Belzar.

“Stop!” Matilda insisted, voice rising above the calamity. They halted and glanced to Luka for further instruction. He signaled for them to stand down.

Belzar smirked smugly. “You have them trained well—like little dogs. Speaking of dogs, where’s that sister of mine?” Matilda clenched her fists and her jaw simultaneously. “I’m sure she’s living in the lap of luxury at the castle. Tell me. Does your lady-in-waiting have a servant?”

“Belzara is dead.”

41

Up in Flames

The foul words hung heavy in the air, sending a ripple of anguish through Matilda. She rubbed at her aching chest and swallowed around the emotion that clogged her throat.