Lord of the Hunt
Page 25
She must have seen something in his eyes because she grinned. “It’s all okay. I won the King’s bet. My father got the pardon, but…Felan asked that I take their place after the power shift.”
Her words settled around him as he worked out what she was saying. They would be in the same house. Taryn was going to be released from Court. He picked her up and swung her around as if they were dancing again at Court. When her toes touched the ground, he kissed her again. “I hope that means what I think it means.”
She nodded. “We will be together.”
Was this some kind of trap he was failing to see the whole of? His mind raced with possibilities, but he found nothing.
“And the King? The fallout from the hunt?” By rights, the King should own her after winning the hunt. Verden shouldn’t be touching her and yet he couldn’t let her go.
She didn’t answer; she just looked at him with a faint smile on her lips.
What was he missing? “What is it? Just say it.”
“I am the Hunter. That is all that he asked.”
“But you are stuck at Court.” He covered her hand with his and rested his cheek against her hair. She smelled like flowers, sweet and tempting. “While I will be stuck in Charleston.” And a Grey.
She turned her head and brushed her lips against his. “But I can come and see you whenever I want. In fact, there is no rule that the Hunter must live at Court…” Her suggestion hung in the air like a tempting promise. It was almost too good. Too easy.
He drew in a breath. “You plan to live in the mortal world while being Hunter?”
She nodded. “Since my main job will be monitoring fairies in the mortal world, I can see no better place to be based.”
He kissed her again. His tongue tasted her lips before she opened her mouth to him. Her body melted against him, and for a moment he felt like the luckiest fairy on either side of the veil. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She rested her head on his chest.
In just two weeks, he would be free from Court and obligated to stay in the mortal world. And Taryn would be there with him.
That was all that mattered. Not status or deals. The one thing he could never have at Court was the only thing he wanted. Love.
She stepped back and pulled a set of silver handcuffs from her belt. “Ready?”
He eyed the enchanted silver cuffs, well aware of what they were. She was actually going to transport him like a common prisoner. Like a Grey. “That isn’t necessary.”
“You have transported Greys before.”
“Yes, but…” But nothing. Without the silver cuffs, he wouldn’t be allowed into Annwyn. He wouldn’t be able cross the veil. Once there, they would start burning him. He’d had one Grey run away only to come back screaming for them to be removed. And the only person who could remove them was the Hunter.
Verden held his hands out as Taryn placed the silver cuffs around his wrists. A thread of heat raced through his body as he remembered the last time she’d pinned his hands in the grass. She ran her finger around the edge of the cuff and then up his arm. A faint smile curved her lips. Was she thinking the same thing?
He lifted his hands and touched her cheek. “You know we could kill some time.” He smiled and gave the cuffs a rattle.
That made her laugh. It was the way he remembered, like bells ringing through the still night air. She didn’t care that he was a Grey and had no status at Court. She was here because of him. He looped his arms over her head and pulled her into an embrace that was more than a little awkward because of the cuffs. He pulled her close, so she could feel him hard against her belly.
Her lips brushed against his. “Not here. We’ll celebrate at the changeling’s house.”
He grinned and released her. “Lead the way, Hunter. I am yours to command.”
Chapter 24
The cabin on the edge of the Charleston property was only habitable because she’d used some magic on it. Verden couldn’t go into the house because it was protected from Greys by a magical silver tea set. Not that it mattered. Living out here was fine for now. It was theirs, even if was just some blankets on the floor at the moment.
She moved closer to Verden, not wanting to get up yet but knowing she needed to run some errands for Felan and make an appearance at Court. Verden looped his arm over her, his wrist still marked from the enchanted cuff.
“What are you thinking about?” His fingers trailed over her stomach.
“Nothing.”
“Liar. I knew you were smiling.” He gave her belly a tickle.
Taryn rolled over to face him. “I’m smiling because we are here, together.” Something which had almost seemed impossible only days ago.
He traced her cheek with the back of his hand. “Whatever happens, we’ll survive.”
She nodded, then leaned over and kissed him. “I have to get moving.”
“I’m sure a few more minutes won’t matter.” He rolled onto his back and drew her to him, the length of his shaft pressing against her, tempting her to delay doing her job.
“Yeah?” She sat up so she straddled him, heat already simmering in her blood.
“I need you more than Annwyn does.” He placed his hands on her hips, positioning her directly over his shaft.
She laughed. “That may be true, but I still have a job to do, and so do you.”
