Page 168 of Hunt Me

David looked back down at the dying prince.

“They may not respect me,” he acknowledged, voice raspy and distorted. “Or accept what I have become.” His claws pierced Lykaon’s neck. “But you will not live to see it.”

Flesh tore from Lykaon’s throat with a violent spray, striking David across the face and chest.

Lykaon clawed uselessly at the gaping hole in his neck as a horrible choking sound bubbled from his mouth. His heels scraped against the blood-soaked dirt twice before he went still, and what remained of Lykaon’s throat dropped into the dirt.

David rose over the dead prince, blood dripping from his claws as his hybrid wolf shifted to his human form. He stood naked, bloodied, and victorious before the people who had once believed him dead.

The official stared at Lykaon’s body, then at David, and slowly raised his staff. “Prince Lykaon is dead.” He turned toward David and struck the staff against the ground. “By blood, victory, and ancient law… Moonshire has a new alpha and prince!”

Tears gathered in Matilda’s eyes as David was received by his kingdom. Thousands chanted his name, welcoming him with open arms. He stood in the center of it all, staring at the people who had once believed him dead.

Moonshire had cast him aside, and now it chanted his name.

***

Matilda and Luka descended into the arena once David had dressed, finding the newly appointed prince surrounded by members of his pack.

They parted for the King and Queen of Night Falls.

“Congratulations, Prince David Lupesco,” Matilda said, pulling him into a brief embrace.

David smiled. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Luka extended his hand. David clasped his forearm instead.

“Congratulations, ally.”

“Speaking of our alliance,” David said, glancing toward the castle looming beyond the arena, “I suppose that belongs to me now.”

Matilda laughed. “I suppose it does.”

“Then I invite you both to my castle tonight. We’ll feast, drink, and discuss the terms of our alliance.” David paused. “Including the fact that I apparently need to find myself a mate rather quickly. Denalia requires a husband if we are to complete our pact.”

Matilda’s smile vanished.

“Take your time.”

David chuckled.

“I mean it.”

Luka slipped an arm around his wife. “For once, I agree with her.”

Matilda elbowed him. “It is your fault for promising our daughter in the first place.”

“Perhaps he will sire daughters,” Luka suggested.

Matilda scowled as they followed the new Prince of Moonshire from the arena. “For your sake, you better be right, vamp.”

60

Epilogue

The bells of Night Falls Cathedral rang continuously, announcing what had once seemed impossible.

Night Falls had a queen, born a human from a bloodline of vampire hunters.