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“Attack! Sound the alarm!”

A shadow darted back and forth, looking for a way out of the impenetrable bubble, then shot straight towards the opening I’dcreated.

Kian hovered in front of us, shadows pouring from his entire body aside from his face. “Move, you stupid fucks!”

I shifted back into my wolf, following the shadow towards a ridge of mountains in the distance.

48

MARLOWE

The door slammed shut with Ezra’s exit, and I took Alaroth’s hands in mine. “I’d really like to go check on Wasabi.”

“Hm?” he moaned, his lips traveling along my collarbone.

“Wasabi, my vryscral?”

“But my beloved, we’re just getting started.”

I gave him my girliest giggle. “Patience, remember? Trust?”

He grumbled as he leaned back, his expression souring. “Patience? I’ve never had to wait to fuck someone in my life.”

I wanted to roll my eyes so hard I practically strained my muscles keeping them in place. Instead I smiled, nipping him gently on the nose. “And how many of those someones have been your queen?”

At that he perked up, positioning me so I straddled his lap. “Say that again.”

“Say what again?” I asked innocently, running my fingers along his jaw.

“That you’re my queen,” he replied, his voice low and husky.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and leaned forward, whispering in his ear. “I will be your queen.”

He closed his eyes and bit his lip, then grabbed my hips roughly. “Enough of your teasing. I will not have you making a mess of these pants, too.”

“Why Alaroth, wasn’t ityouwho made a mess of your pants?”

“Ooh, you wicked little thing,” he replied. Finally his hold on me slackened. “Fine, be gone with you. I’ll expect you back for lunch, though.”

I gave him a peck on the cheek and scampered out the door before he could change his mind.

My guard was waiting outside, and stepped up as soon as I entered the hallway, bowing his head and waiting for my orders.

“Do you know where they’re keeping my vryscral?” I asked. “In the stables or something like that?”

“It would be with the beastmaster, follow me.”

He set off at a brisk pace and I skipped along to keep up, half expecting for Alaroth to appear at any moment and make me go back to him.

The hallways were a labyrinth, full of so many twists, turns, and stairs I couldn’t memorize the path. What was even behind all those doors?

“So, what’s your name?” I asked.

“Nantier.”

“I’m Marlowe, it’s nice to meet you.”

He nodded and kept his eyes straight ahead, but his posture belied what looked like a desire for further conversation, if the slight tinge to his cheeks was any indication.