Page 24 of Hunt Me

“Someone hired her. I want to find out who. I wouldn’t be surprised if this were the doing of Prince Lykaon.”

“I do not disagree because whoever hired her knew enough details about your travels. That would leave someone from your court or the wolves, and I highly doubt anyone in our court would betray you.”

Luka snorted. “You all already betrayed me. Aside from that, if you have the extreme displeasure of interacting with Mistress Matilda Beaumont, I must warn you, she does not take kindly to being called a wench.”

9

A King’s Challenge

“King Alesi? King Alesi? King Alesi?”

“How can I be of assistance, Lord Gustafson?” he asked, staring at the sleeping beauty beside him.

“May I speak freely?”

“You always do.”

“You seem to take a special… interest… in your prisoner.”

“Indeed. She made an attempt on my life,” Luka answered, unable to snatch his view away from the large vein in her neck that pulsed beneath her skin.

“Please forgive me for being too forward, but your interest seems—”

“Are you certain you wish to continue speaking?” Luka challenged, finally giving the lord his attention.

“I do apologize. Perhaps, I’m confused regarding your intentions after you torture the information out of her. You will be disposing of her, correct?”

Luka sighed and interlaced his fingers in his lap. “Why does it matter?”

“Because you will be searching for a new queen soon. Trust me, I understand the allure of keeping a human for private bedroom matters, especially since they are not immune to our venom; however, your future queen may disapprove. It would be improper.”

“What the new Queen of Night Falls thinks of my—how did you say it? Private bedroom matters?” Ezra nodded. “What she thinks of my private bedroom matters is not significant to me. I am not remarrying for love. I need an heir to continue my bloodline and secure the throne—that is all.”

“Must I remind you that vampire-human hybrids are illegal and could never be recognized as vampire royalty?”

“No, but I think you must remind yourself of your place before I do it for you.”

Ezra scoffed indignantly but decided not to press the matter any further. He served Luka long enough to know the man would do what he pleased. He recoiled when Luka leaned towards Matilda and licked a bloody scratch that ran the length of her cheek.

Luka pressed his nose against Matilda’s cheek and groaned, nearly forgetting Ezra existed. He wanted another taste of her but couldn’t bite her—not in the presence of another male. He would have to settle for the paltry remnants of her blood that caked her face courtesy of the branches.

“Shall I send word to Prince Lykaon’s guards that a guest is to be received in their dungeon?” Ezra questioned.

“That is not necessary.”

“Shall I send word to Prince Lykaon’s household mistress and have her prepare a room for her upon our arrival?”

“That is not necessary.”

“The stables?”

“She will be staying in my quarters,” Luka said firmly.

Ezra didn’t flinch at Luka’s response. It was evident Matilda would be a thorn in their side. If he didn’t get rid of her, they might as well surrender Night Falls to Prince Lykaon on a silver platter.

***

“Welcome to Moonshire,” came the greeting as they stepped from the luxurious carriage. Its once-fine exterior was blackened and riddled with holes from Matilda’s fiery arrows.