Page 27 of Hunt Me

“I kid you not. I’d live more lavishly than I ever dreamed, and if, by some awful turn of events, Prince Lykaon perishes, then my mate would be next in line for the throne. Which would make me Queen of Moonshire.”

Ezra raised a brow when Luka laughed. It was a rough laugh—dark and ominous from the most treacherous part of his soulless existence. Ezra had been conversing with Beta David, ignoring the forbidden couple and their secret whisperings, but now they had his undivided attention.

“Is everything all right back there?”

They ignored him.

“Do you know what my first duty as queen would be?”

“Something utterly reckless, I suppose,” Luka answered.

“I’d liberate my people from the shackles of the vampires. We’d eradicate every single one of you.”

“How would you do it?”

“We’d starve you, not offering a single drop of our appetizing blood. We’d watch with glee as you turned into skin and bones with sunken eyes, hollowed cheeks, and parched lips.”

“And then?”

“We’d drag your bodies through the streets during midday when the sun is at its highest position. It’d be a celebration with street vendors selling delectable foods and sweets and children running by with masks and streamers, singing cheerful songs about the vampires’ demise.”

“Tell me more.”

“We’d tie you to stakes in the city center and watch as you burn to a crisp and ashes. The night would be filled with hours of drinking the finest ale and dancing under the moon.”

“Hm. You are quite vicious, huntress, and do know I will do everything within my power to prevent you from participating in the mating challenge with Beta David.”

“Do I smell another challenge on the horizon?” Matilda asked, locking eyes with the bold vampire king.

“Beta David?”

“Yes, King Alesi?” David turned slowly, meeting Luka’s stare.

“I, King Luka Alesi of Night Falls, challenge you, Beta David of Moonshire, for the unmated Matilda Beaumont. Do you accept?”

10

Scarlet Spiderweb

“You might as well drive a stake through my heart.”

“Who would be here to lecture me if I did that?”

“Your potential new queen if you win this challenge,” Ezra boomed, crushing the crystal tumbler of blood in his hand. He glanced down and tsked at the shards of glass protruding from his pale flesh.

“She will not be my queen.”

“Then why? Make me understand why you challenged Beta David for her!”

Luka sighed and massaged his temples. “I am growing weary of your blatant disrespect. If you want to be demoted and relieved of your lordship, then say so!” he barked.

Ezra dipped in an apologetic bow. “Forgive me, King Alesi. Lately, I’ve been edging towards insubordination, but respectfully, you have been making questionable decisions that will devastate Night Falls. I’m here to help you; however, I cannot aid you if you won’t help yourself.”

“I don’t require your assistance,” Luka argued as he paced a tight circle around the bed chamber. He was frustrated—beyond frustrated. His emotions were in turmoil. As much as it pained him to admit it, Ezra was right to question his careless behavior. He’d thrown caution to the wind and challenged David on a whim for a huntress with a knack for getting under his skin. Did he want her as his queen? No. But would he allow her to escape him so easily? Also, no. Matilda was a dangerous woman, and not just physically. She was intelligent—smart enough to know she had David under her spell as soon as her feet touched the ground and used him to her advantage. She was a chess player—quick-witted and always thinking ahead. Matilda was a threat in more ways than one.

It’s best to keep her close, he reasoned.

“You need my help more than you know. I am the one who is single-handedly keeping Prince Lykaon from attacking Night Falls and claiming everything we’ve built!”