by K.N. Lee
His fingers burned into her skin as he squeezed.
He leaned down close to her ear, the whiskers of his mustache tickling her face. The scent of sour milk wafted from his hot breath.
“Now, you're in for it,” he growled, and a wave of nausea filled her belly as he dragged her away from the main tower to the central square.
She went numb as he pulled her toward the courtyard in the center of the three buildings that made up the monastery. There was nothing she could say that would get her out of this predicament.
It was worth it. Hopefully, she’d saved a life.
Sister Sophia stood there, wringing her hands, a look of absolute terror in her eyes when she saw Elle being dragged along.
"Get every single girl out here, right now," he said, and for a moment, she hesitated.
“But, Father—”
He shot her an icy glare that made her face turn white as the snow all around them. “I will not ask again.”
With an obedient nod, she gave Elle a wounded look that spoke volumes. She then turned to scramble into the halls and do as she was told.
Elle shivered, the chills turning violent.
“We’ve been patient with you. Despite your spotty past, we took you in and gave you a home,” he said. “And, you repay us by stealing one of our gryphons, and running away. Foolish, idiot of a girl.”
Elle endured his abuse, trying to separate her mind from the present.
To escape within a dream.
While girls started to file out of the wooden, double doors, Father Lewis ripped Elle's cloak off of her and tossed her to the ground. Two brothers, dressed in their heavy, gray cloaks tied with brown ropes at the waist approached.
Her lips started to tremble as she looked up to see one of them hand Father Lewis a leather whip.
“Father Lewis,” she began, and he sent her tumbling into the snow as he slapped her across the face.
Her hands caught ice and snow, while her cheek stung.
Though dozens of girls and monks were assembled, no one stepped forward in her behalf, and the tears started to roll down her cheeks.
The salty taste of blood trickled into her mouth from a busted lip.
Before she could react, she was pulled up by the other brothers, and tied to a stake. Her gown was torn, exposing her undergarments.
She trembled as the cold of the wintry wind licked and beat at her back.
There was nothing she could do.
Then, her hands began to tingle and her nose flared. There was one thing she could do—but it would mean death.
She’d always dreamt of her power—of the glowing wings that were revealed in her most pleasant slumbers. But, they’d never appeared in the physical, and her gut told her that it was just a matter of time.
She was half fae and half wolf, after all.
No, if she revealed too much it would mean death.
She chose this temporary pain over an eternal slumber.
As she hugged the wooden stake, her hair whipped around her, and she closed her eyes, anticipating the sting of the whip.
It came fast, and hard, and her scream nearly choked her. The sharp leather snapped and split her flesh open. The sting was unlike anything she’d ever felt.
Tears burned her eyes as they popped opened to the brisk winter wind.
“You will repent for your sins, and be punished for them under the Wolf God,” Father Lewis called in between lashes.
Could it be? Had her dream wolf come to rescue her?
She blinked tears away, swallowing the pain, as the white wolf came running toward her from the yard of white snow that stretched from the main gates to the monastery.
The closer he got, the more sure she was that he was real.
The gasp and shouts from those assembled surprised her.
Did they see him too?
Her heart skipped a beat, and every muscle tensed as she beheld something truly stunning.
He ran to her, and mid-stride, he transformed into a man—the man from the woods.
Her patient's brother.
A shifter.
Which meant...the other young man was a wolf-shifter as well.
His golden hair was loose—wild. Those bright eyes locked with hers for a second, before looking past her.
Time seemed to slow as he raced to them, his face set with rage.
When he passed her by, she struggled to glance over her shoulder.
Her lips parted as he caught Father Lewis' hand, and sent the older man squealing in pain as he went to his knees.
"No," he said. His voice boomed throughout the entire courtyard.
All of the girls, brothers, and sisters of the monastery went deathly silent as they watched him in awe.
“How dare you?” Father Lewis said, struggling to free himself from the shifter, whose arms were twice the size of the scrawny monk’s.
Despite his age and rank, his voice came out like that of a petulant child’s.
“Who are you to dare interfere with the will of the Wolf God?”
The shifter's sneer silenced Father Lewis. He leaned down, staring directly into her assailant's eyes.
“Prince Alexi Davidian,” he said, and whispers circled her. “Heir to the throne. Your future king.”
A prince?
Her mind could barely wrap around his statement.
It was then that Elle wondered if for once...her prayers had been answered.
Chapter Nine
Prince Alexi removed the ropes that bound her with one tug, tearing them into two.
She instantly clasped her arms around her body, shielding her breasts from his gaze. Not that he seemed to care. Instead of leering at her, he took her naked body into his arms.
She sucked in a breath, instantly warmed by his body.
It was as if he were made of pure heat—fire—and one touch of his, and she forgot all memories of being cold. Cold was a myth. All that existed was the inferno of a man pressed against her.
His hardness was startling. She’d never been this close to a man, let alone had her face buried into his firm, muscular chest. With his arms wrapped around her, she was certain that this was what true bliss felt like.
