Page 50 of Hunt Me

“C-can you please get your dick off my thigh? I’m trying to slumber.”

Luka rolled his eyes and looked toward the ceiling. “Forgive me for the troubles; you may take her.”

Daybreak

Matilda hummed as she tapped her feet together under the blanket. She was in a magnificent mood. She had been pampered throughout the night, and now, her future husband sat by the bedside, spoon-feeding her porridge with fruit.

“I fail to see how you can’t do this on your own. I do have a kingdom to run, in case you’ve forgotten.”

“I have not,” she replied, opening her mouth for more. Before she could wrap her lips around the spoon, a violent cough erupted from her.

“Shit,” Luka cursed, leaning her forward and patting her on the back until she was finished. He handed her a cup to spit in.

“Oh my,” Matilda sighed, falling back against the mountain of pillows. She closed her eyes and prayed she wasn’t coming down with lung sickness. When she opened them, they landed on Luka, who was observing her with heavy scrutiny. “I’m fine,” she lied, ignoring the heaviness in her chest.

“You’re a pitiful liar, Tilda.”

She shrugged her uninjured shoulder. “I can’t be great at everything. Taking down several werewolves on my own is an accomplishment in itself.”

Frantic knocking interrupted the pair. “Do not disturb means do not disturb!” King Alesi shouted.

“King Alesi, we have an exceedingly urgent matter. Can you please join me in the corridor?” Ezra requested.

“I cannot.”

“Luka, go,” Matilda encouraged. “I’ll be fine.”

“But—”

“Did you forget you have a kingdom to run? I will rest.”

“Are you certain?” he asked hesitantly, watching the tiny beads of sweat that appeared at her hairline.

“I’m certain.”

He nodded, dabbed her forehead with a towel, and kissed her lips, ignoring how dry they felt. “I’ll return shortly.”

“I might be here when you return,” she called after him, unintentionally making his steps stutter.

“What do you mean you might be here?” he asked, nearly panicking.

“It was a joke. Where the hell do you think I’m going with a fractured collarbone and a cough? Certainly not into the cold.”

“Very well. I’ll check on you soon.” Luka exited his bedchamber and secured the door behind him. Ezra was pacing the hallways, mumbling to himself. “You requested my audience?”

“Yes. Perhaps you’d like to go somewhere a little more private. I have a delicate matter I wish to discuss with you.”

“My study.” The men maneuvered the castle halls in silence. Their hurried boots echoed against the stone floors as his staff bowed in formality when they passed. They arrived at his study, and Luka was already anxious to return to Matilda. “Speak.”

“You might want to take a seat,” his advisor insisted. Sighing, Luka sat behind his desk. “Thank you. All of the wolves are dead except for Beta David. He’s still alive, but barely. We are doing everything we can to keep him that way.”

“When you say all of the wolves, you mean—”

“Yes. The nine that accompanied him. Matilda eliminated four of them, and the guards captured the remaining five and vanquished them on the spot.”

“That’s favorable news.”

“That depends on who you ask. Prince Lykaon will bring war upon us.”