Savage Wolf (Shadow Cursed Book 1) by Jessica Wayne

Author:Jessica Wayne [Wayne, Jessica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: B.A.D. Publishing, LLC
Published: 2022-09-12T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 15

“Merrick has always been a brutal bastard,” Maynard comments with a grin. He jabs an elbow into MacKenna, who rolls his eyes.

“You’re only saying that because he’s always been able to kick your ass.”

“Not true. I beat him on my seventeenth birthday.”

“Because he’d had too much ale the night before and let you win,” Maxwell replies.

As I watch their interaction, my stomach sinks. I’d always wanted siblings. Wondered what it would be like to have others to grow up beside. Honestly, before I’d known better, I’d hoped the king would remarry and have more children.

Of course, as I got older, I realized that would likely mean my death.

“What do you guys do during the day?” I ask. “When you’re not here.”

“We run. Hunt. Stalk prey,” Maynard growls, and I throw my head back to laugh.

“Maynard usually lurks in the woods when he’s not bothering you,” MacKenna adds with a grin.

Maynard’s face turns crimson, his gaze darting to Lea. She doesn’t seem to notice, but I certainly do.

“Okay, boys. I think it’s time for bed,” Lark announces as she stands.

Lea stands and begins cleaning off the table. Meanwhile, the key in my pocket grows heavier by the second. I’ve barely managed to keep my seat as it is, wanting to skip dinner altogether and explore Merrick’s study.

I turn to Lark. “Will you show me where it is?”

She smiles. “Of course.”

“Show her what?” Maynard questions.

“The study,” Lark replies.

“Why aren’t we invited?” MacKenna asks.

“Because Merrick gave Kiya a key, not you.” Lark shoots a pointed glare at her sons.

Maxwell looks between us. “Seriously? He gave you a key?”

“Tell us everything tomorrow,” Madox says. “I want to know what he keeps in there.”

“I bet it’s a sculpture of himself,” Myke comments.

Maynard snorts. “More likely a shrine of his accomplishments.”

“Or, better yet, a collection of ears he’s taken from his victims,” Lea adds with a wavering tone.

The men burst out laughing.

Lark shakes her head at her sons. “Do something useful and help Lea clean the table before you run off.” She loops an arm through mine and guides me from the room and toward the stairs.

“It’s so different here,” I comment.

“Oh? How so?”

“For one, no one but the servants are allowed to help clean.”

Lark snorts. “If that were the case, Lea would have left long ago.”

“And Peter? He helps, too, doesn’t he?”

Lark’s expression darkens, though she doesn’t elaborate. “At times, though he remains out of the house most of the time.”

“Why is that?”

She stops, and I turn to face her. “He is the only one here who does not know of our secret,” she explains. “He knows what we are, as does the village, but he is unaware of the curse. We are quite protective of that knowledge.”

Which must be why Merrick doesn’t care for him. “I won’t say anything,” I promise. “I haven’t seen him lately anyway.”

“He’s been in the stable, tending to the horses and taking care of the grounds. Lea brings him food.”

“Oh.” Making a mental note to check on him tomorrow, I turn my attention back to the present.

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