Page 72 of Wolf's Prize

Aimon stared at Farren, uncomprehending. “She is my mate. There is no greater declaration I can make.”

Farren smiled and shook his head. “That may mean something to you werewolves, but not to me. And nor to Kathryn, I would imagine. Do not forget, she has lived her whole life, apart from these past few weeks, as a human. With human emotions and human understanding.”

Aimon sat back in his seat. Had he not made his feelings clear? Did she doubt his true intentions because she had not fully understood what being his mate meant? To her? To him?How is that possible?With every touch, every kiss, he had told her how he felt about her, how much she meant to him.L’enfer, he had made love to her last night. Twice. And her senses were as keen as his. How could she not know of his ever present and all-consuming need for her? A desire so strong it had forced him out into the forest every night so he would not succumb to it and take advantage of her innocence?

Farren drained his wine and set his goblet down. “I will leave you to your drinking. I have done enough of it these past few weeks.” He paused in the doorway. “Will you take some advice?”

Aimon sighed and inclined his head. What possible advice could Farren give to a werewolf whose mate may well choose another?

“Tell her you love her. She needs to hear it, because I suspect she does not truly know how you feel about her.”

With his parting words, Farren left the room. Aimon stared after him, his wine forgotten. Could it be that simple? Was that what she had been asking for when she had confronted him at her bedchamber door? Words of love? A slow smile curled on his lips. That he could do. First thing in the morning, he would act on Farren’s advice. He would tell Kathryn. Perhaps then she would accept him as her mate.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Aimon stood outside Kathryn’s bedchamber and leaned against the wall, his body stiff from a night spent on the cold floor. Kathryn had slept no better, tossing about in her bed, her confusion and her hurt bruising his senses all night long. He had done this to her, with his reluctance to tell her everything. By not giving her the words she had sought. Aimon firmed his resolve. He would make it right. Hehadto make it right.

His ears pricked at the sound of horses in the bailey. Had one of the others come? No. Too many horses. He should check—

The door opened, and Anne brushed past him, leaving Kathryn standing in the doorway. He drank her in. Dark smudges rimmed her eyes and defeat screamed at him in the downward slope of her shoulders. The new arrivals could wait. Gascon would see to them and would send a servant to warn him if there was a need.

“Kathryn, can we talk?”

She stared at him through wounded eyes.

“Please?”

She pressed her lips together and gave him a sharp nod.

His tension eased a little. What he would have done if she had refused, he did not know. “When we spoke last night…I was not clear—”

“Pardon the interruption, Monsieur Aimon.”

Aimon growled, swiveling to face the intrusion. “Not now, Gascon.”

“My apologies, Monsieur Aimon.” Gascon bowed his head. “This cannot wait. Comte Lothair is here, and he has requested your presence. Immediately.”

Aimon’s blood iced over in his veins. The horses. Lothair and his keep guard.

“He awaits you in the library.”

Aimon sighed. His day of reckoning had arrived. He turned back to Kathryn and brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. “We will talk soon, Kathryn. I must attend Lothair. It is not wise to keep him waiting.”

She pulled away, and he let his hand fall limp to his side. Her reaction stung.

“I am coming with you.”

“Kathryn—”

She jutted out her chin, the steel in her eyes harder than a newly forged sword. “This is about me, is it not?”

“Perhaps, it may—”

“Then I am coming with you.” She pushed past him into the corridor. “Come, Gascon. To the library, if you please.”

Gascon bowed. “As you wish, Mademoiselle Kathryn.”

Aimon thumped the wall with his fist, then leaned his forehead against the cool stone. There was no help for it. He followed Gascon and Kathryn.

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