She all but moaned with delight.
“Are you all right?” he asked, his deep voice vibrating along her bones.
Why did it feel as though ever word he spoke—spoke to her very soul?
Sister Sophia tossed a blanket around her, giving the prince an odd smile as she pulled her away.
Elle sucked her teeth, feeling quite cheated. She almost reached for him, but the pain in her back stung with every movement. Even the blanket irritated the exposed inner flesh.
"Thank you, your royal highness," she said, bowing to him. "Prince Etian is in the healer's laboratory. You can go to see him now.”
He eyed her, then looked to Elle. "Do you trust her?"
Elle nodded, licking her lips.
He seemed unsure, but gave a nod of approval.
"I will take good care of Elle, and make sure she gets a hot bath and meal."
"Make sure that fiend stays away from her," he said, and paused. "No. Actually. Since the storm is coming, I will be staying. Let her sleep in my room."
Both women coiled back, in shock.
What?
Sister Sophia stuttered. “Are you sure? It—it wouldn't be prudent. She has a reputation to uphold. Suitors who have paid for her hand in marriage.”
Rolling his eyes, he shook his head. “You think I care about suitors? We've come all this way for her. No one is leaving this godforsaken place, except my brother and I.”
“We thought you were coming to select wives for each of you.”
“No,” he said, meeting Elle’s eyes. He lifted his finger and pointed at her. “We didn’t come for wives. We came for Elle.”
Sister Sophia blinked, and looked to Elle. Her brows knitted together as she searched Elle’s muted, blue eyes. There was a battle going on somewhere in that wom
an’s head, and she wished she’d speak.
“As you wish, your highness,” Sister Sophia said. “I will make sure she is kept safely in your private quarters.”
Elle's lips chattered, but she couldn't believe what she'd heard.
Before she could attempt to speak, she was taken away, stumbling along the snow in just her boots and a blanket.
As she was led into the monastery, she glanced over her shoulder, missing his touch.
His warmth.
Inside, the other girls stood around, in absolute bewilderment. She averted her eyes, the pain of her whipping returning to her at full force.
She would have asked if Brother Dava could heal her, but knew that within hours, the wound would seal on its own and she'd recover much faster than a human.
She wasn't human at all, after all.
Sister Sophia led her up to the top of the main tower, and Elle's eyes caught sight of Claire, who watched her in silence. She waved to her, giving a faint smile, and Claire shook her head, and turned away.
She sighed. She'd have to smooth things over with her friend before things got worse between them. Navigating friendships was an odd task for her, one she wished they'd been taught in their daily courses.
“What have you done?” Sister Sophia asked once they were away from the others.
Elle groaned. “Not now, Sister. It has been a really long day.”
“No,” she said. “I am not scolding you. I applaud you for your courage, dear girl. Not only did you secure your future, but you’ve saved the youngest prince’s life. Such an act will not go unnoticed by the Wolf God.”
Elle twisted her mouth. She’d rather not find the Wolf God has taken an interest in her.
She had enough to deal with as it stood.
“It wasn’t my intention.”
“Then, it was fate,” Sister Sophia said, with a nod. “You never cease to amaze me, Elle. You are special. Never let anyone tell you any different.”
“I don’t feel very special right now, Sister. Not with my blood dripping all onto the stairs.”
She gave my hand a squeeze. “We’ll set you right, dear. This incident will be a distant memory before you know it.”
Elle pursed my lips.
Doubtful, but she appreciated her positive outlook.
She was led up to the best rooms in the entire monastery. They were reserved for officials of high esteem, delegates from foreign countries, and royalty.
Very fitting.
Once they were inside, Sister Sophia summoned, Anne, her servant girl.
Anne rushed in, worry in her large eyes. She bowed to the both and tugged at her sleeve as she stood before them, awaiting instructions.
“Are you alright, miss?”
Elle forced a small smile. “Quite, well, Anne. Just a bit uncomfortable.”
“Help me treat the wounds,” Sister Sophia said, and they worked at cleaning and salving the large welts that stretched across her shoulders blade and down to her hips.
It stung, but she kept her protests to herself as Anne smoothed a cool, minty, cream on the wounds.
Anne whispered to her as she began picking up the bloody rags and bowl of murky water. “You met the prince?”
Elle lifted a brow, then nodded.
The look of excitement in the young girl’s eyes was a breath of fresh air.
“Everyone is chattering about it, miss. I even caught a glimpse of the younger prince. Quite dreamy, he was.”
A chuckle escaped Elle’s lips. She hadn’t had a chance to even notice how dreamy he was. All she remembered was the blood, and how heavy he was when he fell onto her after dismounting Dancer.
The room fell silent as the doors opened, and in stepped Prince Alexi.
He stepped aside, and an unspoken command was heard quite clearly.
Leave.
Sister Sophia and Anne shuffled out of the room, carefully stepping around his imposing figure, and out the door.
