Page 82 of Hunt Me

Faith Forged in Fire

“You’re dead,” Ezra drawled, slapping Matilda on the neck with the flat surface of the spear. She groaned and angrily rubbed at the sting, trying to massage the pain away as she regrouped. She had “died” thirty-two times since they started practicing that afternoon. Ezra had only suffered a near-death experience when she became frustrated and launched the spear at him. He ducked, and the tip of the blade plunged into the weathered tree behind him. “Matilda…”

“Stop. I know what you’ll say,” she said, panting and trying to catch her breath.

“We must rest.”

“There is no rest in battle; therefore, we shall not rest in practice,” she replied stubbornly.

Ezra resigned, recognizing that Matilda was being factual. Because Alaria was a vampire, her stamina far outweighed Matilda’s. Unless Matilda finished Alaria off quickly, the challenge could last for hours.

“Very well. Perhaps you’d prefer to change weapons?”

“The only other weapon that would be fitting to avoid close combat is the broadsword or a battle axe, and both would tire me within minutes of combat.”

“What do you plan on doing with David’s blood?”

Matilda grinned suspiciously, raising the hairs on the back of Ezra’s neck. “And ruin the surprise? I think not.”

“Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s dastardly.”

“Oh, of the highest degree, my dear bodyguard.”

Silence settled between them, save for Matilda’s shallow breaths. He spoke again when she appeared well-rested.

“You mustn’t fall,” he said.

“I agree.”

“You do not understand. Luka requested that I deliver him a swift demise if you perish.”

“I heard. Have you talked some sense into him since then?”

Ezra shook his head. “What is there to say to a man whose mind is made?”

“You’d have to change his mind.”

“And be plagued to watch him suffer for centuries from losing his fated mate and child? I’d rather not.”

Matilda blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of Ezra’s confusing statement. “Fated mates? What does that mean?”

“Shit,” he mumbled under his breath.

“What does that mean?” she repeated.

“I’ve said too much. It’s not for me to say.”

“You do not have the gift of time travel. The door has already been opened; you might as well walk through it.”

He rolled his eyes. “Very well. You and King Alesi are fated mates—meaning he is your soul mate, and you are his.”

“T-that doesn’t make sense. Wasn’t Anastasia his mate?”

“Yes, she was his mate, but not his fated mate. Which probably had something to do with why they couldn’t reproduce, despite how hard they tried.”

“Is it the same for vampires as it is for werewolves?”

“Precisely,” he answered.