Page 15 of The Bull's Beauty
Ah. Shit.
The wolf-man grins as he’s shoved forward, his russet eyes scanning the village with casual interest. They land on our cage and then on me.
His smirk deepens, and I narrow my eyes.
Try me, fleabag.
Rurak steps forward, arms crossed. “Ulric.” His voice is a low growl. “You are not welcome here.”
Ulric spreads his hands in mock surrender. “Come now, Rurak. Is that any way to greet an old friend?”
“We are not friends.”
“Acquaintances, then.”
Rurak’s nostrils flare, but before he can respond, Ulric turns his attention to the rest of the camp, his voice carrying like he’s announcing a festival.
“I come bearing news! The Minotaurs are restless. Blackthorn Tribe’s second is sniffing around your borders as we speak.”
My breath catches.
Silas.
My heart gives a traitorous, hopeful lurch.
Of course he noticed I was gone. For once, his infuriating vigilance is the most beautiful thing in the world. Captured by Orcs, but rescued by him? I’ll take it. It’s practically a fairytale, if the princess were an idiot.
Cassia shoots me a questioning look, but I keep my face carefully blank.
Ulric continues, still grinning. “Big, broody fellow. Dark hair. Glare that could curdle milk.” He pauses, then adds, almost too casually, “Seems very interested in something—or someone—that might have wandered into your territory.”
Rurak growls. “We have taken nothing.”
“Of course not.” Ulric’s tone is light, but his eyes dart to me again.
“Minotaurs have no business near Orc land unless they want their heads mounted in the chief’s hut.”
The wolf-man grins, completely unfazed. “Oh, I don’t disagree, but the Bull isn’tonyour land. Just…near the edge of it.” His amber eyes flick to me. “Waiting.”
Rurak’s tusks gleam as he bares them in a snarl. “Then, he can wait until his bones turn to dust.”
Ulric chuckles, rubbing his neck where an Orc had him by the scruff. “I’ll be sure to pass that along. Although…” He tilts his head, feigning thought. “Might be smarter to just give back whatever it is he’s missing. Bulls get testy about their things.”
Their things,I bristle. I am not athing.But my pulse kicks up anyway. Because if Silas is out there…and if this infuriating, untrustworthy dog is hinting at it…
Cassia’s nails dig into my arm. “Beatrice,” she whispers urgently. “What is he doing?”
I watch the Wolf, who’s now casually inspecting his claws like this is all some amusing game. His ears twitch, though, sharp and alert.
He’s playing both sides.
And I think—I hope—I’m on the side that ends with me out of this damn cage.
Rurak leans in, “Tell your Bull this,Mutt:if he sets one hoof on Orc land, we’ll send his hide back to his Chief.”
Ulric rolls his shoulders, flashing Rurak his most disarming grin. “Look, I’m justsaying, you’ve got something here that certain parties would payveryhandsomely for.”
“And why would we trade through you?”