“By the time you get back, this place will have a bed and curtains.”
“Is that right?” Having an actual bed would be nice.
Verden had taken on the job of fixing up all three cabins to give him something to do. She knew that not using magic was bugging him. While he wasn’t complaining, he was being very strict with himself and conserving all power that he had—few Greys did that. He and the changeling, Caspian, were getting on. Caspian had been wary at first but had come around fast when Taryn had explained the situation and Verden’s new status as Grey and guardian. Her parents had returned to Annwyn in preparation…and she’d let Caspian know that he’d get a new Brownie after the power shift. She was sure he understood what she wasn’t saying but was smart enough to say nothing.
“It’s all arranged. While you run around for Annwyn, I’m remembering what manual labor feels like.” He ran his roughened palms over her thighs so his fingers brushed the lips of her sex.
A few more minutes with Verden wouldn’t matter. Then she’d go. She leaned down to kiss him, taking her time, knowing that days here were a fraction of the time in Annwyn. Annwyn could wait, but she couldn’t.
Verden smiled, knowing he’d won. They both had.
Acknowledgments
A big thank-you to my family for supporting me at every turn, my crit group for reading the story in its early stages, my editor Leah and her assistant Cat, my agent, the cover artist, copy editors, and marketing. While writing the first draft is something I do on my own, getting the book onto the shelf takes a team. Thank you all :)!
About the Author
Three-time ARRA finalist Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Blessed with a lively imagination, she spent most of her childhood making up stories. As an adult, she discovered romance novels and hasn’t looked back. Drawing on history and myth, she weaves new worlds and writes heroes who aren’t afraid to get hurt while falling in love.
With stories ranging from sensual to scorching, she is published with Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing, and Sourcebooks. You can find out more at www.shonahusk.com. You can also find her at www.twitter.com/ShonaHusk, www.facebook.com/shonahusk, and read her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/lySiD.
The Goblin King
by Shona Husk
***
Once upon a time…
A man was cursed to the Shadowlands, his heart replaced with a cold lump of gold. In legends, he became known as
The Goblin King.
For a favored few he will grant a wish. Yet, desperately clinging to his waning human soul, his one own desire remai
ns unfulfilled:
A willing queen.
But who would consent to move from the modern-day world into the realm of nightmares? No matter how intoxicating his touch, no matter how deep his valor, loving him is dangerous. And the one woman who might dare to try could also
Destroy him forever.
***
“Shona Husk put together an amazing story about loss, love, redemption, and discovery…” —Night Owl Reviews, Reviewer Top Pick
For more Shona Husk, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Kiss of the Goblin Prince
by Shona Husk
***
The Man of Her Dreams
He is like a prince in a fairy tale: tall, outrageously handsome, and way too dark for her own good. Amanda has been hurt before, though. And with her daughter’s illness, the last thing she needs right now is a man. But the power of Dai King is hard to resist. And when he threads his hands through her hair and pulls her in for a kiss, there is no denying it feels achingly right.
In a Land of Nightmare
After being trapped in the Shadowlands for centuries with the goblin horde a constant threat, Dai revels in his newfound freedom back in the human realm. But even with the centuries of magic he’s accumulated, he still doesn’t know how to heal Amanda’s daughter—and it breaks his heart. Yet for the woman he loves, he’d risk anything…including a return to the dreaded Shadowlands.
***
Praise for The Goblin King:
“A wonderfully dark and sensual fairy tale.” —Jessa Slade, author of Seduced by Shadows
For more Shona Husk, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
The Outcast Prince
by Shona Husk
***
Just one taste is all it takes…
This was no ordinary mirror. Caspian caught a hint of color, a whirl of a waltz just past his reflection—a glimpse into the decadent Fairy Court of Annwyn. The home he could never have. It called to him, whispering temptation after temptation…if he would only reclaim his rightful heritage.
To be forever lost
Caspian has an even stronger reason to stay in the world of humans. He’s just met a woman who captivates him like no other. But loving him has proven to be dangerous. And he will do whatever it takes to protect Lydia from the vicious, seductive world of Court—even if doing so requires the ultimate sacrifice: his soul.
***
“Brilliantly unique, beautifully sensual, The Outcast Prince had me spellbound from the first page! Shona Husk’s engaging voice and vivid, creative world-building make every one of her books a must-read!” —Larissa Ione, New York Times bestselling author
For more Shona Husk, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
To Love a King
by Shona Husk
***
He has two weeks to fall in love and save his kingdom…
To keep the balance between good and evil at the court of Annwyn, Prince Felan has two weeks to marry and take the crown. But he wants more than just power—he wants love, a love he once had but was too stubborn to hold on to.
