Free The Wolf's Pursuit by Rachel van Dyken Page A

you? Do you not realize you have a responsibility to this
family?"
    Hunter rolled his eyes. "Spare me the
lecture, cousin. It's my business and mine alone why I've
returned."
    "He wants to see you. He has something for
you."
    Hunter cursed fluently and leaned over the
balcony. Gwen wasn't sure if she should leave or stand there like a
fool.
    "Eastbrook." The man stepped out of the
shadows and held out his hand to her. "I know it isn't at all
proper to introduce myself without proper introductions being made.
I know your brother-in-law quite well."
    "And that makes you harmless?" Gwen lifted an
eyebrow in question.
    Eastbrook smirked. "Absolutely not. Forgive
the intrusion." His golden hair shimmered in the moonlight. He
truly was quite handsome, but looked nothing like Hunter.
"Tomorrow, cousin. He would like to see you tomorrow."
    With one final glance at Gwen, Eastbrook gave
a quick bow, meeting her gaze for a brief second and then he turned
on his heel and left.
    "Well, it's been an eventful evening. I do
hope I'm not ruined for standing out on the balcony with two
devilishly handsome men," Gwen lamented, trying to pull Hunter from
his paralyzed state as his body seemed to be frozen in one
spot.
    "He is not handsome."
    Gwen laughed. "After all that was said, you
choose that particular sentiment to respond to? I didn't know you
had a cousin."
    "I don't."
    "But…"
    "I'm no longer recognized by that side of the
family."
    "But surely there is a mistake! They are your
family, blood related and—"
    Hunter shook his head. "Not blood related. My
family line was snuffed out the minute my father and brother died.
Eastbrook is my cousin by marriage."
    Gwen felt her stomach drop to her slippers.
"You rogue! You're married!"
    Hunter chose that moment to turn around and
glare. "Not that it's any of your business, but no I'm no longer
married."
    "So you are divorced."
    Hunter cursed. "This conversation is
finished." Cursing, he pulled her flush against his body and kissed
her lips. The kiss was forceful and aggressive, then he pulled a
tendril of hair from her coiffure allowing it to fall to her
shoulders. "There. Now return to the ball."
    "But I look like I've been out here having an
assignation with a man."
    "Precisely," Hunter said in clipped, even
tones. "But only a man will notice the look of a woman in a
lust-filled haze. And the type of men you need to attract will want
to sample some of your goods."
    "Lovely," Gwen said dryly.
    "Play nice, sweetheart." Hunter winked and
patted her bottom as he slipped past her. The absolute devil! She
lunged for him but he was already down the stairs to the balcony,
leaving her no choice but to sneak back into the ball. Looking and
feeling very much like a whore. Some debut.

Chapter Seven
     
    Red—
    If you murder me in my sleep, does that mean
we shall be sharing a bed? Imagine my surprise that you would be so
forthcoming with your feelings. My dreams await you, sweet.
    — Wolf
     
    Hunter watched as Gwen entered back into the
ballroom. He'd had enough family dramatics to last him a lifetime
tonight. The last thing he wanted to do was go visit Lucy's
grandfather and allow him to lecture Hunter about why her death was
on his head. He'd probably blame Hunter for the fact that someone
was deciphering the codes for the French as well.
    He reached for the flask of brandy in his
jacket and took a few swallows. The night was eerily quiet. He took
a few soothing breaths and leaned against the stone wall.
    No doubt Gwen was inside, blushing to the
roots of her hair. He hadn't meant to kiss her. Well, actually that
wasn't entirely true. He'd meant to kiss her, just not so
forcefully, nor did he mean for his tongue to accidently slip past
the barrier between her lips and into the honey of her mouth. It
also wasn't planned that his body would flare to life in such an
embarrassing way that he could think of doing nothing except
lifting her skirts against the wall and having his way with
her.
    He really