Page 174 of Kingdoms of Night

“I’m the King of Cats.” He grinned, his amber-green eyes twinkling. “I know. I know. Cats and dogs cannot be friends. But what are rules if they can’t be bent?”

Feron narrowed his eyes at him. “I’m not a dog. I’m a werewolf.”

“Werewolf. Dog. And as for why I’m doing this, I like tormenting Her Majesty in any manner that won’t get me skinned or turned into something worse than a human.”

“Wait. What are you?” He scowled. After meeting Idalno, he shouldn’t be surprised.

“Well, clearly, I’m a cat. That’s how I am the King of Cats.” He pressed his hand to his chest. “Wrong place, wrong time. Now I’m a human, more or less, and life is much more complicated. Anyway, I’m here for you because it makes Her Gloriousness quite annoyed, but not enough to result in unpleasant repercussions.”

“Tybalt, you’re up for watch as soon as you finish digging the pits,” someone called out from inside the village.

Tybalt sighed. “Ours is a special relationship. I’ll speak with you soon, pup. Try not to get into any interesting trouble while I’m gone.” He strode away, his movements certainly as graceful as a cat’s. And as he passed one of the other riders, he lightly swatted the man’s helmet out of his grip and winked.

The man fumbled but caught it. “Are you ever going to get tired of this game?”

“Fairly unlikely, Jack,” he retorted with a grin.

Good-natured laughter suggested that this was just how it was here. Not so bad if not for Titania and being away from Idalno.

Hawthorn nudged his hand.We will rest away from the camp. Call us if you have need.

Feron frowned.You don’t want to stay here with the Wild Hunt?The wolves had gone elsewhere to sleep this entire journey, but it felt more personal this time. As if some undercurrent of unease rippled out from them.

Buttercup growled, her hackles prickling.Don’t like Titania.

Don’t trust Titania, Hawthorn added.It’s why we tried to keep you away.

Made sense.I don’t trust her either.

Good,the two said in unison.She is dangerous.

Besides, you like Idalno better. He rubbed the back of his neck, wishing with all his heart that he would see her again here in the village.

Oh yes, much better. Idalno’s your true mate.Buttercup wagged her tail happily.

Feron puffed out his chest.You might be pleased to know then that she and I have—

Mated?The two wolves sounded genuinely amused.

He glanced down at them, frowning.How do you know that?

He’d never seen a dog or a wolf give such incredulous expressions, but the two wolves exchanged long glances before looking at him.

We can smell.The smirks on both wolves’ faces only intensified.

Shaking his head at them, he headed for the village square, then looked up toward the clock tower. If she’d be anywhere, she’d be there. He breathed deep, hoping to catch her scent, but with the wind at his back, he’d have no luck until he went in.

The other warriors and hunters carried on with various tasks. Some laughed. A fire roared to life as someone started to sing a lilting folk song. The smell of roasted meat reached his nose. But none of that mattered.

A familiar form peeked out at him from the top of the clock tower. Idalno? Was it a trick? Did it even matter?

Hawthorn nudged his hand again and then tossed his head in the direction of the clock tower.Looks like your mate is here.

Buttercup chuffed happily.

Picking his way through the other warriors, he ran to the center of the village and then climbed the clock tower’s stairs two at a time. The close air smelled of her, light and fresh, warm and delicious. The cool breeze of dusk caressed his face as he emerged. Idalno peeked at him from around the corner and grinned. “Did you come up here to jump off again instead of talking to me?”

He laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t believe you found a way to get here.”

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