The Bridal Hunt (Brides of the Hunt Book 1)

by Jeanette Lynn

  It’s a good feeling, this sense of belonging threatening to overwhelm me, warring with about fifty million other relevant, jumbled thoughts. I should still be mad. I should still be trying to get away. I should still be trying, feeling, and doing a lot of things, but that wasn’t really the case. I stopped trying to understand it myself weeks ago.

  Granted, I'm not sure I'll ever get over how I got here, but I wouldn't want to go back, not anymore, not for anything. With Veck, I feel safe, loved—I feel whole.

  As my thoughts drifted back to other places—my happy place—recalling the look on Veck's face this morning when he woke me with a cuddle and a kiss, purring away contentedly. He’d called me his wife. I haven’t stopped smiling since. We’re married now... for forever. The whole thing was beyond sweet and freaking unreal.

  Of course, he'd butchered the word at first, wife coming out sounding like wiff, making it a little hard to understand what he’d meant. But with a bit of help he soon got the hang of it, and I thanked him properly by riding him cowgirl style, sending his ass to snow beast heaven.

  I wonder if he's still wearing that adorable little boy grin he had on when he left this morning, I mused.

  Yee haw, Mina!

  Shaking my head, I snorted, then broke out into a fit of giggles, chortling to myself. Mm, yes, this morning was definitely memorable.

  "You're acting strange," Bia observed, quirking an eyebrow.

  "I'm sorry," I croaked out apologetically, trying to stifle my fit of the sillies. Clearing my throat, shaking myself out a bit, my expression sobered. "This better?" I asked with a straight face.

  "You're very... different, Mina," Bia said slowly, studying me intently.

  "Hey," I huffed, sobering instantly, offended.

  Ugh. What is that supposed to mean? I voiced this thought out loud, very loudly.

  He didn't respond.

  Lips pursing, I huffed at him again.

  Still no response.

  You can’t just say something like that and leave it be.

  Simmering, if only to myself, I grew oddly silent as we made it to the river. Bia unloaded all of his large, empty jugs a short ways away from the water’s edge, plunking them down on a dry patch of grass under the shade of a tree.

  "Well, excuse me," I spat haughtily, unable to hold it in any longer.

  More than a little hurt, I sped past with my measly container. What is up with him?

  Turning away quickly so he wouldn't see the wounded look on my face, gaze fixed straight ahead, I stomped through the wet, dirt and snow mixed, mushy muck and grass angrily.

  "Mina?" Bia asked quietly.

  A nasty rebuke on my lips, I clamped my jaw shut.

  Making more noise than usual, grunting and mumbling something under his breath, Bia clomped his way over.

  Standing directly behind me now, the agitated, muffled growl in his chest making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, he tried again, clearing his throat when I wouldn’t answer.

  Lips pursed, pinched shut in irritation, I studiously ignored him in favor of finishing my task. If we can’t say anything nice, then I guess we shouldn’t be saying anything at all.

  The sun was out today and I was grateful for its warmth, soaking it up as it bathed my face with its heat. Kneeling down, intent on filling that stupid jug, I closed my eyes and pretended I hadn't heard the male at all. He wasn’t about to get off easy with me, not this time.

  Bia called out to me a few more times, a strained note in his voice. Set on giving him a taste of his own medicine, I refused to relent.

  When my container burbled, brimming over with excess, I sealed the top and popped up. Hefting the sizeable burden, grunting with the effort, I waddled off. Arms straining, back aching, breaths coming in short little pants, a little past the halfway point, I was ready to dump the overfilled jug where I stood and call it a day. This shit’s serious work. I’m am not made for this.

  The sooner this is all done, though, the sooner I can get away from him, I thought. Maybe ice my back, arms, and possibly thighs, I added, groaning aloud. Ugh. With thoughts like that in mind, I kept going.

  "Mina..." Bia tried again.

  Tossing him a dirty look over my shoulder, setting my jug down to grab another, I quickly snatched an empty one up, and again marched right past him.

  Bia watched, glowering over at me, as I filled my second jug and struggled back to the tree. Those things sure aren’t light.

  "You’re taking it all wrong," Bia clipped out, frustrated, storming up behind me to try and take my full jug away from me. "Mina!"

