Page 78 of Kingdoms of Night

“I’ll rip your arms and legs off and leave you to bleed out on the road.” If he had to hear one more word of that sentence—

Puck tilted his head back and forth, then spread his hands. “Fairly open to a lot, but that is certainly not my thing. So I’m going to retract my offer to be your substitute companion unless you do something compelling andmetaphoricallysweep me off my feet.” He tipped his head toward Idalno. “I don’t recommend you try violence with that one, though. She isn’t as patient as me. She might stab you back. Or poison you.”

Hawthorn whined as Buttercup gave a low whimper, looking back and forth between them.

“Try not to fall in love too fast! You two are a perfect match, fated mates, after all, and have plenty of time. Exeunt, loves.” Puck fluttered his fingers and then snapped. Turquoise and magenta smoke spiraled up, the cloves and myrrh scent intensifying. And when it vanished, he was gone.

Merde.Blowing out a breath, Feron massaged his temples, holding in a groan. All he wanted was to find Annette and be left alone. It seemed neither of those things were on offer right this moment.

Also, fated mates? What? He cast a sideways glance at Idalno and lowered his gaze once more. They went together about as well as a cow and a goose. He didn’t even want to be around most people, let alone be anyone’s mate.

An awkward silence descended, all the more awkward in that no bird calls or insect song disturbed the stillness. Both wolves stared up at him expectantly.

“Well,” Idalno said slowly, arms still folded beneath her black shawl. “I suppose we are going to have to work together. He’s right, though. I’m not afraid to shoot you with poison thorns or stab you.” Her gaze dropped to the two wolves still sitting patiently at his feet. “Friends of yours?”

Yes, friends. Friends of Feron. Pack mates.Both wolves bobbed their heads and started to stand, their long shaggy tails wagging.

“I—” He sighed heavily. “I don’t even know anymore.”

Oh, we do!Hawthorn and Buttercup jumped up, tails wagging faster.We know, we know!

She eyed them dubiously. “Are they going to let me walk with you? Or will they attack if I get too close?”

He lifted his arms in a hapless shrug.

Of course not.Hawthorn narrowed his eyes at him.She’s in the pack too, yes?

“No,” Feron snapped.

Idalno rolled her eyes and then crouched down, holding out her hand. “You don’t have to be so surly. Do they have names?”

Oh, very polite, yes! Buttercup and Hawthorn.Buttercup bounded forward and sniffed at her outstretched fingers.

Hawthorn moved closer as well, a little statelier, although his long red-gray tail was already wagging.

Was this really happening? Annette had run off, and somehow he’d wound up with two clingy wolves and an infuriating woman in an enchanted land that was determined to keep them together.

And now he was being asked to make introductions between animals and a human. Closing his eyes, he let the weight of acceptance sink in. Puck hadn’t lied, and that meant to get to Annette, he’d have to go with Idalno. That, anyway, and nothing more.

Resigned to his lot, he gestured toward each of the wolves in turn. “Hawthorn, Buttercup.”

Smiling warmly, she scratched each of their ears. “Well, since we’re all traveling together, we might as well get started, don’t you think? The sooner we get going, the sooner we’ll find the girls.” She clicked her teeth as she stood. “Let’s go?”

He gave her a nod. After multiple revolutions through that cursed loop or whatever, it was time to make some real progress. And he couldn’t get to Annette fast enough. He set his sights on the castle in the distance.

Idalno placed the white teapot into her pack, fastened the top, and then pulled it up over her shoulder. “And he said there’s something called the Wild Hunt we need to stay away from.”

The Wild Hunt? Emaurrians knew of it, but it was only a myth.

Oh yes,Hawthorn stiffened.Stay away from the Wild Hunt. Stay away as long as possible.

Always.Buttercup’s ears flattened against her head.Very bad. Very dangerous. Especially for males with strength and handsomeness. She likes them best.

“What?” Feron rubbed the back of his neck. She who? Some versions said the god Nox led the hunt and an army of the dead, while others claimed it was the old fae gods. Had Puck claimed it was real here?

This was more confusing than he liked anything to be.

Idalno shrugged. The large pack settled awkwardly over her shoulder until she adjusted the strap. “All he said was it’s bad and we should run if we hear horns or hunting hounds.”

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