Page 101 of Bite The Terror That Feeds

He tossed the reins over the horse’s neck. “Once you cross the mountains, avoid the forest to the south. Werewolf territory.”

I nodded in understanding, but I’d had no idea that was where they were settled.

“It’s the faster route, but more dangerous.” He came to my side and stared at me, his gaze cold and impenetrable.

His eyes caught my attention and held it. When his grin was absent and his mood was sour, he was a man I didn’t recognize. His stare had new depths, showing layers I hadn’t seen before. He was more complex than I’d given him credit for.

I didn’t know what to say, but the one thing I didn’t want to say was goodbye.

“I hope we see each other again—and not on the battlefield.”

My heart gave a painful squeeze. “Thank you…” Words left me. It was impossible to convey feelings I didn’t understand. “For your hospitality.”

His disappointment was obvious, hard in his eyes and harder in the tightness of his jaw. “I wish I’d held my tongue for a few more days, but you needed to hear the truth. You’re smart enough to take my words seriously and investigate their credibility. I’m sorry to destroy your bliss, but for the longevity of both of our races, I had to.”

All I did was give a nod.

“Be safe.”

“I will.”

He continued to stare like he might kiss me. His eyes glanced down to my lips more than once. But something dissuaded him, because he turned around and returned to the gate.

I stood there with Nicola as I watched him go, his cape swirling in the breeze, his shoulders broad like the mountains. Pain returned to my heart, the kind that made it squeeze and scream. I managed to pull myself onto my horse and ride away.

20

KINGSNAKE

The galleon docked at the port, and our boots finally hit land. The second I stepped on the wooden dock, I felt the world sway slightly, my legs still used to the sea. Larisa completely toppled over and nearly plunged into the icy water.

I caught her. “You alright?”

“I’m fine,” she said quickly. “I walked before I could crawl…”

My arm circled her waist, and I walked with her through the city and up the hill toward my father’s castle. The humans all stared at us as we passed, knowing there was something different about us but unable to understand.

By the time we were halfway there, Larisa was able to maneuver herself. “What will your father say about Aurelias?”

“A lot of things…”

“It was his choice. You wanted him to return with you.”

“That won’t matter to my father.”

“I hate to say it…but I’m thrilled to be here. A real bed. A hot meal. A real fireplace.”

“It’s been a long journey.”

We finally reached my father’s castle, and I spoke to the emissary first. “Send a raven to Grayson. Tell Cobra I’ve returned, and I’m on my way.”

“We won’t be staying?” she asked.

“I’ve been away from my kingdom too long. And I doubt this conversation will go over well.” I stopped in the grand hall and faced her. “Go to our quarters and freshen up. I’ll fetch you when I’m finished.”

“I’ll come with you.” She was fearless with those yetis, and she was fearless with my father. And her loyalty knew no bounds.

“I should speak with him in private.”