  "No." I pulled away before he could snatch it from my hands, cradling the fat jug to my chest protectively. "I don't need your help. I'm different, remember?" Lips twisting, smiling sarcastically, my upper lip curled in a sneer.

  What a prick he is for ruining my good mood. Today was supposed to be a good day, I grumbled inwardly.

  "You're a prick," I muttered under my breath. It felt good to say it aloud.

  Bia’s face flushed and he sucked in a sharp breath. "Mina! I know what that one means! Take it back!" Dogging my steps, Bia growled belligerently, completely offended.

  Jumping out in front of me, he blocked my path, glaring down at me as I seethed up at him. Hands slamming to his hips, irritation stamped all over that fierce expression, he snarled low.

  “Jerk.” Oops. Did I say that too loud?

  Bia tensed, chest rumbling. “And that one, too.”

  "No." I side-stepped, walking around him. "You take it back."

  "I didn't mean it like that, and you’re being silly, Mina," he argued.

  "Silly! Oh, now I'm silly? I'm acting different? How about you, huh? You're the one who's been acting different for the past three weeks, maybe even longer! I mean... god! What gives?!!"

  "No, I didn't say you're acting different. I said you are different."

  "Ugh! How the heck is that any better?" Muffling a very unladylike screech, I stamped my foot. "You’re the different one, mister! You've been alternating between my Bia—the one I'm the best of friends with, the one who claims he can tell me anything—and mean, jerkoff Bia—the grump who acts like Kirch's little brother."

  "Cousin," he cut in, grumbling quietly, so quietly I almost didn't hear him.

  "Beg pardon?" I mumbled faintly, blinking a few times uncomprehendingly before my eyes grew wide.

  Bia cleared his throat and gave me a funny look. Scratching at the back of his head, he grunted, muttering, "He's, uh, actually my cousin."

  Throwing my arms up, letting my jug tumble to the ground with a heavy thump, I let out a sharp whoop. "Oh, well, hells bells! That just about explains everything, doesn't it?!" I exclaimed with fake enthusiasm.

  As I reached for my fallen jug, my angry companion grumbled down at me, a low rumble vibrating his chest He leaned in then, as if to intimidate, blue eyes narrowing angrily, but I gave a haughty sniff. Think he can bully me, does he?

  With a glare of my own to match, I let off a noise in my throat, rumbling back. It wasn’t nearly as impression, but it got my point across: don’t freaking mess with me, bub.

  "What's the matter, Bia? Did I hurt your feelings?" I snickered, lifting my chin stubbornly.

  Having reached the tree, I plopped my jug down to reach for another.

  I'd had a feeling for a little while now that something like this would happen, that we would come to a head—I just didn't think that it would be today. We needed to do this, though, hash it out, get past whatever is going on with him, with us, and get back to normal.

  "You make me crazy! You know that?!" Bia growled as he pulled me around to face him.

  I growled back, teeth flashing, going toe-to-toe. My flat human teeth were pathetic next to his, but it was better than nothing.

  Bia’s expression faltered after a moment, the angry mask falling away. He simply looked miserable. Moaning pitifully, he reached out to grip my shoulders, giving them a gentle shake.

  "Yo
u're torturing me, Mina... and you don't even realize it, do you?" His voice went all soft, a little hoarse as he ran his hand down my face gently and cupped the back of my head.

  Before anything else could be said he leaned in, until our faces were only inches apart. I gasped as his breath puffed out warmly against my lips. "Bia, what are you doing?" I whispered.

  His eyes bored into mine, the clear blue of them startlingly beautiful so close up. "What I've been wanting to do since the first time I saw you."

  Shifting closer, closing the gap, he kissed me hungrily.

  His lips enveloped mine, his tongue snaking out to swipe across the moist cavern of my mouth as my breath caught on a shocked gasp.

  "Veck..." I protested, but he muffled it when his tongue slipped inside my mouth, running over mine tentatively, tangling them experimentally.

  When I didn’t immediately protest, he moaned and pulled me closer, his hands greedily exploring the dips and curves of my body. My heart pounded like a jack hammer through my chest, my pulse throbbing in my ears, body sparking to life as he gave in, putting everything he had into that kiss.

  "Wait!" I cried out, stumbling away from him with a harsh push, before anything went any further. "I'm with Veck," I said desperately, trying to shuck the feelings he was evoking in me.

