Page 37 of Hunt Me

“It is done,” I say.

“It is done,” Caius agrees, still studying me. “Where will you go?”

“Wherever it takes,” I say.

“Take as long as you need. I’ll speak to Klyn about covering your duties. Your job will be waiting for you when you’re ready. You always have a place here, Legion. Bond or no.”

I dip my head in acknowledgment and respect. “I am grateful.”

I turn to leave. Behind me, Caius calls out, “Be careful, old friend. The heart is a dangerous thing to ignore, and your enemies would exploit any vulnerability.”

Rationally, I know he’s right, but my beast isn’t concerned about enemies. None of those threats feel nearly as dangerous as that unmistakable pull I feel toward a singular fae woman.

For some, the idea of a mate might be desirable. For me, it’s another prison sentence. I’m done being captive to any sort of bond—even one that comes with an all-you-can-fuck buffet for life. Now that I’m free, I’ll die before I let anyone else trap me ever again.

Chapter 9

Tori

Ipull my gloves higher on my arms, making sure they overlap with my long sleeves. My scarf smells strongly of the magic Juniper used on it earlier, but at least it remains firmly in place, covering my deadly skin. I wish she’d come with us today, but she promised to ward the house from intruders, and she can’t keep up the protections if she isn’t there. Trees are very forgetful, apparently.

At least the Crimson Roses have yet to come looking for me. I know it’s Uziah’s “deal” with them about me bringing the dragon in my place. But I also know the time left on that reprieve will run out soon. And Natalia has been silent ever since I texted her about letting Kendall stay with her, which hasn’t left me any options for relocating.

The only real solution I have left is to kill the death dragon. I keep telling myself I would have done it if he hadn’t flown off last night, but the truth is a bit murkier than I’m ready to admit.

In the mid-morning sun, Kendall dances around me, her attention captured by the goods displayed in the booths we pass. This farmers market bullshit was her idea and, frankly, I owe her some semblance of freedom. She isn’t Rapunzel; I can’t keep her locked in the house forever. I did, however, require Juniper’s gift of charms to help alter Kendall’s appearance so that she wouldn’t be recognized. The process had reminded me a lot of my friend Stella and her love of makeovers.

My thoughts drift to Niamh, whom I still owe drinks. I make a mental note to text her later to see if she’s heard anything during her shifts about the Crimson Roses and their plans for me.

Meanwhile, Kendall is in her element here. She stops occasionally to ooh and ahh over fabrics and jewels.

Our ultimate goal, though? Donuts.

Alisha makes the best in the city and always sells out before the market closes. It used to be a tradition with our parents to come score the sugary treats on a Saturday morning, so when Kendall suggested the outing, I couldn’t say no.

I’m trying hard not to regret that decision.

But I also need to talk to Natalia, preferably without Kendall within earshot.

I trail behind my sister, a silent—grumpy—sentry, exhausted by her enthusiasm, while the pit in my stomach grows heavier and more bitter with every casual contact she makes. I can’t blame her, though. I’d gladly suffer twice over if it meant sparing my sister from this kind of darkness.

In the crowded square, someone bumps my shoulder, and the scarf around my face comes loose. I scramble to tuck it in again though Juniper’s charm does its work, ensuring the scarf molds right back into place. I’m determined to keep every inch of my skin covered. This is about more than just my skin being a weapon.

Juniper didn’t glamour my appearance like she did Kendall’s.

I scan the faces of the people around me for anyone who might have recognized me. Or anyone who looks like a Crimson Rose. No one looks my way, though I can’t shake a sense of being watched.

I tell myself I’m being paranoid.

Up ahead, Kendall continues shopping, oblivious to the tension I feel. She’s talking to a warlock whose jewelry, even from a distance, is nearly as fake as his charm. I get close in time to hear him ask if she wants a reading on her future. I roll my eyes at his obvious pick-up line. Not to mention the fact that my sister doesn’t need anyone else to do that for her.

Kendall, however, widens her eyes and leans in. “Can you do that?” she asks.

“Of course.” He holds his hand out, and she places hers in it.

I wince.

He pauses dramatically then says, “I see you and your mother having a fight over a handsome male.” He winks at her.

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