Bound (Bound Trilogy) Read Online Free PDF

wrong,” he said. “We need as many men as we can get out here, but I don’t trust most of them.” He grimaced and rubbed his forehead. “And they’re not nearly the worst of it.”
    “Well, I’m very happy to see you, then. What brings you out this way?” I tried to sound pleasant in spite of the nervousness that gnawed at my stomach. Unless the eagle was dead, it would make noise soon. I didn’t want to have to explain that one. Still, leaving would be rude. In spite of my reluctance to accept his proposal, I couldn’t afford to push Callum away.
    “Oh, sort of a hunting trip,” he said. I raised an eyebrow, and he laughed. “Official business, though, I promise—nobody’s taking time off these days. Actually, you might be able to help. Did you see anything unusual here when you were coming up the road?”
    You might say that. The anxious fluttering moved up into my chest. “What, right here? I don’t think so. What are you looking for?” Please don’t say a bird.
    “Probably a large bird.” Damn it. “Farmers in this area have been complaining that something is attacking their livestock, and we spotted an eagle a few minutes ago. My father shot it, but it flew on, and we can’t find where it fell.”
    “Your father?” I twisted around in my seat. My day was going from bad to worse in a hurry. Sir Dorset Langley was renowned for his skill as a hunter and his cleverness as adviser to the king, but nothing I’d heard about the man had made me eager to meet him.
    He rode back toward us, tall and straight-backed on a muscular gray horse that nipped at Callum’s mount. “Father,” Callum began, “This is Rowan, who I’ve been—”
    Callum’s father held up a hand to stop him. “I remember. What’s in the cart?” Steel-gray eyebrows knit together over intelligent eyes that looked just like Callum’s.
    “I… nothing,” I stammered. “I mean, I’m taking supplies to my aunt and uncle. Sir.”
    “Hmm.” His gaze passed over the blanket-covered cart. “You didn’t see anything?”
    “Oh, no. Nothing like that, at least.” I knew that I should hand the bird over to be killed. It was absolutely the right thing to do if it was causing problems. But I remembered the eagle laying its beautiful head in the leaves and dirt, and I couldn’t let them hurt it. I didn’t like the cold expression on Dorset Langley’s face, and though his presence commanded respect, I didn’t feel inclined to help him. I scrambled for words that sounded natural, and hoped he couldn’t see the nervous sweat that I felt on my face. “I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful.”
    “Open the cart.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “Standard procedure.”
    I looked to Callum, who wore an expression of shock on his face. He leaned closer to his father and spoke quietly. “I hardly think this is the best way for you to introduce yourself to someone who might soon be family.”
    Dorset Langley looked me over from head to toe and back again, narrowing his eyes at my face.
    I held his gaze as calmly and as openly as I could. I have nothing to hide .
    “Perhaps a girl who wants to marry a magic hunter should be willing to aid us in any way we request.”
    “No.” Callum nudged his horse to move between his father and the cart. “If it’s gone, it’s gone. We’re wasting time questioning Rowan, and you’re frightening her.”
    He arched an eyebrow. “Am I, now? My apologies, young lady. We’ve had a long week, and I’m not quite myself.”
    I thought this was probably exactly how he usually treated people he considered beneath him. His words sounded sincere, but that piercing gaze never left me. “That’s fine,” I told him. “Maybe we’ll just start over next time?”
    He just lowered his head in a sort of bow, then turned to ride back to the ridge. I looked at Callum, who was still frowning after his father. Prince Charming himself, I thought. Chasing off the ogre to save his fair lady.
    “Well, I should get