Yes. For once, the goddess of fate seemed to be on his side.
‘What happened?’ Gianna repeated sharply, the flamesfrom the sconces on the wall casting her face in flickering shadows.
It wasn’t a question. It was a command.
So he recounted the story, answering each and every push for detail with the type of precision for which she’d come to depend on him.
What was the path of the wolves?Straight through the heart of town.
Why didn’t you let Aya proceed alone?Because he didn’t think she could outrun them. Because he took an oath to defend those who fought beside him.
Why did the Athatis stop their pursuit?He didn’t know.
How did you both survive?He didn’t know.
Her brow furrowed, concern lining the delicate planes of her face as she rested a hand on his thigh. ‘Lena found significant damage to the Athatis wall,’ she said. ‘It’s likely that’s how those four wolves escaped. I’ve sent her to search for the perpetrator with her bonded.’
Will tried not to bristle, tried to keep his muscles from locking under her touch. But Gianna’s brows rose as she added, ‘Is there a problem?’
‘I’m more than capable of leading the hunt.’
‘And if I ask Suja for her opinion on the matter?’ Will gave her a blank stare, and Gianna’s face softened in an understanding smile. ‘Rest for today. Your assistance will be required soon enough.’
Of that he had no doubt.
Her smile faltered as she marked his locked jaw, and Will forced himself to relax back against the loveseat, his arm draping across the green velvet back, his fingers brushing Gianna’s shoulder. A knock at the door had her hand falling into her lap, and the attendant stepped in a moment later, his head bowed.
‘The High Priestess will be here in thirty minutes, Majesty.’
‘Excellent,’ she said as she rose. ‘I’ll meet her in the formal chamber.’ Her brown eyes flicked to Will, and he barely had time to erase his frown.
Gianna often sought counsel from her spiritual advisor, but to meet with her at this hour …
He didn’t press her on it, though. Not when she eyed his still-lounging form as the attendant left. ‘You could stay,’ she offered.
He wasn’t entirely sure of the intent of the invitation. Her eyes were wide. Innocent. But her fingers toyed almost mindlessly with the sash of her robe, as if …
Will pushed himself up, his body aching in protest.
‘If only there were enough time for what that could entail.’
It was more brazen than he’d ever allowed himself to be. One of her golden brows rose, a small smirk tugging at the edge of her pink lips.
‘If you need more than thirty minutes, William, then you have no idea how to pleasure a woman.’
Will grinned. ‘If you haven’t lasted thirty minutes, Majesty, then you have no idea how to experience true pleasure.’
He marked her small shudder as he backed toward the door, but he knew better than to give in.
Gianna loved a chase.
And he was intent on giving her one.
15
Gods, it was bright.
Aya’s eyes burned as they opened slowly.
