Page 16 of Hunted

“Sounds good,” Lancelot muses, then pulls the reins to change Sucre’s direction. “Let’s go and bring your cub back.”

“On y va,” I mumble, mostly to myself. He’s only just left my arms, but I’m already impatient. I want him back to where he belongs. Nova whinnies, the sound of excitement immediately copied by the other two horses as we get ready for yet another chase. Adrenaline pumps through my veins, making me feel like I’m floating a little, while sharpening my senses with the urge to go out there and collect what’s mine.

I’ve always been like this, and watching both my brothers easily take the lead in capturing another human being, it’s clear that it’s a trait that runs in the family. In the entire family, I should add, because the Alpha Fraternarii has trained us to think similarly over the past few years. You define your desire, then plan how to get it, and then you go out and claim what’s yours. Afterwards, you celebrate, enjoying the moment. And then, you start all over again.

And again.

And again.

Clicking tongues are followed by neighing horses that follow instructions, and then we ride, picking up speed as if being chased by an invisible shadow of doom. I love the sensation of horse riding. The faster, the better. There’s nothing that gives me that same sensation of being free than being one with an animal you consider a friend. A friend who carries you. Unconditional trust is what I feel with Nova. She’d never let me fall. We meld into one another, and right now, we are swishing through the woods in one smooth movement, and with my chest nearly pressed against her back, my chin against her forehead, we follow the narrow and meandering trail through the darkness, barely avoiding the unwavering trees and countless bushes with their unruly branches and leaves as we make our way toward the lit-up trail.

“Gauche,” I order Raphaël when we reach for the line of torches, and my brother gives me a single nod before he diverts direction, steering his horse toward the left as he takes the outer circle toward tonight’s scene.

My brothers arrived earlier at Monterrey Castle with three members of staff, our largest horse trailer and another smaller one, meaning the heavy ride back, transporting all our animals back home, will be longer than the usual six hours. Despite the time in the car, it will be fun because we haven’t been together, the three of us, for ages.

We won’t be three though.

A fresh wave of excitement rushes through me. That’s right. Tonight’s the night. My night. After having already enjoyed two rehearsals together, this, right now, we’re playing our show right until the end at last.

This is all about us, little wolf.

His mouth on my cock. I groan at the hint of arousal the thought brings.

“There!” Lancelot points his finger toward a fleeting figure in the obsidian night sky.

“He hasn’t gotten far,” I say, heart ruffling wildly in my rib cage.

“Look why that is.” Lancelot chuckles, then points his finger ahead of us. Edouard has found Olivier. He is running after my chosen one, golden mask gleaming in the shadows, the bright glitter indicating which direction they are going as he howls and hoots like the mad man he can be. “He’s still a wild bastard, isn’t he?” My brother mutters, amusement laced in his voice.

“A horny bastard, is what you mean.” Although Edouard is ahead of us and closer to Olivier, he knows better than to touch Olivier before he’s invited to do so. “But he’s of some use, I suppose. He’s getting him in the right direction.” Without getting too much in his face. He doesn’t have to, because even from a distance I see my chosen one stutter in his movements. It’s different from when I chase him, different from when I bring him onto his knees.

He’s afraid.

“Viens,” my brother says at that moment, as if he has sensed a similar feeling. Clicking my tongue, I encourage Nova to pick up her speed.

Raphaël chooses that moment to appear from the other side of the path, having made a large loop in case Olivier would have managed to escape. He swings the sling over his shoulder like a lasso, howling and ululating when he approaches ruthlessly. Together we ride toward Edouard, who turns over his shoulder and gives us a wide smile when he recognizes us.

“Ah, the de Arnoult brothers have all arrived,” he says, sounding only slightly out of breath. With a string of traditional hoots and cries we circle both him and Olivier, whose ragged breaths leave his lips in a whoosh of stutters. He makes a mocking bow, his lips curled up into an amused smile. “The honour is all yours.” Our horses step slowly, proudly, around my little wolf, who looks up at me, spine rigid but straight, a flash of pride in his eyes.

“No bag of money for you tonight,” I say, voice turned to a hum that’s barely audible. Nova whinnies, foot stomping in the air as if to reinforce my words. Olivier’s shoulders tighten at the words, that clearly hit their mark. “You won’t need it,” I can’t help but adding, ignoring how my brothers snigger at that. “Once you’re mine, I’ll give you everything you need.”

Finally he tilts his gaze, eyes flickering when they meet mine. His lips are slightly parted for his slowing puffs of air.

Fuck, it’s like he needs it as much as I do.

My leather rope finds his slender shoulders effortless, curling tightly around his school jacket.

My cock lengthens in my pants, loving the way Olivier gazes down to admire the smooth throw that pulls his arms tight against his long, lithe frame. Then Raphaël swings his sling around my little wolf’s ankles, halting any further steps and therefore his escape, as they press his calves together. I rush to climb off Nova, ready for victory, reveling in the whooshing sound of my oldest brother’s lasso as it circles around Olivier’s neck.

“Putain!” He lets out a strangled combination of shock and pain, and I catch him right in time before he tumbles forward.

“Here,” Lancelot throws me the end of his rope with a superior smirk. “This puppy isn’t going anywhere.”

Ignoring my brothers, I stare at Olivier, as I tighten my grip around his shoulders and dip my chin so my lips are buried in his silky blond waves. “Are you alright, beautiful?” I muse, inhaling the woodsy scent that has seeped into his skin. Grinning at the indignant huff he lets out, despite his predicament, I clench my hands tighter around him before swinging us around and guiding him toward where Nova has knelt down, waiting for us. I place him onto her back like the breakable gift he is, making sure to hurry since the position is not favorable for her joints. Once we’re both mounted, I caress Nova’s side, patting it lovingly.

“Thank you baby girl. Let’s go.” Then, to my brothers, “It’s time.”

L’heure est arrivée de reclamer ce qui est à moi.

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