Page 22 of Of Wolves and Wives

He nods before assuring me, “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had someone lose their breakfast on my shoes. But let me try this. Perhaps this will help.”

I hesitate for a moment before slowly nodding. Parting my lips, I gaze into his eyes as the fork nears me. I keep waiting for my stomach to realize what’s happening. Even as the fork slips into my mouth and I chew, I’m waiting for the painful clench and twist of my guts. Swallowing, I frown.

“Another bite.”

All I can do is nod as he reaches for the toast. I nibble from the corner, amazed that I’m not repulsed by the food. For the first time in days, I’m able to eat and keep the food down. My smile returns as he continues to help feed me. I feel a little ridiculous, having this man feeding me. A week ago, I would never have stood for it. Now, I’m just thankful for the chance to finally enjoy my meal.

Just as my worries start to melt away as I eat, Heath stiffens. It takes me a moment before I hear the pounding of feet coming our way. Before we can react, the door to my room flies open. Standing there with a glare on his face is the Grey Prince, his eyes flashing as he takes in the scene. Behind him Helena and Ms. Thompson stand with curious looks on their face. And next to them, with a cold smile is Beatrice.

9

Rose

Anger flares through me as I stare at Beatrice. The unbearable maid couldn’t just leave me alone for a moment. Of course, she must have rushed off to tattle the moment she left the room. It doesn’t matter that she was the one threatening me, and that Heath stepped in to protect me from her. All that matters is that he’s broken the Grey Prince’s rule.

My eyes move to the prince. Eagerness is clear in his eyes as they move from Heath back to me. Pressing my lips together, I feel my stomach finally tighten. I don’t want to imagine whatever terrible punishment the prince has planned for Heath. No doubt he’s been waiting for this moment, to enforce his stupid rule and be allowed to punish Heath and the others.

In a blink, the Grey Prince storms across the room. His eyes flash in angers as he reaches us. I expect him to drag Heath away but instead his hand reaches for me. A hiss of pain escapes me as his fingers wrap around my bicep. He ignores it and the fury flashing across Heath’s face as he drags me to my feet.

Heath drops the fork he was holding, the sound of metal hitting the table causing me to flinch. The prince’s grip tightens on me, dragging me behind him as Heath stands. I watch as the two of them stare at one another, each looking just as furious as the other.

“Leave,” the Grey Prince finally hisses. “Or I’ll have no choice but to ensure she understands what happens when someone ignores my rules.”

I meet Heath’s gaze, giving him a small nod. It’ll be better if he leaves now. Standing up against the prince is foolish, even I know that. It’ll just result in me never being allowed to see any of the three men. My gut twists at this realization. Our short time together is barely enough, I’m not sure how I’ll manage without them. They’ve become the one thing helping me survive this.

Reluctantly, Heath moves around us. I have to tear my eyes from his as tears begin to well in them. I shouldn’t care that he’s leaving, but I do. I want him to stay and I’m not sure where this longing for him comes from. Not about to diving too deep into it, I blink away my unshed tears as I try to loosen the prince’s grip on me. He just tightens his fingers, digging his nails into my skin.

The moment that Heath leaves the room, I’m hit with a brick wall of nausea and dizziness. Unable to shift away from the prince, I have no choice but to lose what food Heath managed to feed me across the prince’s shoes. He lets out a disgusted sound as he finally drops my arm. I move away from him before more food comes back up. Every bite that Heath fed me makes its return to the floor and leaves me exhausted as I gasp for air.

A gentle hand on my shoulder startles me. I glance up to find Ms. Thompson watching me, her brow crinkled in thought. She tilts her head as she stares at me. Wiping my mouth on the back of my hand, I try to pull myself together despite the riot that’s my stomach. After a moment, Ms. Thompson turns to Helena.

“There’s something I’d like to test, your highness, if you’ll allow it,” she says. “To be warned, though, it does involve bringing the guard back.”

“No,” the Grey Prince snaps.

Ignoring him, Helena glances to me, frowning slightly. I can tell that she doesn’t want to anger her husband by having Heath return. But, I remember what she said in the garden. Relief hits me as I realize that despite the wariness sparkling in her eyes, she’s going to trust Ms. Thompson and ignore her husband’s orders.

“I trust this will benefit the human, yes?” Helena asks.

Ms. Thompson nods. “I believe so.”

“Very well, have the guard returned.”

The Grey Prince lets out a scoff. “Absolutely not. He went against my orders and shall be punished. Not rewarded by spending more time with this woman.”

His words are ignored as another guard, who I didn’t notice hovering in the doorway, moves to fetch Heath. A moment passes before he steps back into the room. He’s wary as he glances around, his eyes tightening in anger and worry as they land on me.

“Come, stand by her,” Ms. Thompson orders.

Heath doesn’t hesitate to cross the room and crouch next to me. He rubs my back as I take in a breath. With him at my side, my stomach has stopped its revolt. It’s strange just how relaxed I suddenly feel. Even with the Grey Prince glaring daggers down at us.

“Interesting,” Ms. Thompson says. “Tell me, girl, how do you feel?”

“Much better.”

Ms. Thompson moves away from me as she says, “As I expected.”

“What is the meaning of this?” the Grey Prince demands.

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