Page 104 of Ravenous

“What if I’ve lost my heart to this lass outside matehood?”

“I’ve never heard of that either. How do you know she’s no’ spellbinding you?”

“Doona.” But he didn’t believe that. Meera had much to attract him. Her wit, her watchful eyes, her prickly feelings. The way she screamed her pleasure against his palm as her cunny clenched and drenched his fingers. Whatwasn’tattractive about her?

Thane pressed, “Spellbinding is a likelier scenario. Ditch warned us she’d use enchantresses this Accession. She would absolutely send one to seduce you.”

“I barged into Meera’s life. She wanted nothing to do with me at first.”

“Hmm.” How could one hummed syllable carry such disbelief? “How much do you tell her?”

“I learn more than I reveal. And I never speak of our history.” Straegan’s.

How am I going to contain two alpha wolves during the Hunter’s Moon?He had some ideas, would sort it out later. For now, he glanced at the setting sun, ready to sprint for the Witchwood, headlong toward pulsing friction. For two nights, he’d been denied Meera. No longer…

“Lowell.”

“Huh?”

“Your mind’s wandering. You give me less than your full attention even on such a subject?” Thane was getting irritated. That didn’t often happen.

“Apologies, my liege. This is an important subject.” What had Thane said? “Please continue.”

“Since the portal will open on the night of the moon, we will no’ be able to depend on Nothrior for containment.”

“I’ve already thought about that. We’ll pull alpha warlairds from the outervillages, the strongest Lykae available. I’ll send missives tonight.”Afterhe saw Meera.

“Are you wolf enough for that job?”

“Of course.” Lowell straightened, unaccustomed to this kind of doubt. He’d proven himself again and again, earning his position as right hand. “As ever, I’m up for whatever the kingdom needs.”

“Ditch is sending two containment spells to reinforce the cages.”

Lowell blinked. “Pardon? We’re to trust an enemy faction’s magic?”

“She’s motivated to keep me and Straegan imprisoned. If I show her trust, she might return it. It’s a risk, but I’m no’ exactly swimming in options. Straegan nearly broke free outside the moon’s pull.”

The prince had dented bermetal bars as if they’d been twigs. “Verra well. We’ll trust magic.” Had Lowell really just said that?

Thane nodded. “Aye then. I’ve much on my mind. We’ll speak more come morning.”

Lowell stood at once, leaving half a glass of the finest whiskey in the Skein, which Thane would have to notice. As he turned, he forced himself to appear casual, taking measured steps toward the door.

“One more thing.”

Lowell paused, gritting his fangs before turning back. “Aye?”

Thane’s eyes glimmered blue as he said, “Take a week off from your witch. I’ll have Jastorgh send your regrets.”

Lowell froze. “My liege?”

“A cooling-off period will clarify your feelings as nothing else will. Concentrate on kingdom affairs for now. I need you sharp for our preparations.”

A week?Fucking hell.He opened his mouth to argue, but every defense sounded desperate in his mind.

I need her. Think I’m falling for her. Matehood is no’ for me. What she and I share is different from anything a Lykae has ever experienced before.

It’s better.