Page 78 of Wings of Snow
The Fire Wolf turned to fully face us, and my breath sucked in. The male was striking. And given his pounding aura, chiseled features that wore a ruthless expression, dark hair, and amber-colored eyes—he was also one of the most intimidating males I’d ever encountered. The only other male I’d sensed that kind of power from was my mate.
The Fire Wolf studied us just as intently, his gaze traveling over the males’ silver hair and tall black wings. Normally, males of this realm wore a hint of apprehension when confronted with the crown prince and his guards, but this male merely arched an eyebrow. “I’m told you’re the crown prince of the Solis continent.”
My mate inhaled again. “That’s correct. I’m Prince Norivun Deema Melustral Achul, first son of the king, Bringer of Darkness, Death Master of the continent, son of Prinavee Territory, and crown prince and heir to the Winter Court’s throne.”
The Fire Wolf smirked. “Right. Well, feel free to call me the Fire Wolf. I don’t have a title.” His lips kicked up in a sardonic smile.
The crown prince inclined his head. “All right, then you may call me...Norivun.”
“Perfect. I don’t particularly care for the title bullshit.” The hunter came closer, prowling toward us on silent footsteps. His scent hit me, citrus and cedar. In a way it was similar to Norivun’s scent, but without that wintery fragrance my mate always carried, it was less alluring. The energy off the prince increased the closer the Fire Wolf came to us, and I drew myself up to my full height. The hunter’s gaze flicked to me briefly, and Norivun stepped closer until his body shielded mine as a low warning growl came from his throat.
The male smirked again. “Relax. I have no interest in your woman.”
Woman?The male’s forthright comment and casual demeanor made my heart beat even faster as Norivun shared a veiled look with his guards.
“Well, perhaps it’s best if we all sit and discuss the matter at hand,” Bavar said, jumping back into the conversation. “Please make yourselves comfortable whilst I ring for refreshments.”
Bavar traipsed across the chamber as the Fire Wolf took the large chair near the fireplace. I sat on the couch opposite him, and Norivun promptly sat at my side, then placed his hand possessively on my knee.
The Fire Wolf’s gaze flickered briefly to that gesture before he eyed the four guards, two on each side of him since Haxil and Sandus had taken the couch to our left and Nish and Ryder the couch on the right.
“You’re the guards?” the Fire Wolf asked in that same tone. I couldn’t tell if he was bored, or if it took a lot to impress him.
Nish sneered. “We are.” He made a point of angling his wing, and his two swords made an appearance.
I almost rolled my eyes at the male dominance that was on full display, but while I could understand the posturing since this male felt powerful, I also knew it wouldn’t allow us to work together very smoothly if this continued.
I angled my chin, then asked as conversationally as possible, “May I ask where you hail from, Fire Wolf?”
The hunter’s lips twitched, and I could have sworn he suppressed a smile. “North America.” My brow furrowed in confusion, so he added, “It’s in the realm parallel to yours. Bavar tells me none of you have ever been to Earth before or anywhere in my home universe.”
Nish’s wings ruffled when he sneered.
Haxil leaned forward in his seat. “You would be correct, and you are a magical being from North America?” the round-cheeked guard asked curiously.
“That’s one way of putting it,” the Fire Wolf replied.
“Right!” Bavar called, coming up behind us. “Refreshments are on their way. Now”—he sat down on the remaining chair by the hunter and gave us all a wide smile—“The Fire Wolf may be able to help you determine what’s causing the magic in your realm to be suppressed. His hunting skills are legendary,andhe has advanced magical abilities. Also, since he’s not a direct employee of the SF, he’s free to come and go without my uncle’s permission. I figured he would be the perfect candidate for the job. And I do apologize for how long it took to arrange this meeting. The dear Fire Wolf can be hard to find at times.”
Norivun stiffened, his hand on my thigh growing warmer. “Do you plan to travel to Isalee with us, Fire Wolf?”
The hunter leaned back in his seat. “I’m assuming I’ll need to. Until I can assess the area, I won’t be much help.”
Norivun nodded curtly, and while his body was still stiff, some of the pounding aura from him relented.
“Now,” Bavar said, just as a servant brought a tray of sweets and tea into the room and set it discreetly on the center table before departing just as swiftly, “there is the matter of payment. The Fire Wolf will, of course, be expecting compensation for his time and talents.”
“Naturally,” Norivun replied dryly. “What’s your fee?”
The Fire Wolf inspected his fingernails. “Three thousand rulibs. Half is required before I start.”
My eyes popped.Three thousand rulibs. Mother Below!That could feed an entire family from my village for a full season.
Norivun cocked an eyebrow. “I suppose that’s fair.”
I blanched. Of course he did. That sum was probably pittance to him.
“But what if you’re unable to provide any insight?” Norivun added. “What if we take you to Isalee, and you’re not able to determine anything other than what my mate has already found?”