Page 14 of Wolf's Prize

He dismounted, and a stable boy came running to take his horse as the head servant, Gascon, stepped from the entryway to greet him.

“Good to see you again, Monsieur Aimon,” said Gascon, ushering him inside.

“I am glad to see you here, Gascon. It is a relief to see a familiar face.” Aimon looked around. “Is it still the same servants here, or have the Beauchenes brought some of their own people?”

“It is still all my family, Monsieur Aimon,” Gascon assured him. “I believe the gifting of the demesne includes us all. Whether the Beauchenes plan on keeping any of us on, we will know in time.”

“Good. I may have need of your help before the night is through.”

Gascon motioned for Aimon to follow him, and led him to the vacant hall, the central fire pit lit and the large, oak table empty. The last time Aimon had been here, all seven of them, including Gaharet, had sat at this table. They had shared a meal, discussed their concerns about Archeveque Renaud and experienced hope upon Erin’s arrival. It seemed like a lifetime ago.How strange to be in this room now without Gaharet’s anchoring presence.

“You mean with the girl, Mademoiselle Kathryn?” asked Gascon.

Aimon started. “What do you know of Mademoiselle Kathryn? Has Gaharet mentioned her?”

“I am afraid I know very little. But she entered the keep in a state of distress and, while she hid it well from most, I caught glimpses of her hands transitioning back and forth between one form and the other.”

His presence had affected her as much as hers had affected him.

“We have seen neither her, nor her father, since the death of Dame d’Louncrais, Monsieur Gaharet’s mother. But prior, when she visited with her father, there was never any suggestion she was one of your kind.”

Then Kathryn was not born but bitten. When? And by whom? Aimon was not certain which he found more disturbing—that it had happened at all, or that the pack had no knowledge of it. “Do you know why the Beauchenes stopped visiting?”

Gascon shook his head. “No, Monsieur Aimon. The death of Dame Elise devastated the d’Louncrais. Seigneur Jacques grieved to the exclusion of all else, and Seigneur Gaharet absorbed himself in the running of the estate and the pack. I suspect, over time, without the presence of Dame Elise, the connection with the Beauchenes simply lapsed.”

“Mmm. Where is Kathryn now?”

“In her chamber. I have sent Anne to make some of her calming brew and to minister to her. She seems the most suitable for the task.”

Aimon smiled. He had come under Anne’s care when Gaharet had sheltered him during his own turning, and the subsequent months after. A good choice, motherly and caring, but she would take no nonsense from recalcitrant werewolves. Of that, Aimon had personal experience.

“Anne is just the person to care for Kathryn. I must talk to Farren first, but this may prove a difficult night for his daughter. Kathryn is in grave danger. Can I count on you? And Anne?”

“Of course, Monsieur Aimon. Without question. May I know the nature of this danger?”

Aimon thought for a moment. “She is not safe, not even from us. Especially not from us. One of our own has betrayed the pack. We have a traitor in our midst.”

Gascon’s face paled and he slumped onto a seat. “Oh, my.”

“That is not all. Comte Lothair and Archeveque Renaud are now aware of our existence. There are schemes afoot, and I fear Kathryn has unwittingly become a part of it all.”

“Do they know she is—?”

Aimon shook his head. “I do not believe so. And I am certain I am the only one of our kind who knows, too. We must keep it so. We cannot risk her being discovered. Not until we find and deal with the traitor.”

“Of course, Monsieur Aimon. You have my word.”

“Can you keep me informed if any of the others should try to see Kathryn? You cannot refuse them entry. Even I could not stop them. It is unfortunate, for as soon as they enter these walls, they will sense her, but we must do all we can. Ensuring her safety is our priority.”

“Leave it to me. I will organize our people. And I will inform Anne of the situation. Perhaps she knows of some strong-smelling herbs that may help disguise her scent.”

“Thank you, Gascon.” Aimon moved toward the door.

“Monsieur Aimon, if I may ask? What has happened to Seigneur Gaharet and Mademoiselle Erin?”

Aimon turned to Gascon, perhaps the most loyal servant in the whole county. His extended family had served the d’Louncrais for generations. “Hiding,” he said. “The others believe he is dead, and his mate missing. It is the only thing keeping them safe.”

“Thank you, Monsieur Aimon. They will not hear it from me. I will not tell a soul. Not even Anne. Come, I will show you to the library. I should warn you, Seigneur Farren encountered the distraught Mademoiselle Kathryn when she burst into the keep. He is expecting you.”

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