Page 49 of Wolf's Prize

“What can I do, Anne? I have tried everything to get his attention. Nothing seems to work.”

“Hmm.” Anne ran a comb through her hair. “You know, moonlight has a strange effect on werewolves. It amplifies whatever they are feeling.”

Kathryn’s ears pricked. “It does?”

“Yes, and I believe it is almost a full moon, too. The closer to the full moon, the more powerful the effect.”

Kathryn leaned back in the chair, crossing her arms over her chest. “Really? How interesting.”

“Mmm-hmm. Aimon has not told you that?”

“No. He has not. It appears there are a few things he has neglected to mention.”

“Oh, he must have forgotten. Good thing old Anne is here to ensure you have all the information. There now,” she said, finishing Kathryn’s hair. “Into bed with you.”

Kathryn crawled beneath the bedcovers, no longer tired, her mind full of possibilities.

Clutching the blankets to her body, her gaze narrowed on the old cook. “What wouldyousuggest I do, Anne?”

“Oh Lordy. I am too old to know what shenanigans you young folk get up to.”

“But,” Kathryn persisted, “if you were me, what would you do?”

“Mmm. Now let me think.”

Anne tapped her chin as though considering her reply, but she did not fool Kathryn. If she had not asked, for certain Anne would tell her all the same and she was not averse to taking advantage of Anne’s meddling.

“If I were in your situation—not that I ever have been—but if I were, I think I would turn the tables on Aimon Proulx. We cannot let those boys think they are in control all the time.”

“And how would I go about doing that?”

Anne raised an eyebrow. “Why, offer him something he wants, something he cannot possibly refuse.”

Kathryn frowned.

Anne chuckled. “Oh, my dear child. What he wants is you. Any half-wit can see that. He cannot keep his eyes off you.”

Kathryn’s heart fluttered. Could Anne be right? Were Aimon’s feelings so obvious? An idea formed in her mind. Would she have the courage to follow it through?

“He goes for a run every night, you say?”

“Mmm-hmm. Without fail.”

Kathryn worried the inside of her cheek. “He has forbidden me from entering the forest on my own.”

“True, but if you go at night, you will not be alone. Not for long. Aimon will soon join you.”

“What of the guards? They will not let me through the gate.”

Anne winked at her, moving to the door. “You leave the guards to me. Now, get some rest, and I will wake you for the evening meal.”

Her thoughts racing, Kathryn snuggled under the covers, sleep now the furthest thing from her mind.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Aimon needed his run tonight more than ever. Keeping his distance from Kathryn, enticing, innocent Kathryn, tested him beyond all measure. Her hazel eyes watched him, stared at him with the same longing that clawed at his own mind. The pout of her pretty mouth that begged for his attention. The curve of her hip beneath her chemise, the light touch of her hand on his arm. He swallowed. Her flush of pleasure when he praised her for her successes. The scent of her arousal when he let himself get too close to her, and the force of her frustration when he moved away. Each day of training proved more difficult than the one before.

He eyed the moon, slung low in the sky, as he headed for the forest. Almost full. It called to him, stirring his lust to a fever pitch. He wanted to admit defeat. Beg Gaharet to take over her training. It warred with his selfish desire to keep her to himself. To have her smile at only him, laugh with him, and gaze at no other with such undisguised longing like she did when she thought his attention elsewhere.

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