Page 26 of Song of the Dark Wood

“That will not be happening here,” the Wolf said. He ground his teeth and looked away. “You can ask what you like here. Whether you’ll get an answer is another story.”

It surprised Rowan that he cared about the marks. Maybe he wanted his toys to be pristine before he killed them.

“Here, put this on,” he said, thrusting a bundle toward her.

She stared at the heavy robe in his hand for a moment before taking it. Did he want her to strip?

The Wolf sighed. “It’s warmer than your cloak, lass. I’m offering you a trade. Unless, of course, you’re so inclined to put on a show.”

Heat crept into Rowan’s cheeks as she unbuttoned her cloak and handed it to Charlie. The Wolf’s gaze burned into her as shepulled on the robe. The soft material was luxurious and felt as if it had been wrapped in warming stones. It smelled faintly of whiskey and soap. It was only when she was cuffing the sleeves to free her hands that she realized it was the Wolf’s robe.

Charlie looked from her to the Wolf before he smirked and made his way to the door. Rowan watched him go with mixed feelings. Part of her wanted the company, but the more daring side of her wanted to know what would happen if she was alone with the Wolf.

“The robe is mine, but it’s considerably more practical than what you’re wearing,” the Wolf said, gesturing to her silk dress. “I don’t know why they think I want that.”

Rowan frowned, holding the robe open, and dropped her eyes timidly. “You don’t find me pleasing?” She wished she could tug the question back as soon as it left her lips.

Are you really upset that the Wolf doesn’t want to devour you?she chided herself.

Something about the entire evening had separated her from her common sense. She needed to reacquaint herself with reason immediately.

The Wolf closed the distance between them, and she met his stormy eyes. “I assure you, Rowan, I find you exceptionally pleasing.” His gaze raked over her, and goosebumps rose on her skin. “I simply find it impractical for the chill of the season. I don’t want you to be any more uncomfortable than you already are trekking into the Dark Wood alone.”

Rowan looked at him, puzzled.

“I know they have educated you for the past?—”

“Fifteen years,” Rowan supplied.

“—on what to expect, but you should just forget everything you’ve heard about me. I don’t relish your suffering, or anyone else’s, for that matter. I don’t want you to be anonymous and lonely.”

Rowan let out a bitter laugh, turning to face him with her hands on her hips. “Then why was I taken away at five and forced to live at Maiden’s Tower?”

“Harder to convince someone with something to lose to make a sacrifice. That’s a choice the elders made for you.”

“You mean—” Rowan couldn’t speak. All her anger evaporated. Her throat clogged with emotion.

He meant she could have led a normal life until she became acting Red Maiden. She could have grown up with her family and friends, all while continuing her education, but she’d never even been offered the option.

Rowan narrowed her eyes at him. She wanted to argue, but it made too much sense. She felt deflated.

“So it’s all a lie? The separation? The scriptures? The forced chastity?” Rowan asked.

The Wolf crossed the room faster than she could track him, and she took a step back. Her hand flew out in front of her to ward him off.

“Have you let another man have you?” he asked. His eyes blazed with barely contained rage. His entire body shook with anger.

She took another step back, and he relaxed slightly, as if realizing how contradictory it was to tell her not to be afraid and then be so aggressive about her first few questions.

He cleared his throat. “What I meant was—if you haven’t been chaste, the magic might not be enough.”

“That’s kind of ridiculous, don’t you think?” Rowan asked.

She expected him to be angrier, but the Wolf just sighed and shook his head. “It is. I think the idea was to make things more challenging forme, believe it or not.”

Rowan stared at him.

“I know you have questions. I swear I will explain as best I can, but first, answer my question,” the Wolf said.

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