My spine becomes rigid, and goose bumps break out on my arms. Then the tug that links me to Karl becomes stronger. I jump from my chair and run to the window. It’s closed, but I don’t need to peer outside to know Karl is getting near.
Pressing my hand against the shutters, I whisper, “No.”
Then I turn around and run out of my quarters in search of Lucca. Karl can’t be anywhere near the castle. Everyone knows he and Cheryl have been banished. If he’s caught by any of my uncle’s soldiers, he’ll be killed, but I can’t be the one to send him away. I’ve been deprived of him for far too long, and the damn concoction Daveena gave me is already weakening. I’ll succumb to the call of the bond if I lay eyes on Karl, condemning him to death.
I let my nose guide me to my brother. His scent leads me to the feeding room. Hell. I’d better not catch him in his post-snack entertainment. Not that vampires suffer from modesty, but I’d rather not have to wait until he’s done fucking his food. Karl must be moving in his wolf form, which means he’ll get here fast.
I’m lucky that Lucca is in the selection phase of his meal. Four beautiful young women are lined up, waiting for him to decide which one he prefers. There’s a blonde beauty with long, silky hair and bright blue eyes that I know is his preference. He’s already eyeing her with clear intentions.
“Lucca, I need your help.”
He turns to me with an annoyed glance. “I’m about to eat.”
“You’ll have to wait. We must make haste.” I grab his arm and drag him from the room.
“Where are we going?”
Once I’m sure there isn’t anyone in the vicinity who could overhear us, I answer. “I can feel Karl, Luc. He’s coming here.”
His eyes grow larger. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Is he mad? He can’t be here. He’ll be killed if he’s caught.”
I throw my hands in the air. “Why do you think I said we need to hurry?”
Understanding dawns in his eyes. “You want me to stop him.”
“Yes, you’re the only one I trust.” It’s then that another worry presents itself. “Where’s Ronan?”
“He’s on patrol on the south border.”
I start to pace, pulling my hair back. “Damn it. If he crosses Karl’s path…”
“Someone will definitely die tonight. Don’t worry, Manu. Iwillfind Karl before a tragedy happens.”
He sprints down the hallway, and a feeling of doom spreads across my chest like a disease that has no cure. Too many awful things have happened to our family for me to have any hope Lucca will succeed.
KARL
I knew shifting was a risk. I haven’t done it since Cheryl and I moved to the inn. In my wolf form, the power of the bond is thrice as potent, and it’s overriding everything in mybrain. My concern for Cheryl’s health has been pushed back. All my thoughts are homed in on Manu and on consummating the mating bond. It doesn’t matter that she betrayed me and banished me from her side without an explanation. I need her like the air I breathe.
Any lingering effects of the spell Solomon cast on me are gone.
In the forest, I pick up Ronan’s scent, and my wolf is torn between going after that male and ripping him to shreds or continuing on my path to Manu. In the end, the mating bond wins, and I veer for King Raphael’s castle.
I run as fast as I can, and the forest becomes a blur. Then I sense that I’m no longer alone. It’s Lucca. He’s found me. I don’t want to kill him, but if he gets in my way, I might not have a choice. The mating bond has removed all restraints from my feral side.
“Karl, stop!” Lucca commands.
I snarl but don’t slow down. He’s blocking my path, holding a bow and arrow, ready to let it fly. The tip must be laced with wolfsbane. I keep going. Slowing down isn’t an option, but changing my pattern is. Lucca notices my intention and shoots. The arrow misses my ear by a hair. I don’t need to fight him; I just need to get past him and disappear into the forest.
A heartbeat later, I realize we aren’t alone. I sense a group of at least ten men approaching. They’re human, but there are many of them, and they’re coming from all sides. Hell. I don’t need this.
“Fucking hunters,” Lucca curses under his breath.
Then he and I are surrounded.
