“No, Neil,” my brothers cut me off at almost the exact same time. Edrick smirked and continued, “It’s better for you to stay here. We need a guard dog around the castle.”I clenched my teeth, prepared to bite out a retort. But before I could, Caleb said, “Actually, that reminds me… Have you found an
RavenMy heart pounded in my ears as I dropped the bow and ran to Neil. “Why did you do that?!” I practically shouted. “You walked right in front of the dummy!”Neil just shook his head and rose from his crouched position. He looked utterly unfazed despite the fact that an arrow had just grazed his
To my surprise, Neil was silent.He remained silent, even when a sob suddenly wracked my frame.I clamped my hand over my mouth, turning away. Don’t cry, I urged myself desperately. There was no time for tears—and no one would pity me, anyway. Besides, if Neil’s brothers found out about me…Then I’d
RavenHannah gave me a swift shove against my lower back, sending me stumbling forward onto the carpet. I tripped over my own ankles and fell to the floor in a trembling heap.“Who is this?” a male voice barked.My breath caught as I pushed a lock of hair out of my eyes and looked up at the man sitt
The King stared at us both for a moment, as if in shock, and then shook his head and waved his hand.“I haven’t got time for this. Hannah, next time you decide to interrupt my son’s late-night escapades, at least wait until morning to bring the matter to my attention.”With that, the King dismissed
RavenThe tavern sign swung gently in the night breeze. From inside, the sound of music and laughter poured out onto the dark street. A group of drunk patrons stumbled through the door, bumping into each other on their way out.We stood on the path, hoods pulled up to conceal our faces.“We shouldn’
“Going to cry?” Ember chuckled as she placed her hands above mine. “Again?”That was the moment that I’d had enough. I had cried today for good reason—an innocent man had died. I wasn’t about to be cowed for that.So, gritting my teeth, I channeled as much of my wolf’s strength as I could muster int
RavenNeil led me through the narrow streets of the town, our cloaks billowing behind us in the wind. He didn’t tell me where he was taking me, although his hand was oddly warm and reassuring around mine.When we finally made it to our destination, though, I wished I hadn’t followed him.The moment
“Isn’t it?” I felt my palms begin to itch. “One minute you’re… you’re kissing me up against a tavern, and the next you’re treating me like I’m nothing!” “Raven—” “I’ve had enough!” I wiped at my eyes angrily. “I am so fucking sick of men like you and Nathan treating me like an object to be used
Raven I stared in horror at the sight before me. My horse was now laying on the ground, her leg twisted awkwardly, the arrow I had loosed embedded deep into her knee. Blood seeped around the shaft, staining her glossy coat a dark crimson. Panic surged through me as I scrambled off the ground and
As I stared at his retreating form, his shoulders rigid, I felt frustration bubble up inside of me. I knew that what we did last night was a mistake, but he was acting like a moody teenager. “Start at the beginning of the course,” he said, plopping down on the stump and folding his arms. I opene
Raven The morning sun cast long shadows across the training yard as I swung the wooden sword in a wide arc, sweat dripping down my forehead. My muscles screamed in protest from a morning spent training, but I gritted my teeth and continued the routine Ember had drilled into me. Block, parry, str
I just knew I wanted him. Even if we were outside a dingy tavern in the middle of the night, inches from being spotted, I didn’t care. Wanting my mate was the most natural thing in the world. A soft moan escaped me as I shut my eyes, feeling his warmth press into me. The heat between my thighs pul
Raven The sudden press of Neil’s lips against mine felt like a lightning strike, electricity coursing through my body. For a second, I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think—I could only feel the searing warmth of Neil’s mouth on mine and the roughness of his grip around my wrists. But just as quickly
He gave a short nod, apparently satisfied. A few moments later, the guards returned with drinks. Castor and Eric were in the midst of recounting the battle, ale sloshing out of mugs as they gestured wildly. “And then Neil dove right into the heart of the fight,” Castor was saying. “One rogue after
Raven The tavern was dimly lit and packed, the air smelling thickly of alcohol and smoke. It seemed the entire village was there tonight, celebrating the warriors returning safely. We made our way to a table in the corner, our cloaks up to shield our faces despite the crowded atmosphere. The gua
Ember remained silent, studying me with an amused glint in her eyes. “But at least here,” I muttered, swinging again and managing to force her to step back, “Lycan women are honest about their intentions. You don’t pretend to be best friends while plotting behind someone’s back.” As I took anoth