Page 31 of Eternally Bound
“We can take her out to call then,” Killean said.
Ronan ran a hand through his hair, tugging at it as his other hand gripped the edge of the mantle. Bits of rock broke off and bit into his palm, but he didn’t release his hold on it. If he let it go, he may attack Killean. Ronan knew his friend was right, that she had to be returned, but did Killean have to be in such a rush to see it done?
A jagged piece of rock sliced into his palm, drawing blood as he remained focused on the wall across from him. The best thing would be to get her out of here as soon as possible, but he wasn’t ready to see her go.
Though he didn’t look at any of them, Kadence saw the pure red color of Ronan’s eyes. She held her breath as she waited to hear what he would say.
“We’ll leave in an hour,” he finally said in a voice so hoarse she barely recognized it.
Kadence felt as if she’d been punched in the gut. Unless she planned something quick, she would be back in the stronghold tonight and married within the month.
Ronan’s eyes had become their burgundy hue again when he finally turned to look at her. “Are you hungry?” he asked.
The bacon hadn’t been enough to fill her, but whatever hunger she’d been experiencing was effectively swallowed by the pit in her stomach. She shook her head, not trusting her voice to speak. Without another word, she turned, left the room, and fled up the steps. By the time she made it to the top, she was running, but there was nowhere for her to run to.
CHAPTER 16
A short time later, Ronan opened the door to his bedroom. He’d meant to stay completely away from Kadence until it was time for her to leave, but with every passing second he’d become increasingly compelled to return to her. Eventually, he’d given up the battle. He told himself he was going to see her to make sure she was ready to leave, but he knew he lied.
Kadence sat on the bed, her back to him and her head bent forward. Her pale hair cascaded down her back in thick waves that shone in the light. She’d removed the sweater and draped it over the back of the chair; her coat lay beside her on the bed. The sundress Marta had given her exposed the creamy skin of her bare shoulders and clung to her slender curves.
Her head rose when the door click closed, but she didn’t turn to look at him. “It’s almost time to go,” he stated. “I’m sure you’ll be happy to see your brother again.”
“I will,” she replied in a clipped tone.
He frowned as he tried to puzzle out why she didn’t seem more excited by the prospect of being reunited with her family. Moving around the bed, he stopped before her. Her face was completely serene and impassive, like a statue. She revealed no emotion as she clasped her hands demurely before her and stared at him.
It took him a moment to realize this was the docile, female hunter she was supposed to be. He didn’t like it one bit.
“What is wrong?”
That odd mask of composure never slipped. “I am to be married soon.”
Out of everything he’d expected her to say, that hadn’t been it. His gaze ran over her slender body and alluring breasts that would fit perfectly in the palm of his hand. His fangs lengthened at the idea of any other man knowing what it was like to feel her body against his while they slept, to beinsideof her.
He managed to suppress a snarl. “When?”
“Within the month.”
He recalled what she’d said earlier,“I’m supposed to be sorry for not being overjoyed about my glorious role as soon-to-be bride.”At the time, he’d assumed she meant far in the future, not within a month.
“To who?” he demanded.
“Logan. He is an outstanding hunter from a strong family line. Our children will be fine hunters. He is a good man, a good friend, and loyal to Nathan.”
“Your brother arranged this?”
“The elders chose Logan for me when I became capable of reproducing.”
“You’re not afuckinghorse!”
She blinked, but it was the only reaction she showed to his explosive response.
“Do you want to marry Logan?” he demanded.
“It is a great honor to marry a hunter and bear him children. I must be grateful that I am of an age to do so and that a fine husband has been chosen for me.”
She sounded as if she were reciting something drilled into her head over the years. “You accept this?”
