Page 76 of A Hunter for Luna

Equally quiet, he responded, “The attackers gave it to me and said the Lady Rose would be scarred in the face if I didn’t slip it to you quietly.”

When I opened it in the privacy of my chambers, leaning against the shut, I snarled.

Your sister for his life. I’m watching.

—V

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

LUNA

The travel cloak'sfabric brushed my fingers as I grabbed it and quickly donned the sturdy leather boots. Pip watched me intently from his perch on the table's edge, as if sensing my intent. I twisted my hair up into the scarlet veil, concealing it. Several small blades joined my fans, tucked discreetly into my bodice and sleeves.

I could do this.

I couldn’t risk telling anyone, not even Benedetto. Rose and Sofia's lives depended on my silence and swift action.

I had just finished pulling on my boots when Benedetto stepped into the room, his arms crossed, and a deep frown etched on his face. "Going somewhere?"

He was deceptively calm, but his narrowed eyes told me he was angry.

I straightened, looking at him without flinching. "Yes.”

“Where?"

I paused.

Leaning back against the wall, Benedetto said conversationally, “You were passed a note. The threat’s apparently great enough that you’re going to run out like a little rabbit. Did all your hunting instincts drop out the back of your head?”

“If I tell you, they die.”

“Then don’t tell me.” Benedetto's frown deepened. "You think you’re going alone, my vixen? No, you're not." His voice hardened. "It's too dangerous. You don't even know where Vivaldo has hidden them."

Frustration bubbled up inside me. "So I should just sit here and do nothing? You don't get to decide what I do."

Benedetto clenched his fists, his jaw tight. "Damn it, Luna. Do you have any idea how reckless you’re being? You could get yourself killed."

He thought I was incapable.I'll show him just how wrong he is.I brushed past him toward the door. Benedetto reached out to grab my arm, but I twisted away, shooting him a defiant glare.

"Don't," I said. "I'm going, with or without you."

Benedetto exhaled sharply through his nose, clearly struggling to reign in his temper. After a long, tense moment, he said, "Wait. Just...wait."

I glanced back at him warily. Benedetto ran a hand through his hair, the anger in his expression giving way to cold consideration.

"You can go with me," he said grudgingly after a long moment. "But we're taking guards. And I call the shots. Or I exercise my husbandly rights and tie you to the bed."

I glared at him but gave a curt nod. "Fine. But don't think for a second that I'll follow orders I don't agree with."

Benedetto muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like "as usual".

The door swung open, and Vala glided in, an amused smile playing about her lips.

"You two are so entertaining," she said, smooth as silk. "I couldn't help but overhear your little discussion."

My spine stiffened. I didn’t trust Vala, after all I’d found out. She played her own game, and I didn’t know if our goals aligned in this case.

Though she needed to keep me alive until after an heir was born. The thought was cold comfort.

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