Chapter 6 #2
I threw myself before the hunter, biting back pain, braced for the blade slicing my side when Pablo crashed next to me.
The hunter stopped a breath away. For a moment, his solid chest heaved against mine, his sweet scent, intoxicating and calm, swarmed my senses.
Shivers rippled through me despite the warmth radiating from him.
My breath caught as I became far too aware of his broad shoulders, his athletic build.
I shook my head. Why was I so easily distracted by the moron desperate to spill my wolf’s blood?
I raised my fists, ready to smash them into the square jaw peeking out of his hood.
‘He…’ His breath thrummed against my fists as they froze before him. I peered into the shadows, trying to discern his features. ‘He was defending you?’
‘Have you actually listened to a word I’ve said?’
Dropping my fists, I stepped back, desperate to create some space between us.
My injured ankle gave way and I slumped forward, colliding with the hunter’s solid chest. The dagger clattered to the ground as his gloved hands grabbed my waist, tucking me in.
Grunting, I wriggled, wanting to break free, but it only made him grip tighter.
Somehow, I fell against him, his strangely tender touch eliciting a soft gasp from my lips.
His hands swept across my back, tugging me closer, our bodies flush as I inhaled sharply.
Gods, my pulse thundered, a matching rhythm to the heart pounding against my flushed cheek.
My trembling hands reached around his strong neck, acting on an instinct I seemed incapable of fighting.
The damned hunter’s breath whispered against the side of my face, and I found myself consumed with the desire to see the man’s features.
I looked up, desperate to tug his hood down and discover who this infuriating creature was.
The stranger called to me in a way that made me furrow my brows.
My mind screamed to push him away, but with a sigh, I closed my eyes, leaned into the comfort of his warmth and sank into his arms. It was as if I knew each swell and curve of his body like my own, the unmistakable beat of his heart that echoed mine.
I wrinkled my nose, the familiar lavender scent enveloping me…
My eyes widened. Gods, no.
‘Sorrow?’
I hauled myself out of the man’s grip, my head snapping up as my name left his lips.
‘Can you stand? Do you need help?’
My blood chilled as recognition flooded me. His voice was deeper than the last time I’d heard it. How had I not realised? This would-be wolf killer was no hunter.
Shaking myself free, I placed my trembling hand on a growling Pablo as the man removed his hood.
I barked out a laugh past the shattering within my chest. Not a hunter, but my future brother-in-law. My half-sister’s betrothed. My…
‘Matthias?’ I whispered his name as the moon unravelled herself from a layer of cloud, illuminating the face hidden within the shadow.
All the heat his embrace had poured into me cooled.
I blinked at the damned spots, my heart hammering, as his features came into shaky focus.
My breath hitched as the boy I’d adored hid within the king standing close enough to hold.
An ache cracked in my chest as I realised that would be the last time I’d ever be cradled in his arms.
A nervous smile crept across his face, before splitting into the one I’d craved more than air.
Matthias held my gaze. Were his eyes an even deeper shade of green or was it the lack of light?
They were still ringed with the thick dark lashes I’d been so envious of.
I traced him, tracking the changes of manhood; the angles of his face shone in the silvery light.
His straight nose with the little up curve at the end I’d itched to draw as a child.
The dimple in his square jaw. Of course he’d be more handsome than ever, while I quite literally looked like I’d been dragged through the mud by a fierce beast.
Gods, what was I doing? Why should I care what he thought of me? None of it mattered. He belonged to Enfys. I raised my chin, anything to claw my way out of the pain threatening to drown me.
‘You… you didn’t recognise me?’ he said.
I flinched at his words, slamming my hands against his firm chest, shoving him back.
‘Of course not,’ I cried. ‘You haven’t bothered with me in eight years. I’m surprised you even remember my name.’
I clenched my shaking fists. Gods, I wanted nothing more than to shove him again. Keep shoving till I sent him back to Asmar.
Pablo’s snarling increased as Matthias raised his palms in surrender. His eyes flicked between me and the wolf. His smile was gone.
‘Sorrow. I’m so sorry. I didn’t—’
Pablo cut him off. The wolf lunged, forcing him backwards until they landed in a heap on the ground.
The wolf pinned the king of Asmar to the ground.
His massive paws crushed Matthias’s shoulders.
I faced the carriage where the shadowy forms of the guards turned our way.
