The Hunt (The Twisted Kingdoms, #1)

by Frost Kay

I have more important things in my life than dealing with boys.”

Boys lead to babes. Babes led to a life she didn’t desire.

“There’s a reason why women bear the children. The all-knowing understood that we couldn’t handle such pain or such glory. We’re wicked, vain creatures as a whole. Could you imagine how men would act if they actually had the power to create life?”

If there was one thing she hated, it was being backed into a corner or having her space invaded; both led to her coming out swinging.

“My Lady, it’s your turn,” he whispered to the empty room. Tempest could fight all she’d like. He liked the hunt and with careful planning, she’d be bound to him by the end of the year and fat with his babes. And, with any luck, he wouldn’t have to kill a second wife.

“Death is inevitable, but honor is easily lost,” she whispered, her fingers curling into fists to keep them from trembling. It would be so easy for him to tear out her throat. He froze and then huffed, the sound one part amused, the other part irritated. “Just because you know the words of my people, it doesn’t mean a blinkin thing.”

“I’ve spent a great deal of time among women—” Tempest snorted. Pyre’s strange, inhuman ears twitched in amusement as he continued, “—so I know nothing is never really nothing with a woman.”

“There are those pretty eyes,” he purred, his grin turning wolfish. “I hate when I’m ignored.”

The kitsune might be handsome, but she’d stab herself in the eye before anything happened between them.

you want the Jester so badly,” he whispered in her ear. “Strike true and my heart is yours, city girl.”