The Wolf's Pursuit (London Fairy Tales #3)(52)

Rosalind began to pace, while Gwen continued her speech. "Isabelle was taken by the Beast, and his music spoke so richly to our sister that she was lost in him. She saved him, and in return his love for her is the strongest I've ever seen one human have for another." She took a shuddering breath. "What are the odds that that type of love would happen thrice in this family?"

Rosalind flushed and looked down. "It could happen. He looks at you…"

"Like any man would look at a woman he is attracted to." Gwen shrugged. "Sister, I know it is difficult for you. But you need to understand, there isn't always a white horse. There isn't always a faraway kingdom and a castle. Sometimes there is no one to save. And sometimes, the princess has to marry the mask before there will ever be hope to love the man."

"The mask?" Rosalind asked. "Whatever do you mean?"

"I imagine Hunter as a little boy lost in the woods. When he first set out on his trip, he had someone to fight for, something he was running toward, and when that thing shattered before his eyes, he became lost. He fell into himself and confused himself, for the monster had destroyed what he loved so dearly. He is both Hunter and Wolf. Beast and man, and he is lost. Therefore, even if he loved me or said he loved me, it would not be the type of love you experience. To ask for his love right now would destroy what shred of humanity he still possesses, and I love him…" Gwen closed her eyes and crossed her arms protectively around her chest. "I love him too much to ask for it."

Rosalind's face broke out into a bright smile. "You love him?"

"I am not sure. I mean, does love feel like you want to both kiss and strangle the object of your affection? Does it create so much unrest within your own body that you feel you are losing your mind? Is love so strong that I have a perpetual head and stomachache?"

"I had a headache for three days when I met Stefan." Rosalind smiled and looked down. "I also had several fantasies of hitting him across the head with his own pistol."

"I've had that one, as well." Gwen sighed happily. "I am not sure if my love trumps my desire to cause physical harm to his person. Most of the time he drives me so crazy I merely react out of frustration rather than love, but I imagine Hunter does not understand any other way to communicate than fighting and innuendo."

"He's a man." Rosalind shrugged as if that explained everything.

The room fell silent.

Rosalind pulled Gwen into a tight hug. "Sister, it will not be easy, loving a wolf. The minute you get close, they tend to snap. Just remember it is out of defense, for a wolf fears man. Men are always a symbol of death for animals. Therefore you must tread carefully." Rosalind released her and sighed.

"Have no fear, dear sister. Wolves also love the thrill of the chase, the smell of blood and meat. I imagine my trap will be sufficient for him. And if all else fails, I'll merely take off my dress and use his own lust against him."

"Brilliant!" Rosalind clapped her hands. "Now, we only have a few days. Let us get our trousseau together. We shall stop by Isabelle's. Would you like me to tell her the news, or would you like to announce to your sister and the Beast that you are marrying one of their dearest friends?"

"I nominate Hunter."

"Good girl." Rosalind winked.





Chapter Twenty-four





Red—

I too dream of blood. I dream of killing, of lies, of violence and greed. But most of all, I dream of her. Of how I could not reach her in time. Dreams are a cruel thing, for this certain dream gives me hope that one day I will be on time, one day I will save her from death. Yet it always ends the same. I am holding her body in the street, and she is gone.

—Wolf





After leaving Montmouth's residence, Hunter made his way toward Wilkins' establishment. If he wasn't already privy to the information surrounding Redding's accident, then he needed to be. The last person to see Redding alive was most likely Hollins.

It took a half hour to reach the townhome.

The wind whipped Hunter's jacket around him as he made his way toward the stairs. He knocked twice.

No answer.

He knocked again.

Still no answer.

Biting back a curse, Hunter walked back to his carriage and made his way toward Dominique's residence. Now would be probably a better time than most to announce to the man that he was, in fact, marrying his wife's sister.

Perhaps he should send ahead a note to make sure all weapons were hidden.

Hunter grinned just thinking upon it.

Truly he should be anything but amused at this point.

Someone had shot at him, his dead brother was very much alive, a murderer was on the loose, and Redding was dead.

Yet all his ridiculous brain could think upon was the taste of Gwen's lips, the way her soft body felt pressed against his.

He told himself to stop grinning. That it was ridiculous and quite rude, considering a man had died today.

But it could not be helped. He looked at the dreary streets of London and for once his mood did not match what he saw. No, the blasted world could be coming to an end, and he would still be in his carriage, smiling.

The carriage pulled to a stop in front of Dominique's townhouse. Hunter cleared his throat and tried to think upon what he needed to do. The minute he pressed his lips together another grin broke out.