Page 27 of The Night Prince

James walks away. His steps are slow and unworried, as if he knows he has nothing to fear from us. His arrogance stirs the storm inside me, and I realize I’m shaking from anger, not shock. Anger at James, anger at Blake, anger at two males who bit me without my permission and think they have some form of ownership over me because of it.

On the other side of the circle, Lochlan leans against one of the jagged rocks, arms folded across his chest, eyes glinting with intrigue. From his expression, the alpha of Glas-Cladach could be watching a theatrical performance. James inclines his head as he passes.

“I’m surprised to see you here, Lochlan,” says James. “Your father would turn in his grave.”

Lochlan smiles. “As I was the one who put him there, that does not mean much to me.”

James releases a low chuckle. He nods at another male in yellow tartan with messy blond hair. “Ian, isn’t it? Have you heard from your brother lately? He was captured as part of the attack on Fort Dubh-Clach, wasn’t he?”

Ian’s face hardens. “What do you know of it?”

James shrugs. “I’ve heard he’s in the Borderlands dungeons, prisoner of their new lord. Did you know he’s offered to return any wolf prisoners to us in exchange for Aurora?” My blood stills. Ian’s face pales, and he brings his attention to me.

“I’m not the enemy,” continues James. He joins his men at the edge of the circle before turning. “Kneel before me, Brother. Apologize. I’ll pardon your treason and exile you to Highfell. Aurora will be used as I see fit in the real war against the south, but you have my word, I will not harm her.” His gaze slides to Blake, who smirks beside me. “Blake will be executed, of course—something you cannot deny will give you satisfaction. Do this, and we can put all this behind us. Refuse, and you will learn what it’s like to have me as your foe.”

Callum stands preternaturally still. His shoulders are taut beneath his coat, and his fists are clenched at his sides. “I’ll see you soon, Brother.” His voice is almost a growl.

James swallows, then walks away. His men follow. Silence stretches across the summit, and it feels as if everyone is holding their breath until they disappear from view.

A long breath escapes me. The relief that he is gone is short-lived. I feel Blake’s attention on me, and something wild in my chest rears its head.

I do not belong to anyone.

I am Princess Aurora of the Southlands.

Blake had no right.

I spin around. His exasperation pulses in my chest, flickers across his face. I slap him. His head snaps to the side, and the sound of the impact echoes off the stones. A murmur travels around the circle, as if his clan can’t believe I hit him. Jack turns his chuckle into a cough by the whisky barrel, while Arran shakes his head.

Callum strides across the clearing. He bunches Blake’s collar into his fist, and slams him into the nearest rock. He curls his hands around his neck and squeezes.

The air supply is cut off from my lungs. I stagger back, clawing at the invisible fingers around my neck.

“Callum,”I croak. “Callum. Stop.”

Callum inhales sharply, as if he’s only now remembering the connection. The pressure eases as he pulls back. He’s breathing quickly. A muscle flickers in his temple. He clenches his jaw, then brings his mouth to Blake’s ear. “When the time comes, I’ll enjoy killing you.”

Blake only drags his teeth over his bottom lip, my blood tainting it like burgundy wine. His expression is bored, even if his cheeks are flushed and his dark hair is messy.

Callum shoves, then releases, him. He strides toward me and scoops me into his arms. Without a backward glance, he crosses the circle and walks away from the gathered Wolves. Agitated conversation fills the darkness.

“I’m quite capable of walking by myself,” I hiss, my cheeks flaming. I don’t know what the Wolves must think of me, but getting bitten then carried away was not the first impression I hoped for.

“I cannot let you go right now. Please do not ask it of me.”

Callum begins the decline toward Lowfell Castle, the angular stone building small from such a height.

“At least we’ve established that James definitely doesn’t have the Heart of the Moon.” Blake’s smooth voice follows us, and he sounds completely unaffected by what happened.

“Indeed,” says Lochlan. “Why bring muskets, if you can use your teeth?”

Their voices fade into the night. Callum doesn’t speak again as he carries me down the mountain, through the torchlit courtyard, and into Lowfell Castle. He takes me straight to ourchambers. The fire is almost out, and embers glow in the hearth. He sets me down in front of one of the armchairs. His hands are on me again instantly, running up and down my arms, before cupping my face. His eyes are wild when his gaze drops to my shoulder.

“Are you hurt?” His voice is as gruff as gravel.

I shake my head. “It’s just a bite.” It’s not, though, and we both know it. It’s an assault on my freedom, and an insult to a territorial alpha who considers me to be his.

A low sound escapes him. “He shouldn’t have done that.”

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