“Let me show you more of the camp,” Evander says. “If you are to be our queen, you should know more about us.”
“Thank you.” I smile and follow him away, listening attentively as he gives me more facts about how the different packs roam the lands, maintaining the towers that keep thebarriers strong, defending the few permanent settlements that are usually clustered near them. Whereas other packs stay in the cities and towns of the lykin permanently, focusing on the craftsmanship that helps support the rest of their people.
All the while, we’re both looking over our shoulders. Keeping track of all the others near us.
Without warning, Evander says, “Now,” and lifts a tent flap.
I duck inside and he follows closely behind.
The night closes in around us at an instant, filtered through the heavy canvas, unfettered by any light or candle. The distant bonfire casts an orange-tinted glow on one side of the tent—on one side of Evander’s face as he stares at me intently. I am well aware of how alone we are and I draw my cape closer around me, the act making me think of his arms around my body the other night and not of Conri’s proximity only a handful of minutes ago.
The bedroll is familiar, even though the tent is large enough now for us to stand in. No longer is he sleeping in a simple triangle tent; the king’s knight has been upgraded to a tent large enough to properly stand in.
“Do what you need quickly; we shouldn’t linger or someone might take notice.” His voice has dropped to a hush. I can’t tell if he truly has no idea about what the goal of this little escape is or not.
“Then can you please step outside for a few minutes?”
“No.” That brings my attention back to him. At my pointed stare, he elaborates, “I can’t linger outside and risk being seen without you. Conri has charged me personally with your care.”
“And sneaking off with me into a tent, alone, is better?” I ask, somewhat curious, somewhat annoyed that he isn’t just doing as I want. This would be so much simpler if I could just be done with it.
“No one saw us come in. Others will likely assume that we’re in another area of camp.” He folds his arms. “Don’t let me stopyou from doing whatever magic it is Aurora has charged you with.” As he speaks, my cheeks are warming. “I assure you, I have seen all manner of magic and?—”
“It’s not magic,” I interject. The heat has nearly reached the tops of my ears. Thank goodness for the near total darkness of the night. I hope his lykin sight isn’t keen enough for him to behold my embarrassment.
His arms fall to his sides. “What, then?”
I inhale deeply and exhale any traces of shame. “I need to relieve myself.”
He blinks. “The camp latrines are?—”
“No, you dense man, I need to satisfy myself in a carnal way to remove some of the temptation of Conri’s charm.” I lock eyes with his and say the words slowly and clearly, refusing to allow for any misconceptions.
He holds my gaze. “I see.”
“I think I would find the task much easier, and faster, if you could just step outside.”
“I told you, we can’t risk it.”
“Not even for five minutes? I assure you it’s not the first time I’ve done this, I won’t be long,” I say with a soft laugh.
“Is it worth the risk of me being flayed?” He takes a small step forward, staring down at me.
“Of course not,” I say, less demanding than the last.
“Because that is what you’re asking me to risk. If Conri sees that I have abandoned my post at your side, I cannot trust all my flesh will remain attached to bone.”
“Why does anyone follow him?” I breathe in horror.
“Because some are as cruel and wicked as he is. Most know nothing else, or they have no option because he controls Aurora and therefore has powers none of us can challenge. Pick one, or a mix, they’re all viable explanations and the outcome doesn’t change.” Evander sighs. “I can go over here and cover my ears.”He steps toward the entrance, putting his back to me and raising his hands to the sides of his face. “I swear, my eyes are closed and I will not look.”
It’s the best option I have. I slowly sit on the cot with his bedroll…the bedroll I slept in just last night. Lying back, I stare up at the top of the tent. The canvas is stained a deep blue with the starry shades of night.
My hand slides down my side, over my hip, finding its place between my thighs. It moves slowly, lacking momentum, trying to find its purpose. This is as straightforward as a spell, I insist to myself. I do the right motions, create the right sensations, breathe in the right way, and things should begin to go…
I force my eyes closed and focus. All I need to do is find that rising need in me. It has been forever since I was last touched. It shouldn’t be hard to summon.
But right when I have it, my thoughts wander to the wolf king. Conri’s lean body fills my mind. Hard and strong. His brown hair slicks to his neck, curling over his shoulders, framing the tattoo at the center of his?—
