I resisted the urge to stick my tongue out at him and made my way toward the forest instead. I’d need to make some extra salve to put on my wounds if I was going to keep them from scarring. The forest was quiet, save for the rustling leaves overhead. I crouched down next to a patch of wild herbs I
Raven After heating up the two buckets of water in the kitchens, I returned to my room, where Neil was—to my surprise—still waiting. “You carried those by yourself?” he asked, rising from where he was sitting at the end of my bed as I passed by. I shot him a sideways glance as I poured the buc
As if reading my mind, Neil said, “I told you once that if she were to arrive, she would work with us. Not against us.” I swallowed hard. “You know that for sure?” He nodded stiffly. “I would not be engaged to her otherwise.” I inhaled deeply, nodding as well. “I hope she makes it here, then,”
Raven I was sitting in my room late that night, reading a book in bed, when a knock on my door suddenly jolted me out of my thoughts. I frowned as I stood and grabbed a nearby robe, tugging it around myself before opening the door. Neil stood in the doorway, dressed all in black. “Come with me
“What?” My dad sounded concerned. “Raven, honey, if something’s wrong—” “Nothing’s wrong,” I lied, managing a light chuckle. “I just need to unwind for a while, that’s all. But I’m having a nice time here. It’s… warm. And I’m making some friends.” At that, Neil glanced up from beneath his eyebro
Raven I woke up the next morning still feeling that same anger. The events of the previous night felt like a thorn stuck in my side. My phone call with my father should have made me happy, relieved even. I should have been over the moon to hear his voice and to know that my affairs were in good
The damage from the rogue attack was worse than I had realized. Several houses had been reduced to rubble, only the charred remains of their foundations left. Some of the structures had been partially rebuilt, with new beams and wooden planks propped up as villagers worked to restore what they’d los
Raven Firelight flickered across the village square, throwing dancing shadows over the tables lined with food and drink. The air smelled richly like roasted meat and fresh bread, mingling with the sweet smell of wildflowers that villagers had woven into crowns for the children. Music drifted from
“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