Page 80 of Wolf's Redemption

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Ulrik kept his arms fisted at his side as he let Lothair drag Rebekah away from him. For once, she was silent. It seemed his little fire breather had run out of insults. If their situation were not so precarious, he might have found that amusing.

Lothair kicked Ulrik’s sword further away. “Is this what it has come to, Gaharet?”

“You forced my hand, Lothair,” said Gaharet, stepping down from the dais. “But I did not come here to fight you.”

“Your bloodied sword suggests otherwise.”

“I could have killed you many times over the years, Lothair, but I did not. You are as safe with me as you have ever been.”

As Gaharet kept Lothair talking, Ulrik edged himself to the left, closer to his sword.

“Your keep is by far more secure than the last time I was here,” said Gaharet. “As once your adviser and commander of your troops, I commend this improvement, but it has meant there were unfortunate casualties.”

Lothair’s attention snapped to Ulrik, and he pressed his sword against Rebekah’s stomach. She sucked in a breath and Ulrik halted. It had been a bold move for Lothair to send all his guards away. Even with only the two of them, they far outmatched him. Either Lothair was delusional about his chances against two werewolves, shifted or human, or he had the fortitude of a wild boar. Perhaps it was a little of both. That he held Rebekah complicated matters, but Ulrik would give his all to ensure his mate walked away from this confrontation.

“Ulrik has brought you a gift,” said Gaharet, drawing Lothair’s attention again.

“A gift?” Lothair cocked his head. “Am I going to like it?”

“I liked it,” rasped Ulrik, but Lothair ignored him.

He took another step toward his sword.

Gaharet shrugged. “Perhaps you will like it. Perhaps not. But it is something you need.”

“Something I need?” The disdain in Lothair’s voice was unmistakable.

Careful, Gaharet.Ulrik eased two more steps to the left.

“The gift of understanding.”

Lothair shifted slightly, keeping both him and Gaharet in his sights. Lothair was an experienced and fearless warrior. Taking him down, even with their advantages, would not be easy.

“And where is this…gift?”

“In your underground chamber. Bound in silver.” Ulrik grinned, letting his canines show. “We thought you might like someone to replace me.”

Lothair’s eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting between the two of them. “You put Godfrey in there? IsheRenaud’s informant?”

Godfrey?Was it possible? Could Renaud have uncovered Godfrey’s secret and used it against him?

“It is not Godfrey,” said Gaharet. “But I think you will appreciate our choice.”

“You let Ulrikbitesomeone?”

Gaharet chuckled. “Oh, I gave him my blessing.”

Lothair’s eyes blazed with an unwholesome longing. Ulrik suppressed a shudder. He hoped Gaharet was right. That the turning would kill Renaud. They needed information from the archeveque—the name of his informant—but they would forgo it to keep their abilities, their advantages, out of Lothair’s hands.

“Who have you put in my underground chamber, Ulrik?” asked Lothair.

Gaharet inclined his head toward the door behind the dais. “Come and see for yourself.”

Lothair considered them both, his dark eyes restless and wary. “Very well. Lead the way.” Lothair pointed his sword at Ulrik, halting him. “Not you. Gaharet.” He dipped his head at Rebekah. “And her.”

Ulrik’s wolf reared up, and he almost shifted on the spot. It was only the presence of his alpha, strong and sure, that stopped him. “No.” His wolf hovered close—a tingle of awareness along his spine. The trust reflected in Rebekah’s eyes warmed him. He hoped he could live up to her belief. “Where she goes, I go.”

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