With the threat of the diafol gone, Matthias and I drew their attention.
I took a moment to settle my breathing. Regain something of my composure and ensure Matthias bloody Elmswood had no idea the effect he had on my pulse.
Damn. What was the king of Asmar doing in Drufaera anyway? My heart plummeted. Had he come for Enfys?
‘Pablo,’ I hissed. He stopped snarling long enough to glance my way.
Matthias wiped drool from his tanned cheeks and released an audible breath.
‘Stupid mutt,’ he muttered.
Pablo froze, returning his amber gaze to the king.
Matthias’s guards hurtled over the ground as their king screamed. In an instant, Pablo stood between the man’s legs, snarling jaws right over Elmwood’s crotch.
I bit my thumb, failing to stifle my laughter. ‘You should apologise.’
‘I’m not apologising to a… pet!’
He swore as Pablo widened his huge jaw, exposing jagged teeth.
‘Never call Pablo a pet. He’s been my guide… since… since the accident.’ I straightened against the pain writhing in my heart.
Matthias’s face screwed up. ‘Fine, sorry. I’m sorry. You’re a… good wolf.’
I tapped Pablo’s shoulders, and he sat back, shaking his shaggy head. The guards stopped, weapons drawn. I couldn’t make out their expressions, but their awkward shuffling told me they were rather confused.
‘My king?’ one of them called out, taking a few steps forward. ‘Do you need help there?’
Matthias leapt up, swiping dust from his cloak. ‘Fine, Asher. It’s fine.’ He faced me, his brow furrowed as he studied my features.
I gripped my skirts, willing my hands to stop shaking.
‘When did you become best friends with a wolf?’ His gaze flicked to Pablo.
‘I find he’s more faithful than the friends I used to know.’ I limped back, creating more space.
‘A cane would be less trouble.’
‘But a wolf is such a conversation starter.’
If I could raise his ire, maybe he wouldn’t come so damned close, but then his face broke out in that heart-shattering grin and my traitorous heart stuttered. Swallowing, I looked away.
The approaching guard held his arm out for me. The darkest brown eyes twinkled in his black face. He flashed a grin so welcoming, I couldn’t help but smile back. Onyx braids hung down to his hips. Silver buttons shone like the new moon on his ebony uniform. He took my knuckles, squeezing my hand.
‘This must be your new bride, Matthias.’
His mistake slammed into my chest like Matthias’s arrow.
Matthias brushed more dirt from his shoulders. ‘She is,’ he replied softly. ‘Asher, this is Sorrow, my… intended. Sorrow, Captain Asher Rossing. My personal guard.’
My head swung between them, my mouth dry. Matthias? Matthias Elmswood was the king who’d bartered for my hand? Given Romero boons to throw me in his wedding bed, after he’d not only ripped my tattered heart from my chest, but stomped it into the dirt with his betrayal?
‘But––’ Gods, my voice was far too high. ‘You’re marrying Enfys!’
Matthias’s brow furrowed. ‘Enfys?’ Green eyes flicked across to Asher. ‘Why on Eusis would I marry Enfys?’
I trembled as he took a step closer, tilting his head, as a thundering growl rumbled through the wolf.
‘As long as there is breath in my body, I will not be your bride.’ Even if you are so fucking devastating you’d distract Evella.
I backed away as the king took another step towards me, suddenly far too aware of his lean form, the rise of his firm chest and the coiled muscles tensing beneath his dusty clothes.
Matthias snorted, his hand reaching across the chasm between us.
‘Who?’ He glanced at a grinning Asher. ‘Who else would marry you?’
‘I’d rather shackle myself to Vyrus than some reckless prick of a king who’s ignored me for eight years,’ I hissed.
His jaw clenched as a warning flashed behind his eyes. I crossed my arms over my heaving chest, resisting the urge to pull him close once more. Pablo lowered his head, slivers of drool pooling within the yellowing grass.
Matthias closed the gap further, and the wolf lunged again as though he knew I’d crumble into the king’s arms. Asher’s grin widened as an exasperated sigh left my lips. The king cried out as the wolf pinned him down once more.
‘It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you,’ Asher said as Matthias failed to shove the snarling wolf away. ‘I was worried this marriage would make Matthias dull as ditchwater. I’m pleased to see how wrong I am! We’re all about to have more fun than I could ever imagine.’