Free Lord of the Hunt by Shona Husk Page B

powerful men in Annwyn, was here with her. She knew he’d be more perfect than any human she’d ever been with. Her body leaned closer, already hungry for his touch.
    Behind her, bushes rustled. She drew back and looked over her shoulder. Someone was there. She could feel the presence.
    “There is nothing to fear.” His fingers trailed down her arm, heating her blood and making her heart beat too fast.
    “Who’s there?” Had someone followed to spy on them? Was this a setup? She jumped up and took a couple of steps away from him in case she accidentally fell into his arms again. Cards scattered on the ground around her.
    “Probably a spriggand or a dryad.”
    She spun back to face him. “A what?”
    “Wild fae.” He stood. “Not all fae left this world. Some remained. They linger on in the wilds. The rest of us claimed Annwyn and the power that fills the gap between worlds.”
    She stared at him. “You’re that old?”
    “Lords, no. I was born sometime during the mortal renaissance. But I know my history. When humans learned about iron, we retreated, eventually withdrawing to Annwyn. Those that remained are tied to the earth the way we all were once. As the wilds die out, though, so do they.”
    No one had ever told her about the wild fae. “Have you met any?”
    “I’ve seen a few, but while we have mixed with humans, they have remained pure. We are like a different species now, bound to Annwyn instead of the earth.” He sounded almost sad. He picked up the cards. “I will teach you Omission before we return. Maybe we should play for stakes to give you incentive.”
    She’d been caught before making deals with him, and considering she was most likely going to lose, she didn’t want to owe him anything. “Like what?”
    He shuffled the cards as he thought. Strands of his hair pulled free from the tie, catching in the breeze. “If you win, you get another trip across the veil.”
    “And if I lose?”
    “I take a kiss.” He grinned as though he was enjoying himself and it made her smile.
    “Losing sounds like fun.”
    “In the short term…but winning is the greater reward.” He dealt the cards.
    She watched his hands move as though he’d done this a thousand times before. “You’ve played for sex.”
    “And to avoid it. Sex means nothing at Court. I’ve gambled most things to get where I am. Nothing is free, and everything is for trade, and there is always a buyer. Remember that as you pick your allies. Learn who they associate with. Work out what they want or need and you will know how to play them.”
    She looked at her cards and then at him. “You want me to win.”
    His lips curved and she wanted to feel his mouth on hers again. “I would like to see you again.”
    “You will see me at dinner and around Court.” But it wouldn’t be like this. Here they could say what they wanted and that blank expression that he wore at Court was gone. She preferred it when he was smiling. She could forget for a moment she was playing cards with the Hunter, and instead enjoy his company and kisses.
    He lifted his gaze from the cards. “You know that’s not what I mean.”
    A shiver of warmth traced down her back. They weren’t leaving Annwyn just to play cards; he wanted her and had figured that helping her was the way to her heart.
    Two games later, she was still losing. It was worth it just to feel his touch on her cheek or his fingers in her hair as she tasted his lips. She played a card and Verden won again.
    He leaned forward. “You’re not really trying.” His lips brushed hers. “Maybe you’re enjoying losing too much.”
    “Maybe you should throw the game and let me win.” She held her breath, waiting for the rest of the kiss, but it didn’t come.
    “I can’t do that. You need to play to win.” He eased back and picked up the cards, ready to play again. “You’re getting better. You almost won that time.”
    She played carefully this time, watching every card, more familiar