Page 76 of Blood So Brutal

“What’s done is done,” she whispered. “You father is your father. I thought we both hated him the same amount, but I see you have lingering loyalties.”

The growl from my chest surprised us both. “I donothave lingering loyalties.”

“Really?” Both of her hands came to my shoulders. Hells, it had been so long since she touched me like this. Or maybe that was the ale talking, too. “Because you were simply training me for my magic so you could take the information back to him, right?”

“I wasn’t going to tell him everything.”

“But you were going to tell him I had magic.”

“He isn’t a fool, Huntyr. He already knows you have magic. He just wanted me to get it out of you instead of torturing it from you, alright? This way was less painful for both of us.”

She tossed her head back and laughed quietly. “Bothof us? You have no idea, Wolf.”

“What would you like me to do?” I pulled her closer until she caught herself against me. I wrapped both arms around her back, holding tight. “Would you like me to tell him you aren’t cooperating, that you aren't coming any closer to being convinced to help him? That you have not a single ounce of magic in your veins, that you aren’t the powerful heir to the blood kingdom he thinks you are?”

Her eyes flickered to my lips. “That would be helpful, yes. At least he wouldn’t be forcing me to?—”

“Yes, he would be. He would be forcing you into everything, just as he’s doing now. Only now, he at least is giving you the illusion of some freedom. That illusion won’t last if he isn't satisfied with the results, Huntress.”

Her jaw clenched. “Don’t call me that.”

“Why not? That’s what you are. My wicked, violent huntress.”

“I’m not youranything.” She tried to pull away, but I tightened my grip on her. She fell back into my chest with a light gasp.

“You are myeverything,Huntress, and like it or not, you’ll be my wife.”

An emotion I couldn’t read crossed her features. “Only because we are forced to wed.”

“Still. If you must marry, I’m glad it’s me.”

She shook her head. “It could have just as well been Jessiah.”

“Don’t say that. Don’t say anyone else’s name when you’re in my arms, Huntress. Only mine.” I leaned up so our lips were only a breath away. “Only me.”

I reached for her through our bond but felt nothing. Hells, I would have given anything to know what she was thinking right then. Did she want me like I wanted her? Was she as aware of the tiny sliver of skin on her back that my fingers brushed? Or was I the only one going completely mad by even the smallest touch from her?

“Stop looking at me like that,” she said.

“This is how I always look at you.”

“I know, and it’s becoming a problem.”

“A problem for who, Huntress?”

“You’re drunk.” When she pulled away, I let her, though a deep, deep part of me wanted to throw her over my shoulder and take her out of here.

“Hardly.”

Huntyr was just turning back to the bar when someone outside screamed.

My blood ran cold. Nothing in the world could have sobered me up faster.

Shit.

They’re here.

Chapter 24

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