Page 30 of Wolf's Prize

Ulrik snarled.Why is Renaud here? Alone? Does Lothair know?

The archeveque paced in front of him, keeping some distance between the two of them, sizing Ulrik up and down.

Come closer, old man.

“Gaharet d’Louncrais is dead, no longer a thorn in my side. Thankyouvery much.” He gave Ulrik a nod of appreciation. “And the comte has a werewolf in chains to help him create his new and improved army.”

Ulrik remained silent—watching, waiting.

Renaud edged closer, continuing to pace.

Nearly there.

“Do you know whatIwant?” Renaud asked. When he did not answer, Renaud grinned. “I suspect you would really like to know.”

Ulrik inclined his head to the side, indicating he was listening.

Close. Only another step or two.

“I shall tell you.” He leaned in and whispered, “I want Lothair.”

Now.

Ulrik lunged. His chains snapped tight, and Renaud danced out of reach, more agile than was right for a man of his years. Ulrik snarled and jerked on his chains.

Renaud cackled. “Nice try, young wolf.” He turned his back on him. “With those chains, the silver… You are not going anywhere.”

Ulrik growled low in his throat. What he would not give for a moment alone with the archeveque, unfettered. He would tear his throat out. Panting from exertion, the pain in his wrists and his neck almost unbearable, Ulrik let his head drop forward and his hair fall across his face.

“ButIcould help you escape from here.”

Ulrik grunted. “And why would you do that? Why would Ibelieveyou would do that?” His throat was so dry, his voice was a mere whisper of sound.

“Because I have a proposition for you.” Renaud moved in, careful not to get too close. “I want to take Lothair to Rome. As a werewolf. Bound in silver. To achieve that end, I will offer you release from this hole in the ground. Allyouhave to do for me is bite him.”

Ulrik’s head snapped up. Renaud may be a clergyman, but right now he was the devil sent to tempt him.

“I know you want to. I remember what Lothair did to your family. Why he did it.” A knowing smile hovered on Renaud’s lips. “You want revenge. D’Louncrais would not let you have it. You have killed him. Now is your chance for retribution against Lothair.”

No.Ulrik backed away from Renaud.I could not, could I?He dropped his gaze to the floor.Why not?

Lothair would want him to bite someone, several someones, to create his supernatural army. Why not bite Lothair and let Renaud bind him? Punish the man who had killed his family? Chances were, he would die here, with or without a deal from Renaud.

Renaud retreated, the room dimming as he moved toward the stairs. “Think about it, Voclain. I am giving you the chance to avenge your family. Bite Lothair and in return, I will set you free.”

Renaud’s words echoed through the cell, ringing in his ears, taunting him long after the archeveque had gone and the grate above had clanged shut. Thumping his fist against the stone wall, he threw his head back and roared. Renaud’s offer tempted him beyond all measure, and he was uncertain if he would be able to resist it.

Chapter Twelve

With the afternoon sun sitting low on the horizon, Aimon cantered into the bailey. He had spent the morning discussing plans with Gaharet for Ulrik’s rescue, but loath to leave Kathryn unprotected any longer, he had set out for the d’Louncrais keep at midday. He dismounted and handed his reins to a stable boy, a troubled Farren meeting him at the door.

“Farren, is something wrong?” His chest squeezed tight. “Kathryn? Where is she?” Had she slipped past them all and snuck out into the forest? In her position, he would have tried to do the same.

Farren grimaced. “I am glad you have returned so soon, Aimon. She is in the armory.”

“Thearmory?”

Farren gave him a sad little smile. “She came to me this morning, and I told her everything.” Farren looked down at his feet. “I told her I knew about the d’Louncrais, about you, and have done for years. She… She did not take it well.”

---