  I shouldn't feel this way—we shouldn't be doing this. Oh god... I let him kiss me. And I’d liked it! I'm mated and married, damn it! And I am not a whore!

  Swallowing past the lump in my throat, I touched my lips, swollen from his kisses, and hiccupped a little. I didn’t know what to do, what to think. I was so disconcerted and confused, my body continuing to throb, thrumming to life from his attentions, and yet... I’d just betrayed my mate.

  A small sob escaped my throat. "What are you doing, Bia? What the hell’s gotten into you?!" I shouted, wrapping my arms around myself as I hugged my ribs tight. What the hell’s gotten into me?

  "I-I... Mina... I want you. I-I- Mina, I..." he sputtered haltingly, his eyes staring into mine imploringly.

  Smiling awkwardly, he held out his hand and reached for me.

  "No." Thrusting a hand out to stop him, I took a huge step back, effectively pulling out of his reach.

  It was hard to ignore the hurt flashing in his eyes, but this wasn’t right. I won’t be that person. I won’t.

  "Mina, please. I lo-"

  "NO!" I choked out, shaking my head vigorously. "No. Don't. I promised Veck."

  “Promised him what?”

  “No. I’m sorry. I can’t.” Turning around quickly, I did the only thing I could think of—I ran.

  Tears streaming down my face as I took off, I went headlong into the woods, avoiding the main part of the village so I didn't have to explain anything to anyone. Before I realized where I was going, I was heading straight for the cottage.

  Veck, I thought, as my steps started to falter. What am I going to tell Veck? Stifling a sob, I hiccupped again. I won't lie to him. But the idea of wiping the look of utter contentment from his face, the idea of never again being witness to that silly little self-satisfied grin, never being the reason he wears it... I can’t do it just yet… I just can’t—not yet.

  Spinning on my heel, I made a quick decision and headed deeper into the woods, to Veck’s special spot—our special place.

  ✽✽✽

  Steam peeked through the purple and blue veined, fat leafed plants lining the place, and I knew I’d gone the right way. Brushing a rather fat blue and green painted leaf aside, I stepped through.

  Letting out a long breath, I walked up to the familiar pond with strange little fish in it, thriving happily in the warmer temperatures of the hot springs-fed pool.

  As my eyes filled anew, I watched the mist rising up in the frosty mid-morning air.

  Plopping down on my butt, I sank into the mossy, frost covered bank to put my head on my knees, bawling my eyes out as I hiccupped and sniffled uncontrollably.

  No idea how long I sat there, I jumped and screamed the second I realized a hand had been rubbing my back awkwardly, possibly for quite some time.

  Jerking forward, I squealed like a ninny and flopped head over hindquarters, right into the pond. Splashing around indignantly as I resurfaced, gasping for breath, I tried to push my hair out of my eyes.

  Hacking up a lung, I coughed and sputtered, spitting pond water and who knew what else over the writhing fish accompanying me as I kicked my legs to keep afloat.

  How deep is this damned thing anyway, I wondered curiously, realizing my legs couldn’t touch the bottom from this spot. Silly me—ha-ha—I’d thought all ponds had shallow water. I’ve just been proven otherwise.

  "Meanie?" A gruff voice rumbled my name from the bank.

  Awe mixing in with his usual growling grumble, I glanced up to find Kirch crouched by the water, staring at me wonderingly. His eyes were wide with fear and disbelief as he gawked at me openly, his thick hand reaching out towards me, desperately trying to grab hold to pull me back on the bank without stumbling in himself.

  I was too far away for him to reach, so he kept teetering on the edge of the muddy bank helplessly, too close yet too far, as he repeatedly tried to reach out to me. He was scared, maybe a little terrified, as a sheen of sweat worked its way across his forehead to trail down his cheeks, his body jerking, strange yelping noises escaping him every time he slipped a little farther along the edge.

  "What were you thinking?! Sneaking up on me like that! I didn't even hear you coming!" I shrieked, waving my arms around indignantly, ranting at him from the warmth of the pond.

  "Meanie walks in water?" he asked, puzzled, tilting his head to the side as he pointed at my chest, studying me as I bobbed about like a cork.

  "I'm swimming," I told him, swimming around a little to demonstrate. "See?"

  "Meanie teach Kirch? Kirch swim, too?" he asked hopefully. His gaze slipped to the pond and he swallowed hard, eyeing it warily.

