Page 12 of Prisoner of the Lycan Prince

“Yes. If Miss Ward doesn’t sit her ass in the chair like I ordered within the next fifteen seconds, put her in it.”

“Yes, sir.”

Harper’s eyes shot sparks as she crossed the study and perched on the edge of the chair like it was contaminated. She let her backpack slide to the floor. A second later, she nudged it into a different position with her foot.

Interesting.

I met her gaze over the desk. “I make all the rules at Draithmere, Miss Ward. And while you’re here, you’ll follow them. For your own safety.”

Fear glimmered in her eyes, but she hid it well, that stubborn chin of hers lifting again. “Is that a threat?”

“Yes.”

Her lips parted in obvious surprise. Clearly, she hadn’t expected that answer.

“Now,” I said, “hand over your phone.”

She stiffened. “You’re not taking my phone.”

“It stopped working the moment you entered the car. So it’s quite useless to you.” As the pulse in her throat fluttered more quickly, I waved a hand. “Go ahead and check if you want. I’ll wait.”

She stared at me for a second. Then, slowly, she leaned to one side and pulled her phone from her back pocket. She ran her thumb over the screen. When the phone failed to light up, she pressed the button on the side. Then she gripped it in both hands and pressed all the buttons. She gazed at the darkened screen, a swift parade of disbelief, anger, and fear crossing her features. When she lifted her head at last, she’d settled on wariness.

“More tricks,” she said.

“Energy drains are child’s play when it comes to magic. All of my vehicles are spelled to wreak havoc on cell phone batteries. Draithmere is the same. I like my privacy, and I won’t have the human authorities tracking my movements or sniffing around my property.” I knew my smile was less than friendly. “The same goes for reporters.”

She swallowed. “If the phone won’t work, there’s no reason for you to take it.”

“As I told you before, I’m very thorough. Also, I don’t trust you.” I tapped the top of the desk. “Now give me the phone, and we can avoid any ugliness.”

For a moment, she appeared ready to dig in her heels. Then she leaned forward and set the phone on the desk, not quite slamming it onto the wood. “Do I get phone calls while I’m in your prison?” she asked, bitterness lacing her tone. “Bread and water?”

I slid her phone into the top drawer of my desk. “Arlo is a proficient chef. He’ll see to it you don’t starve.”

“How long will you keep me here?”

“We covered this in your father’s office, but maybe you were too distracted to pay attention. You’ll remain at Draithmere until I’m satisfied your father has upheld his end of the bargain.” I looked past her to where Arlo stood at the ready. “Show Miss Ward to her room, please. I’m sure she’s tired.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Harper gripped the arms of her chair. “I have a life. School. I’m a semester and a half away from finishing my degree. You can’t?—”

“Good night, Miss Ward.”

“What if you’re never satisfied that my father turned everything over?” Her voice climbed, panic lacing her words. “You can’t just keep me here forever.”

Her cheeks were flushed. The pulse in her neck fluttered like the wings of a trapped bird. Her full breasts thrust against her sweater, which was much too thin for the fall weather. Dammit, she needed a coat. Her nipples were puckered under the wool. Her long, glossy waves streamed over her shoulders. The glow from the hearth turned her hair the color of fire.

I should have never taken her.

“Sir,” Arlo said softly.

I jerked. He stood right next to me, his hand on my shoulder.

“What?” I snapped, my voice rough and deep. In my peripheral vision, Harper watched us with avid interest. My heart raced. Wood creaked, and I looked down to find I’d gripped the arm of my chair so tightly my knuckles were white.

Arlo gave my shoulder the slightest squeeze. His dark gaze was steady. “You should eat, Your Highness. And perhaps a drink is in order.”

---