Page 29 of Shadow Master
“And Brady too.”
“I’m in love with Brady.”
“You intend to have several lovers?” He frowned as if he was struggling to wrap his mind around the concept.
“Yes.” I crossed my arms. “Do you have a problem with that?”
Do you want me to bite him?Athos asked.
Hyde’s body tensed, and then he slowly raised his hands and backed away from Athos. “Easy,” he said in that smooth baritone again. “I’m not the enemy.”
I swear Athos rolled his eyes.He senses my intention. He can’t understand me, not like you can.
“You were seriously going to bite him?”
He was being difficult.
Hyde slowly lowered his hands and stared from Athos to me. “Are you speaking to the hound?”
“Yes. I seem to have the ability to communicate with the hounds. Probably something to do with the mark the fomorian cut into my arm.”
Hyde’s brows shot up. “That’s impressive. I’m jealous. I’ve only ever been able to sense their intentions and communicate mine.” Hyde stepped closer to Athos and ran his hand across his flank. “You’re a beautiful creature.”
Thank you, Athos rumbled.
“He said thanks.”
Hyde let out a bark of laughter, his eyes lighting up in wonder, and for a moment, the angst was gone, and he reminded me of an awestruck boy.
I couldn’t help but smile. “His name is Athos. I guess you didn’t get the memo on the developments with the hounds. I’ll fill you in on the way back.”
I climbed up onto Athos. “Is it okay for Hyde to ride too?”
Unless you want him left in my dust…
I held out a hand to Hyde. “Hop on and hold on.”
Hyde swung himself up, and then we were off, back into the mist, back to the ruins. Don’t think about Hyde’s chest pressed to your back. Don’t think about his arms wrapped around your waist.
He was coming with me into enemy territory, and I couldn’t help but wonder how long I’d be able to keep my distance.
Eleven
The stables were wreathed with shadows as I approached. My blood simmered, and my muscles begged for release. My body was ready to run, to let go and fly. Two hulking shadows emerged from the gloom. Wolves, huge and dark with stormy gray eyes.
It was hard to tell Aidan and Devon apart in this form, but Devon was the bulkier wolf. He chuffed and swung his head toward the fields that led down to the forest.
Aidan padded over and nudged my thigh with his snout.
I ran my hand over his head, sliding my fingers into the silken fur. He made a sound of pleasure. Devon approached and stood in front of me. He was so large his head came up to my chest. He buried his nose in my neck and inhaled, nuzzling me.
My pulse kicked up, and a familiar heat unfurled in my belly. Whoa to that.
I pulled away. “You wanna race?”
The wolves grinned at me.
“Catch me if you can.” I took off in a blur toward the field.
