232

RONAN

I smirked, daring him on. “I’ll keep that in mind,” I replied. I watched as he made his way to the door. “Return safely to your pack, Harold.”

He paused for a moment as if he was about to say something else. But then, he shook his head and continued walking. I let out a breath as he left, closing the door behind me.

I turned away. I had just lied to Maxine's father and for what? Why would I be scared enough to lie? For Maxine? For a woman who, until recently, had been nothing more than a pawn in my game?

I knew the answer, of course. I could feel it in the way my chest hurt at the thought of Harold taking her away. I couldn’t lose her. Not when I was finally beginning to understand what it meant to care for someone.

Without thinking, I found myself walking back. I needed to see her. I ignored the looks of the guards as I made my way toward her room.

When I reached the door, I hesitated for a moment. I wasn’t sure what I was going to say. I didn't know what excuse I could give fo