“There’s something I need to do. I will see you later!”
And if I’m running away again, well, it beats the alternative of giving in to this strange fury inhabiting me. The fury at those who took my kindness, my innocence from me, and the knowledge that there is no going back now.
CHAPTER TEN
ROSAMUND
I duck under the low-hanging branches of the tree to find Kier with his hands around Valen’s neck.
“What’s going on?” I demand. “Kier, you’re choking him!”
“He tried to escape the ropes,” Kier grinds out, his hands tightening. “I told him I’d end him if that happened.”
A laugh escapes me. “You? You’d end him? A werewolf?”
“I’d help,” Bert jumps in to defend him. “Together we can take him down.”
“Stop,” I command him. “Now, Kier.”
Grumbling, he releases the werewolf, who starts to cough, his eyes bloodshot.
“I thought you knew better than that.” I shake my head at the two men. “It’s a miracle you’re still alive.”
I had somehow thought that, by now, the people in this manor would know how futile a fight against a werewolf is. After all, all those years ago, many jumped in to try and save me, but didn’t manage to even touch me before the wolves carted me away.
Swallowing a sigh, I stand in front of the werewolf. Not too close, mind you, I haven’t lost my marbles yet, but close enough to see his face.
“Why haven’t you killed him?” I demand. “I know werewolf strength. I’ve seen it. These ropes can’t stop you.”
He shakes his head slowly, hair flying. His canines are longer again, his ears more wolf-like. His eyes are a flatter gold. His hands clench in their bonds, nails darkening and sharpening.
I frown. “What’s going…?”
“Watch out! He’s about to transform, go full wolf,” Kier snarls, reaching for me. “Let me put this animal down?—”
“Wait,” I whisper, batting his hand away, then louder, “wait. Valen. Can you hear me?”
His lashes lower, and his gaze finds me. Something shifts, the flatness thinning, a darkness flashing behind their mirrors. “Rosamund.”
My name on his lips leaves me shaken. I cover it up by clasping my hands together against my middle. “Why did you try to free yourself?”
“Woman… there you are.” His voice is a gravelly growl that burrows into my belly and starts a sweet ache there. “You’re back.”
“Yes, I am.” I frown at his rude manner. “And I barely saved your hide from these two. Or theirs from you. Which is it? You promised to behave!”
His eyes do that crinkling thing again, and again I wish I could see his mouth. “Behave. Like you do. Always behaving.”
“Watch your mouth!” Bert snaps. “She’s a lady, you filthy animal.”
I ignore the outburst. “Were you planning on freeing yourself and killing people? They,” I sweep my hand toward the banquet, “are my family and I’ll be damned if I…” Oh Gods, I’ve gone crazy. Am I threatening a werewolf? “If you killed them…”
“Killed them? I can barely walk, lady. I’m bleeding, and I need food. Look, you had your breakfast in bed?—”
“I didn’t!”
“And you’re so fine, meeting family and prancing around?—”
I huff. “I don’t prance!”
