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I heard correctly the first time. “Me?” I point to my chest.
Lenox and Rohan both nod. Rohan must be here to support Lenox the way I support milady. It’s a good thing because I think if Lenox approached me alone, it might’ve taken a while before it settled that the Alpha of another wolf clan wants me as payment for lives lost. Which raises the question… “What in the king’s name would he want with me?”
Rohan and Lenox remind me of stray dogs someone threw a bucket of cold water over. If their ears could fold, they would.
“I guess he wants a lady’s maid? He must need a maid for his lady. Seriously? All this show for fetching a maid? Well.” I lift my finger. “You can tell them I have a distant cousin in town who is looking for a job, and that as soon as milady is feeling well enough to stroll back into town, I’ll send a letter and fetch my cousin.”
“They don’t need maids.”
“I don’t understand.”
“They need a breeder.”
“I’m still confused. If they need a breeder, why would they want me? I’m a lowborn servant of the Kilseleian crown. I have no land, no title, no prospects.”
Lenox grabs my shoulders and squeezes. I don’t believe he’s ever touched me, so now I’m more alert than ever before, my eyes locked with his blue ones.
“It was either I offer you up or they kill Duane.”
“Offer? You offered me to offset what Duane did?”
Lenox nods, his eyes sad again. “Forgive me.” He drops his hands.
I step back.
“Marybell,” milady calls from the terrace. I swallow before telling her I’ll be right in.
“There’s nothing to forgive, Lenox. I would never wish anyone harm, especially not Duane. He’s my friend.”
Rohan clears his throat. “Are you more than friends?”
“No. Why?”
“Because when he returns from his travels, I want to know if he’ll look for you.”
“He won’t look for me. Milady will.”
Lenox nods. “I’ll explain what happened.”
“The way you explained it to me?”
He nods.
“It’ll upset her. You mustn’t tell her the truth. You mustn’t tell her you offered me as a prize, though I have to say, I’ve never thought of myself as a prize.”
“Marybell, you are a prize, and any male lucky enough to have your love must make himself worthy of you. Which brings me to the second part of this.”
“Which is?”
“Marybell,” milady shouts.
“Coming!” I bark, and both Lenox and Rohan step back. “You were saying?”
“The Otts have no breeders. None whatsoever, and I presume the entire clan will compete for your attention.”
“But I am not a breeder.”
“You are.”
