Page 12 of The Night Prince

“No.”

Hurt flickers across Callum’s face, and I realize he thinks I’m rejecting him. Perhaps this is the way of Wolves—to dominate, and claim ownership over one another. Perhaps this is the way of all men. I belonged to my father. I was given to Sebastian. I was taken by Callum. I was used as a pawn by Blake.

For the first time in my life, I have tasted freedom here in the Northlands winds. I have smelt it in the pine-rich forests, and seen it in the wild mountains and rain-drenched valleys. I have felt it too in the warmth of Callum’s arms. I have a chance here to be an equal instead of a prize. I won’t give that up so easily.

I sigh. “I cannot belong to anyone again. Not even you, Callum.”

Callum’s expression softens. “It’s not about belonging tosomeone.It’s about being part of a clan. It would make it easier for me to protect you.”

“I don’t belong to you or your clan,” I say. “I have a title already. I’m the princess of the Southlands. Perhaps, after everything that has happened, that does not count for much. I’msure my father would execute me for treason if he knew I was not being held against my will. Still, I cannot denounce my position and title, nor defer to an alpha. I will not.”

Callum’s forehead creases. “It’s not like that, Princess. It would keep you safe—”

“I’m not safe! From the moment you and Blake attacked James, you declared war on him. James has obviously realized that I’m of some importance to you. This will not stop him. He will come for me all the same. Are you going to let him take me?”

Callum’s expression darkens.“Never.”

I take a deep breath to compose myself. “It doesn’t matter whether he says I belong to him or not. He is trying to rattle us. We must get the clans on side so we can win this throne quickly, and we must get Fiona back. Before James has time to act.”

There’s a knock at the door. “Yes?” Blake asks.

A crop of messy copper hair comes into view as Ryan pokes his head into the room.

Callum exhales. “What is it, Ryan?”

Despite Callum’s clear exasperation at the interruption, my lips curve into a smile. Ryan’s freckled face breaks into a grin when he sees me. “Princess! You’re awake!”

“Ryan!” Callum snaps his fingers, drawing the sixteen-year-old boy’s attention back to him. “What is it?”

“Can I have a word in private?”

“Now?”

“Aye.”

Callum’s gaze sweeps across the room, and the men in it. “It can’t wait?”

“No.”

Callum squeezes my shoulder. “I’ll just be a moment. Let me know if you if you need me, okay?” I nod, and he follows Ryan into the corridor, shaking his head. “I swear toGhealach, lad, if this isn’t important—” His words are cut off as the door swings shut behind him, and I’m sealed shut in a room with two Wolves who are plotting against Callum and me.

Tension tightens my throat, and my teeth tingle—like I want to bite something. The urge to either cross the room and sink my teeth into Blake, or gnaw my fingertips until they’re bloody, is so strong that I ball my hands into fists.

When the feeling doesn’t desist, I trace the jagged outline of the northern coast on the map, Blake’s sleeve brushing against my hand. I catch a few names—High Peaks,Oidhche Craig.Highfell must be up here somewhere. I spot it by a patch of land namedGlen Ghealach.

Blake whispers something. There’s a shuffle, heavy footsteps, and Jack walks past me. He winks then disappears into the corridor and shuts the door.

My gaze moves slowly up to Blake.

I can’t help but think of the fever dreams I had—of his eyes, as black as night, of his laughter skittering across my bones, of him bleeding into shadow and coiling around me like a viper. In the daylight, he is just a male—a wolf—and yet my pulse kicks up as if I’m prey.

“Alone at last, little rabbit.”

Chapter Five

The Northlands kingdom stretches across the oval table between Blake and me. The wind hammers the rain into the arched windows, and the noise pounds through the gloom like the drums of war.

Alone at last, little rabbit.

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