Page 76 of Wolf's Prize

“But he did not petition the comte for my hand in marriage.”

Her father took her shoulders in his hands and turned her to face him. “You wanted the choice to be yours, Kathryn. He is trying to give you what you want.” He raised his hands to her face and tilted her head to look at him. “You have a decision to make. You are an intelligent, strong woman. Lord knows, you have always had your own mind. But if there is one piece of advice I can give you, it is to think with your heart, Kathryn, not your head.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead and stepped back. “Aimon will return soon. Talk to him. Do not leave things unsaid between the two of you.”

Her father retreated from the hall, leaving her to stare at the wall hanging, lost in thought. She had a choice to make. What no one seemed to consider—not Comte Lothair, her father, nor Aimon—was the fourth option available to her. Now a member of the pack, she was no longer alone. The threat of being destitute if her father died was gone. If that were to happen, the pack would care for her. Gaharet would see to it. Now Kathryn could choose to not marry at all.

* * * *

Dusk slowly crept across the sky as Aimon rode into the bailey of the d’Louncrais keep. A good portion of his day he had spent with Gaharet, making plans and trying to cover all contingencies. Damn Lothair and his interference. Aimon had wanted to keep Kathryn’s identity hidden until they had found her attacker. But it was not to be. He could not defy Lothair.

Aimon slid from his saddle and handed his reins to Henri. He needed to talk to Kathryn, and he had little time before he must leave to meet the others—to do Lothair’s bidding. He found her in the hall, seated near the fire, her dark copper hair spilling down her back like a river of flame. The very sight of her had his pulse speeding up.

She stiffened as he approached, but she did not turn to greet him. “Where did you go? You have been gone all day.”

Aimon grimaced. He had not told her of his intention to consult with Gaharet. A deliberate move, but necessary. She would have insisted she join him, and he had not wanted her privy to their discussion. Things had needed to be said, strategies put in place should he not return from the meeting. Of course, it had angered her.

He skirted her chair and crouched before her. “I went to see Gaharet. To warn him, to seek his advice and to plan.”

“I could have come with you. To see Erin.” She searched his gaze, seeking answers. “Oh. I see. You did not want me there.”

He looked away, avoiding the accusation in her eyes. She got to her feet and brushed past him, moving around the fire, putting it between them.

“What have you and Gaharet decided?”

Aimon stood and stared at her across the fire. “Gaharet is bringing Erin to the keep. He will guard the two of you until I return.”

Ifhe returned. There were no guarantees. It all depended on how the traitor reacted, whether the others would support him… He had defied a direct order from Lance by coming to the d’Louncrais keep. That would not be received well, despite his having a valid reason. He may not get the chance to tell them why.

“I do not suppose you would consider letting me come with you? I have control over my wolf now. I could help you.”

Aimon raked his hands through his hair. “I understand why you want to be there, Kathryn. I do, but it is not safe. Our betrayer will be there. He has already had a hand in murdering our kind. He may see this meeting as an opportunity to ambush the rest of us. I will not put you in harm’s way.”

She shook her head, her copper locks falling about her face. “Of course.”

He winced at the bitter note to her words. “I will need to have my wits about me. I cannot afford to miss something because I am worried about protecting you. With you here, with Gaharet watching over you, I will know you are safe. As safe as you can be.”

He skirted the fire and took her hands in his. His heart rejoiced when she did not pull away. “If things go awry, if someone breaches Gaharet’s defenses, unlikely as that is, you and Erin can lock yourselves in the training room and wait for help to arrive. I hope it will not come to that, but knowing you have that option will put my mind at ease. Promise me you will stay in here in the keep.”

Her father had once told him she would never break a promise. He was counting on Farren knowing his daughter.

He released her hand to tilt her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Promise me, Kathryn. Please.”

Her eyes softened, and she licked her lips, drawing his gaze.

“I promise.”

Her voice was soft and breathy, the scent of her arousal teasing his nostrils. He inhaled deeply, stepping closer, and cupped her face. He sighed, touching his forehead to hers as another familiar presence filled his awareness. Gaharet had arrived.

“I know we have not had a chance to talk, and there is so much I want to tell you. Right now, we do not have the time, but know this. Like Elise was for Jacques, and Erin is for Gaharet, you are the only woman for me. I love you, Kathryn. The inner fire that burns so bright within you, your courage, your determination. The way you revel in the forest, letting your hair down and removing your boots to run barefoot. How you ride horses with reckless abandon.” He smiled. “Lord knows, I even love your temper. And were you not a werewolf, were you not attacked and turned and had remained human till this day, I would love you still.”

Her eyes widened, and her lips parted on a gasp. He took full advantage, taking her mouth in his, putting everything he felt, every emotion she provoked, into his kiss. He released her, leaving her dazed and her mouth moist from his kiss.

“Gaharet and Erin are here. It is time for me to confront the others. Stay safe, Kathryn. For me.”

With one last squeeze of her hand, he left her standing by the fire. Aimon did not look back. He would see this through. He must. For her. And perhaps, when he returned, she might choose him as her mate.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Aimon stepped out of the keep to find Gaharet waiting for him. Night had fallen, and the moon hung low in the sky, yet to reach its zenith. Its color gave him pause.

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