  "Why should I help you?" I snorted, giving him a stern glare. "You brought me into this mess in the first place. You kidnapped me, threatened to eat me! And then told Veck you had a claim on me?! Which you most certainly do not! Oh! And where the hell is Candy? If you've hurt her in any way… I'll cut your nuts off and feed them to the fishes!"

  Kirch’s eyes widened and his hands slowly slid down his torso to cup his testicles, his mouth opening slightly to gape at me. "Kirch not hurt Candy!” he barked. “Kirch took Candy back! Meanie not mad at Kirch! Kirch do like Meanie wants!"

  I lost a bit of steam at that. "What do you mean, you took her back?" My eyes narrowed to tiny little slits as I stared his furry ass down. Is he lying to me?

  "Kirch take Candy back. Kirch take Candy to... to ca-bin. Candy's mate George.” Cautiously, he sat down on the bank, slowly easing his feet into the water.

  The fish swam up to investigate, but Kirch snarled down at them and they quickly took off. Tense, the big beastie glanced up at me, rolling his shoulders, forcing his body to loosen up.

  Voice much calmer, a hint of excitement lacing his tone, he canted his head, blurting, "Meanie teach Kirch to swim now?" Kirch leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, and jerked his chin.

  "How did she get home, though, Kirch? I thought the portal was closed?"

  "Portal open again." Nodding, he smiled down at me. "Candy cry for mate.” Expression bunching, his eyebrows pulled down and he grunted. “Cry a lot.” If those fluffy critters stamped on his face slid down any lower they’d swallow up his eyes—his lip curling, his furry eyebrows dipping lower than I’d ever thought imaginable, brow furrowing. “Candy happy now. Find George, go home.”

  Shaking his head, he cleared his expression, smoothing it out to carefully blank it, glancing away.

  A few beats passed and he shifted to peek at me curiously. “Meanie happy now? No more crying?"

  "The portal's open now?" I gritted out, grilling him. I swam a little closer, searching his face, looking for any sign of deceit.

 
Grumbling under his breath, he growled in frustration and splashed water at my face. "Meanie teach Kirch now?"

  "Ugh.” Gasping, I sputtered indignantly. “NO! You big, white baboon! I'm not done getting answers from you! And, so help me, until I do, no swimming lessons for you!" I shouted, swiping water from my face.

  Kirch's skin flushed pink, jaw clenched. I could just make out him grinding his teeth together in frustration, the muscles in his face ticking as he got up and started pacing. Stomping in a sort of snow beastie tantrum, he moved restlessly along the edge of the pond, mumbling and muttering under his breath, glaring at me.

  Good! Let him get mad. The jackass deserves a little comeuppance, I thought, feeling a bit more than justified in this situation. "Is the portal open now, Kirch?"

  The pain in the ass male studied my face and shrugged. Clearing his throat, he grumbled out sullenly, "No."

  "Oh." I deflated, sinking down a little more into the water. I let it go all the way up to my chin as I had myself a little pout.

  "Don't sink, Meanie!" Kirch yelled frantically. Bright yellow eyes going wild, he gripped his hair in his hands, panicked, having a mini freak out on me along the water’s edge.

  Hmmm. Interesting.

  "I won't drown," I told him, smiling a little as he fidgeted and paced anxiously. I enjoyed his distress more than I probably should, snorting on the inside as he yelled at me, chuffing and clucking angrily like a mother hen, to come back now.

  "Wanna see something cool?" Forcing myself not to laugh, I grinned mischievously, waiting for his reaction.

  Walking back to the edge, releasing the death grip he had on his wild mane, he gave me a pleading look. "Meanie get out of water? No more swim. Kirch no swim, yes?" he begged, swallowing hard.

  "Sure," I said agreeably, "as soon as I do... this." Chuckling, I smiled and waved, taking a deep breath before ducking down.

  Letting myself drift downward, I touched the bottom with my toes before coming back up. A few seconds later I broke the surface, grinning from ear to ear, and started swimming for shore, ready to hightail it someplace warm to dry off.

  As I reached the edge, Kirch grabbed me up and pulled me to his chest, crushing me up in a hug. Mashing my head against his thick pecs, he mumbled and—I'm pretty sure—cursed in his own language.