Page 137 of Hunters and Prey

His blue eyes glistened with fresh tears of his own. He smiled through them. “I could never stop loving you.” His eyes hardened when he glanced at Connor.

She kissed him, not caring that everyone watched. When they broke away from their kiss, he held out her engagement ring.

“This,” he said, taking her hand to put the ring on her finger. “Belongs to you.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I will say yes to you every day for the rest of our lives.”

“I was hoping you’d say that,” Asher said. He stood and pulled her to her feet.

Everyone cheered.

Everyone but Connor.

When Cailyn dared to look at him, she was surprised to see hurt in his eyes. Not anger. Not rage. Genuine hurt.

She almost wished she’d seen the anger at that moment. Hurting anyone, even someone like Connor didn’t make her feel good.

She offered him a smile. The roar of the crowd filled her ears as she mouthed ‘sorry’ to him.

“Please,” Cailyn said, letting go of Asher’s hand for a moment. “Let me go.”

Connor pulled her toward him, and brought their faces close to one another’s.

“You’re making a mistake, Cailyn,” he whispered to her.

She shook her head. “No, I’m doing what’s right. For once.”

His jaw clenched, and he nodded. “Very well. We will have it your way. But, be prepared for what is to come.”

Her heart nearly broke at the look of pain in his eyes, but she stood her ground.

“Be prepared for the flames of war.”

“Very well,” Cailyn said, and snatched her arm away from his.

She took a step back, and outstretched her arms. “Let it come.”

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