Page 55 of The Wolf King

I’ve had enough of this charade. Blake knows who I am, and he seems to have the measure of Callum, as well.

“Does my opinion factor into the equation?” I ask. “Or are you going to keep on speaking about me as if I’m not here?”

Blake’s eyes gleam, while Callum looks a little sheepish. He releases Blake, and the dark-haired wolf leans back, resting his elbow casually on the arm of his chair.

“What is it that you want, Princess?” Callum asks, seemingly realizing the pretense is over.

Freedom. That is what I want. I want to be free from Sebastian, and to not have my fate determined by powerful men.

For that to happen, I need to be alone so I can figure out my next move.

I can’t plot against the Wolves, and find out more information about the Heart of the Moon and the Wolf King, if I am kept in Callum’s room, in his bed.

“I’ll need my own chambers,” I say. “If Sebastian found out that I’d shared a room with another man, I’d lose my value. You heard what he said back at the castle.”

The muscles along Callum’s jaw tighten. He sighs and inclines his head.

“Very well,” he says. “But I have a condition. And I don’t think you’re going to like it.”

Chapter Twenty-One

It could be my imagination, but Callum looks a little uncomfortable.

Blake, however, is grinning. He has one ankle on his knee. Again, he reminds me of a cat. This time, a cat who has found a couple of mice to play with.

Whatever this condition is, it cannot be good for me.

“You know, I didn’t take you for someone who would engage in such an archaic tradition, Callum,” says Blake.

“Aye, well, it’ll keep her safe until we can get the Heart of the Moon.”

“The Heart of the Moon. Yes. That’s the reason.” Blake’s eyes glint in the firelight.

“What condition?” I ask.

“I’ll tell you when we get upstairs.” Callum gets up. “Come on, it’s been a long night. You must be tired.”

“You really should challenge him for the title, you know,” says Blake.

Callum turns back around. “Who?” His tone is weighted.

“Rob, of course.” Blake picks up his wine glass. “Who else?”

“That would cause trouble, and you know it.”

“You’re the rightful second in command. They’re going to think you’re weak.”

“Only weak men feel the need to assert their dominance.”

“For once, you and I agree on something,” says Blake. “Others do not. You need to play the game sometimes, Callum.”

“And you should take a break from the game every once in a while, Blake. There are more important things than power.”

Blake’s gaze falls onto me for a moment, before a slow smile spreads across his face.

“Not for me,” he says.

***

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