Falcon's Mate 1(18)

dress.”

He had his breeches already pulled on and was working on his boots.

“I’ll fly us down. Come here.”

Ari wrapped her arms around his neck at his bidding and he glided

them toward the floor.



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Michelle M Pillow

“One day and already someone challenges the throne,” he said wryly

as he set her down.

Ari wanted to say something to him, wanted to ask him if he could

possibly be happy as her king, but the words wouldn’t come. She opened

her mouth, but she felt like a young, tongue-tied girl and all the

insecurities that came with such an age rushed over her.

“Did you want to say something?” His eyes narrowed. He looked like

the hunter. Would the hunter be happy out of the hunt, or would he

resent her for keeping him?

She knew her answer. A man like Rurik wouldn’t want to be caged,

even if the bars were gilded. She’d felt the freedom of his arms, but knew

that was only a dance, one moment out of a lifetime of serving her

people. She looked at his wings, knowing they’d only remind them both

of what he had to give up against his will.

“You’re free,” she whispered, leaning to pick up her undergown. She

slipped it over her head, trembling.

“What are you saying?”

“You’re free, Rurik. This is your chance to get out of this. No

repercussions will come of it. In fact, Lord Viceious will be stepping down

soon as Supreme General. The job will be yours if you want it. As

Commander of the Fifth, you and your men have more than earned the

honor. None will protest.”

“You mean you’ll be free,” he said, a severe frown crossing his face.

“The life of a queen is hardly freeing.” She pulled her gown over her

head, before working her hair out of the back.

Walking to the water wall, she looked at her reflection. Her cheeks

were flushed with sleep and her hair was a mess. Running her fingers

through the locks, she sighed. It was no use. She needed a brush and

52



Talons: Seize the Hunter

her belongings were elsewhere in the palace. Regardless, she did the best

she could with it before turning back to him.

“Your motives in this are hardly pure. You wish to buy me off with

your offer of Supreme General, don’t you?”

Ari swallowed nervously, avoiding his eyes. It wasn’t a complete lie,

though she wouldn’t have used the phrase “buy him off”. True, as

Supreme General he would come to the palace and be her liaison to the

troops. The offer was selfish of her. She wanted him close. Now that their

bodies had joined, she knew she needed more of him. If it was decided

that she remain unmarried or even in the unlikely occurrence that she

took another husband, she knew in her heart that she’d take Rurik back

into her bed—scandal or not.

“You haven’t changed, have you? You’re still the spoiled little princess

who is too good for us soldiers.” His wings stretched, his whole form

tense with anger.

“What?” she gasped, ready to defend herself.

“Don’t bother, my queen.” The words were tight. “You’ve made your

point.” Then, stepping closer, he growled, “But just remember, this pure

blood’s hands were all over your body and you begged for me to touch

you.”

Ari blinked in confusion. Why would she ever want to deny it?

Rurik’s body shifted. His eyes narrowed and his nose and mouth

molded into a beak. Feathers sprouted over his body and his wings beat

against the air. Soon he hovered in the air before her, his body

compacted into a large bird of prey. With a fierce speed, he turned and

flew out of the chambers toward the hall. She was still staring after him,

long after he was gone.



XW



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Michelle M Pillow



Rurik was livid. Did their time together mean nothing? Was she so

ready to throw him back at the first chance that presented itself? Oh,

and offering him the position of Supreme General. That was a nice touch.

It was the highest honor for a man like him. Or, it had been until he’d

become king.

Coming to the hall, he instantly saw Lord Cyril and his simpering

son, Lynus. It was no secret that Ari spent time with the young man. He

hadn’t wanted to listen to rumors, but her name was spoken and he

couldn’t help but hear whatever was said about her.

Swooping past the nobleman’s head, he glided up toward the throne.

He didn’t bother to shift as he perched on the back of the high chair. It

was early in the morning and he realized they’d slept all night in each

other’s arms. What was odd was he never lost track of time like that. Ari

just did something to him. She always had.