Page 19 of Wolfkissed
“Valen,” he says, his voice sending a new wave of shivers over my body.
I blink. “What?”
“My name is Valen.”
Damn him for giving me his name. Without a name, it was easier to dismiss him as an animal, a dangerous one.
We made a deal, and still his name is what gives me pause, what makes me take an inward step back and hesitate.
Kier and Bert hover as I move closer to Valen. I follow the line of the chain from my hand to his collar with my eyes, steeling myself for an attack.
He’s still and silent, observing me, his bound wrists held out in front of him, his hands encased in those black leather gloves.
“Will you restrain yourself?” I make myself ask. “Will you let me lead you around and not make any attempt to assault anyone, including myself?”
“We have an arrangement,” he says instead of an answer.
“We do.” What I haven’t told him is that the moment we enter the carriage, he will be tied and bound, hogtied in fact, until we can get rid of him. This deal is only meant to protect me, not benefit him.
“Though I didn’t agree to this part.” He lifts his bound hands again. “Being tied. Being led around on a leash.”
“Are you going back on our deal?” Because of course he would.
He sucks in a breath, the sound hollow behind the black leather muzzle. “Fuck. I’m not, but can’t you untie?—?”
“No.”
Another strangled sound. “I won’t assault anyone. I swear it.”
“Not good enough. The chains remain.”
After a moment, he leans forward, and I jerk back only to realize he’s sketching a slight, obviously sardonic bow. “As you wish, my lady. It looks like I have no choice but to obey.”
“Don’t you?” I frown at him. Why is he so amenable? “Werewolves and reason don’t go together in my mind.”
“You’re right, but I’ve made my choice and agreed to a deal with you. I keep my promises.”
A rational conversation. I’m still reeling. I’m even more amazed that I haven’t run away screaming, yet. “Fine, then. You’d better behave in a civilized manner during the meals and games.”
“Civilized? These are terms you didn’t mention,” he rasps. “What’s a savage wolf to do?”
My brows arch. “Are you mocking me?”
I swear he’s grinning, although I can’t see the lower part of his face. It’s something about the way the corners of his eyes crinkle. “Just returning the favor,” he says.
“How dare you?” Kier starts toward him, fists raised. “Watch your manners around her, you filthy animal, or I will?—”
“Kier.” I throw an arm out to stop him. “I’ll handle this.”
“You shouldn’t have to. Your stepfather has gone too far, this is?—”
“Kier.”
He sighs and stops. “Of course, my lady. Your wish is my command. However, Bert and I will accompany you today, if you agree.”
“I gladly accept,” I whisper, my gaze still on Valen. “And the wolf will behave, right, wolf?”
“Right, Princess.”