It took years for Jacqueline Ara to put her life back together after Felan abandoned her. And she doesn’t want fairies back in her life—even if her heart still burns for him. With war in Annwyn looming and death bleeding into the mortal world, Felan and Jacquie will need to heal old wounds for one last gamble. It’s all or nothing to save both worlds.
***
Praise for The Outcast Prince:
“Innovative fantasy… an emotional and engaging tale.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
“One of the most intriguing paranormal romance stories I’ve read in a long time.” —Star-Crossed Romance
For more Shona Husk, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Legend of the Highland Dragon
by Isabel Cooper
***
He guards a ferocious secret
In Victorian England, gossip is often as precious as gold. But the Highlanders are a more mysterious bunch. And if anyone found out what Stephen MacAlasdair really was, he’d be hunted down, murdered, his clan wiped out. As he’s called to London for business, he’ll have to be extra vigilant—especially between sunset and the appearance of the first evening star.
Mina just wanted to find out more about the arrogant man who showed up in her employer’s office. Some might say it was part of her job. She never thought the stranger would turn into a dragon right in front of her. Or that he’d then offer her an outrageous sum of money to serve as his personal secretary. Working together night and day to track a dangerous enemy, Mina comes to see that a man in love is more powerful and determined than any dragon.
***
Praise for No Proper Lady:
“A genre-bending, fast-paced whirl with fantastic characters, a deftly drawn plot, and sizzling attraction…” —RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ Stars, Top Pick of the Month
For more Isabel Cooper, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Prince of Shadows
by Tes Hilaire
***
It’s forbidden for a warrior of the Light to love a creature of the Dark…
Valin has never quite fit in with the rest of the Paladin warriors. His power to manipulate shadow has always put him at odds with their purpose of using heavenly Light to eradicate evil. His warrior brothers have no idea how close he is to being lost to his dark nature.
But maybe he was never all that Light to begin with
When Valin meets the vampire Gabriella, she awakens within him something he thought long buried. But as he watches Gabriella’s need for vengeance threaten to drag her down into the same dark hell that he’s living, he knows his only chance at redemption is bringing her out of the dark…
***
Praise for the Paladin Warriors series:
“This world and series is great. If you love the warrior series books along the line of J.R. Ward or Sherrilyn Kenyon, I highly recommend that you pick these up.” —Smitten with Reading
“Hilaire has created a unique blend of mythology and fantasy… a scorching read.” —Fresh Fiction
For more Tes Hilaire, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
My Lady Quicksilver
by Bec McMaster
***
I will come for you…
He will find her no matter what. As a blueblooded captain of the Nighthawk Guard, his senses are keener than most. Some think he’s indestructible. But once he finds the elusive Mercury, what will he do with her?
It’s his duty to turn her in—she’s a notorious spy and traitor. But after one stolen moment, he can’t forget the feel of her in his arms, the taste of her, or the sharp sting of betrayal as she slipped off into the night. Little does Mercury know, no one hunts better than the Nighthawk. And his greatest revenge will be to leave her begging for his touch…
***
“Rich, dramatic, romantic, and dangerous… Fans will enjoy the expansion of McMaster’s detailed setting.” —Publishers Weekly
“McMaster’s characters are beautifully drawn and the tension between them is completely smoking… [a] dark, menacing, and strangely beautiful world.” —RT Book Reviews
For more Bec McMaster, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
The Magic Between Us
by Tammy Falkner
***
When these worlds collide
Cecelia Hewitt has lived her whole life in the land of the fae, and she dreams of a future with her childhood sweetheart, Marcus Thorne. When Marcus is called upon to dwell in the human world, it means leaving Cecelia behind and breaking both their hearts…
More than sparks may fly
Marcus was groomed for leadership in the land of the fae, but now that he has found his human parents, he will inherit his father’s title and position in the British ton—and he will marry a human. As love and passion continue to burn between Cecelia and Marcus, the questi
on remains: Can two people fated for different worlds find one to share?
***
Praise for The Magic of “I Do”:
“The hilarious banter…will make you laugh out loud, the danger will send chills down your spine, and the romance will bring sighs of joy.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ stars
“Absolutely entertaining from beginning to end.” —Long and Short Reviews
For more Tammy Falkner, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com