Page 11 of Cursed
She thinks about his question and decides to answer truthfully. “We’ve been wandering in the forest for several weeks. We learned early on that the Rogues don’t like strong or foul smells. We think their noses are more sensitive than ours. What you are smelling is the scent of a skunk, bear shit, and a dead coyote. We call it the anti-Rogue scent.”
Garek frowns. “You said ‘we’; who were you with? We found no scents other than your stench after your arrival.”
Shifting her gaze, Nori looks toward the Beta. “Me and my wolf, of course.”
Turning his head to Ryland, Garek says, “Never mind the rejection...for now. We should get her out of here before the Rogue wakes up and catches wind of her.”
Nori’s eyebrows rise. “You mean crazy eyes down there? He’s awake. He glanced my way as they passed with his super crazy eyes, but he didn’t make a fuss.”
Puzzled, Garek looks down the hall. “Well, he’s probably still drugged. That’s why he isn’t going insane, being this close to a she-wolf.”
“Or maybe he didn’t notice me because of this stench,” she says with a smidge of confidence.
Still shocked this female didn’t instantly reject the Bond, Ryland shifts his gaze down the hall where he smells the Rogue. He’s mildly interested in the fact that the beast is not currently raging in his cell.
What worries him is his sudden concern for her. He is stunned to hear that his Mate, rather this female, has been in danger for so long. Even if she is going to reject him, the fact that she’s been avoiding Rogues for weeks does not sit well with him or Bade. Ryland is increasingly pissed at having these temporary Mate emotions.
Bade growls at Ryland, “She’s cold, and she needs to eat something.”
He has had enough and yells at Bade. “I told you! She is no different from all the others. You shouldn’t care so much!”
Bade mentally rolls his eyes. “Maybe if you are nice to her instead of being such a dick constantly—”
“ENOUGH!” Ryland screams at Bade.
“Open the cell!” He brusquely says to Garek.
He levels his piercing gaze on the she-wolf. “Come with me. We both need to get cleaned up and eat dinner, and then...” Ryland leans toward her, snarling now. “...you will tell me everything I want to know.”
With an exasperated growl, he turns on his heels and walks away toward the exit.
Nori sucks in a breath and stares wide-eyed after him.
“You better get moving,” Garek says to her.
“Right!” Nori jumps up, securing the blanket around her to keep from flashing everyone. Then she runs after the Cursed Prince.
chapter eight
Impatiently waiting at the top of the dungeon stairs, Ryland takes off as soon as Nori reaches him. She sucks in a startled breath the moment she steps out into the frozen air and her bare feet hit the snow. Luckily, it’s a short walk to the castle doors.
They enter the castle into a large, open area, and the Prince continues his brisk pace. He’s about a foot taller than Nori, so she’s almost trotting to keep up.
Nori stares in wonder at the castle interior, admiring the giant tapestries hanging on the thick stone walls, depicting various battle scenes. Huge, round, wooden chandeliersand large wooden beams adorn the high, vaulted ceilings. The castle is a combination of old-world architecture and modern conveniences.
Banners, hanging from iron poles, are embroidered with the Blood Moon insignia—a red full moon with silver claw marks. Nori realizes it’s the same insignia she has seen on the various uniforms; the same one on the Prince’s breastplate.
“He plans to feed us?” Aylin asks excitedly.
Nori smiles at her wolf’s enthusiasm. “Sounds like it.He certainly is grouchy, but did you see that mouth of his? Shit. Never mind. Let’s keep an eye out and get the lay of this castle while we follow him to wherever he’s taking us.”
They pass pack members either socializing or hurrying to attend to whatever duties they have. Nori follows the Prince up the largest staircase she’s ever seen, turning left. She trails him down several narrow hallways and up more stairs. She’s trying to figure out the layout, but she’s already lost.
Aylin agrees, saying, “Nope. This place is huge; I’m never going to remember the route we’re taking.”
Nori looks around, awestruck, as she follows the Prince. “Agreed. Hey, did you notice how the pack members either avoid him or bow in submission? Some even look at him with pity.”
Aylin replies, “Shit. Should we have bowed?”