Sister Sophia paused in the doorway. She whispered something, but Elle heard her perfectly clear.
Funny thing about being part wolf. Whispers were barely quieter than normal speech volumes.
Still, her statement made Elle’s cheeks blush and heat.
“Please, don’t spoil her, your highness.”
Chapter Ten
Once the others left the room, he closed the door.
Alone, she didn't know what to do with herself. So, she began to stand so that she could bow, and he held a hand out, stopping her.
"No need for that," he said, motioning to the bed that stood in the center of the room. "Rest."
She gave a nod, and was careful to make her way to the large bed. Every movement hurt, but she sucked up the pain, and willed herself not to cry.
He must have sensed her struggle, and picked her up, carrying her the rest of the way.
With his arms around her, that heat returned, and her lashes fluttered as she breathed him in.
He smelled of pine trees, a scent she never knew she'd cherish for the rest of her life.
He set her in the bed, gently, and drew the covers back so that he could pull them over her body.
She smiled. "Thank you," she said, and rolled onto her side. There was no way she could sleep on her back in her condition.
As she lay on her side, she watched him as he undressed.
Her cheeks still burned with embarrassment, and she forced herself to her other side.
She'd never forget the definition of his back muscles, or the way his abs looked hard as steel. She swallowed. Why did she want to run her hand over them? Kiss them?
Her breath quickened at the thought, and she prayed he wouldn't noticed how he visibly affected her. To take her mind off of his impressive frame, she asked a question.
"How is your brother?"
"Etian will recover. Thanks to you."
"Did you call for me?" Elle asked, her brows furrowing. She distinctly recalled his howls, and then his voice in her head.
"I did," he said, simply, and she sat up, facing him.
He'd dressed in a simple blouse and leather pants, and raked his hands through his shoulder-length golden hair.
“But, how?”
He crossed his arms over his chest and widened his stance. “Do you know nothing of your heritage?”
She stared at him, blankly. Tilting her head, she licked her lips. "What do you mean? Like, who my people are?"
“Yes,” he said, nodding. “You are part wolf.”
“Yes, I know that much.”
“And, we can communicate by a psychic connection.”
“How?” Elle asked, remembering her grandfather could do the same, but that was because they were of the same bloodline. “Don’t we have to be blood related?”
Her stomach sank. Please, dear Wolf God, don't let us be related.
“It's complicated,” he said, and scratched the back of his neck.
“I am a quick learner, and a good listener,” she said, urging him to continue.
With a shrug, he went on. “I’ve claimed you,” he said, and her eyes widened.
His answer relieved her, but arose more questions.
“What do you mean by claimed me?”
“It’s as it sounds. You belong to me.”
She took offense by that statement, and straightened her shoulders. “And, where is my role in this? No one asked me if I wanted to be claimed.”
A sly smile came to his lips then. “Aye,” he said. "But, you did. The link wouldn't have worked if you hadn't accepted me on a soul level. Call it fate, call it what you will. You want this as much as I do.”
“Why have you chosen me?”
After a moment, he stepped closer to the bed, and knelt beside her. He took her hands into his, and she tensed. The jolt of energy passing between them was unnerving.
“You are the key to setting the world right once more. You, and you alone, can break the curse.”
Speechless, her lips parted as she watched hi
m leave the room.
“Rest,” he said, before standing and turning to leave the room. “I’ll have food brought up and make sure Father Lewis is kept away.”
“But, where are you going?”
He turned away. “To hunt who did this to my brother.”
With that, he left her reeling from the questions in her head.
While she tried to escape an arrangement with one man...she now had a prince.
She stared at the door.
Though she barely knew Alexi, she now feared losing him.
Chapter Eleven
That night, something urged Elle to go to her window. She left the warmth and comfort of the bed to stand there, peering out into the darkness. Her voice caught in her throat as her gaze fell on the majestic, white wolf.
Those eyes.
Something about them always left her breathless.
What was he doing out there?
Later that evening, Alexi still hadn't returned, and Elle began to wonder if he was dead. Would she have felt such a thing? Something told her that she would.
She ate her dinner alone, and slept as long as she could before waking up in a cold sweat.
Alexi was the wolf from her dreams, and once the snowstorm passed, she’d be heading north to their palace in the mountains.
The realization stirred something new within her. He’d claimed her, and all of the uncertainty of her future had been washed away. She finally had someone to protect her…maybe love her. Was it too much to ask? Perhaps with time.
As their eyes locked, she desperately wanted to leave the tower, shed her clothes, and run free with him through the snow.
It was a silly notion. The wolf side of her breeding was faint, and not enough to shift like a full-blooded wolf, but sometimes her soul craved it. Sometimes—she was certain she could shed her human flesh and let the beast within free.
But, fear kept her inside.
She watched Alexi turn away and stalk into the dark.
She pressed her hand to the cold glass of the window and leaned in, wondering where he was going.
Something beckoned her. Perhaps it was their psychic connection. But, she tightened her hands into fists and went for it.