Page 132 of Hunt Me

Ezra placed a steadying hand on Luka’s shoulder. “Come. The sun is rising. Let’s get you both inside.”

They left, but not before Luka looked back at the grave one last time.

“I’ll return soon,” he promised.

48

A Father’s Promise

Denalia squirmed in Luka’s arms as he rocked her to sleep. Her brows pinched together, letting her father know she wasn’t pleased with him. He leaned down and kissed her wrinkled brow.

“You are boorish, like your mother,” he whispered, resuming his rocking under Ezra’s watchful eye.

“She is as impatient as she is boorish,” his advisor mentioned. “Hence her premature arrival.”

Luka gently brushed her black silk curls. “Her blessed premature arrival,” he corrected firmly.

“Of course.”

“She favors me,” Luka said, holding up Denalia for Ezra’s examination.

“Respectfully, place your delusions aside, my King.”

Luka grunted and cradled Denalia in his arms.

“I still cannot believe I have an heir, and that she’s dead.”

“She is not dead. She is resting. I swear on my life she will return.”

Luka waved a hand.

“Don’t swear on your life. Denalia needs her godfather.”

“Godfather?”

“Don’t act so shocked, Ezra. Who else if not you?”

“Beta David,” Ezra replied, tone full of mirth.

“You are amused, and I had forgotten the wolf existed. Are we certain I can run a kingdom if I can’t maintain my household?”

“A king does not run a kingdom on his own. I have been supervising David. He is training and has regained significant strength and speed.”

Luka raised a brow.

“Truly?”

“He has. Dr. Blackwood calls it a supplement; I call it witchcraft.”

Luka nodded.

“Dr. Blackwood enjoys using unconventional methods.”

“Witchcraft,” Ezra replied plainly.

“Tell me, Ezra. When will David be ready to challenge Prince Lykaon for his throne?”

“Approximately three months.”