Thaddeus
The door slammed into the brass stopper and swung half-shut behind her fleeing form.
I stared after her, stunned.
That was… not the usual reaction to my propositions. In London, women practically wept for my attention. With all my—well—carnal proficiency, she should have been fluttering, sighing, and begging for my attention.
Instead, she had run as if I’d set myself on fire.
I clenched my jaw.
“And you—” I hissed inwardly.“You stupid mutt. Why did you start whining? You made me look a fool.”
You did not require my help for that, the voice replied coolly.
My name is Wulfric.
And I am a wolf.
I froze.
His presence settled, calm and immovable as stone—far clearer than before.
Not a whisper.
A voice.
You angered our mate.
“Why,” I demanded through gritted teeth,“are you inside me?”
I am part of you.
“For how long?” I whispered.
Always, he said. A pause. Then, he spoke, quietly.
I lay dormant. Not for decades. For far longer. I am… uncertain.
Then his certainty snapped back into place like a spine realigning.
You will not upset her again.
I tipped my head back toward the ceiling, exhaling hard.
Wonderful. A sentient beast had taken up residence in my chest.
A beast with opinions.
Demands.
Rules.
I pinched the bridge of my nose.
“I simply need a tumble with her,” I muttered.“Then this nonsense will pass and you will quiet yourself.”
Wulfric bristled, a ripple of cold anger through my ribs.
