Dire Bound (The Wolves of Ruin, #1)

by Sable Sorensen

The Bonded are the king’s most elite forces, soldiers who have mental bonds with massive, fearsome direwolves. They ride the wolves into battle and, rumor has it, the riders can even tap into the magic that the direwolves wield.

Technically, anyone can become Bonded, and during Bonding Trials, when the direwolves have enough young to bond en masse, all of Nocturna’s army recruits are required to participate.

It’s the Dire Blade. The fabled weapon that supposedly gives him power over all direwolves, Bonded and unbonded alike. They say the pommel is shaped like a glowering direwolf’s head.

We’re two predators who’ve agreed to hunt together for the sake of the kill, but she doesn’t trust me any more than I do her.

To my utter astonishment, Anassa turns to face my mother… and bows. The fuck?

If Stark is a black hole, Killian is a luminous sun.

And in case my implication is not crystal fucking clear: You touch her again and I’ll cull you myself.”

“Alpha Stark! We weren’t expecting you,” the man says with a grimace. “I’m sorry, sir, I’ve only got one room left, and it’s… well, it’s not to the usual standard that… I can see if one of the patrons can find another accommodation, if you just give me a moment—” “No need,” Stark

I don’t care if he’s comfortable. I don’t. It’s just that—well, he is an impressive warrior, psycho killer instincts included, even if I dislike him.

Stark’s eyes spark, he takes a single step back, and he bows down on one knee, hand to his chest. “Welcome home, my queen.”

Everything I thought I knew about him has been turned on its head.

All the lives I’ve ever taken were just training for this moment, my queen. Make me your instrument of vengeance.

Use me. I’m yours.” Mine. My psycho asshole. My bloodthirsty killer.

“You’re worried?” He scoffs. “Never. You are the danger. Any person who doesn’t see that deserves what’s coming to them.”