Lila's Wolf (Out of Time Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

interlaced with white marble slabs. Saxon fighting had damaged a lot of the fine detail, but the main design could still be seen. He tracked the outline of a noble cockerel, a white bull, and the centerpiece: a fiery sun, the rays extending out to each corner of the room.
    A quick glance at Hilde. She gorged on a bowl of rabbit stew, a trickle of gravy dribbling down her chin. It smelled good, and his stomach growled, reminding him it was a long time since breakfast, not that he’d been given much. The slaves were fed a thin gruel and rough bread in the morning, and then whatever leftovers were available for supper. As a diet, it sucked. He tried to supplement it by stealing the odd cup of milk or piece of fruit, but that was risky at best.
    Hilde spoke to him, and he dragged his attention back, catching the last words. More bread. He nodded and stepped into the main floor space, heading for the back wall to the table laden with food. He kept his eyes downcast, hands loose by his sides, maintaining the protocols that had been beaten into him.
    My name is Jared, and I will be free again .
    The temptation to rip off an extra chunk of bread was immense. He entertained a brief vision of cramming it in his mouth unseen, filling his empty belly without Hilde knowing, and then he sighed and dismissed it as a pleasant fantasy. He had a lot of those and most were about Lila.
    Turning back to Hilde, he caught a flash of yellow hair in the far corner. He’d bet that was the couple who arrived earlier. Another daydream involved Lila arriving at the hall with a squadron of ghardians . She’d be so pleased to see him again that she’d run into his open arms and he’d finally kiss her. She would taste every bit as sweet as he imagined, and her body would fit perfectly against his. She wouldn’t care that she was breaking their own protocols. She’d be overwhelmed with their reunion.
    Four steps away from Hilde, and he risked another look at the dimly lit corner. Christ and all the saints, it was Lila . He couldn’t move his feet—they seemed glued to the floor—he could only stare, open-mouthed, at the woman eating dinner. The corn-yellow plait, the graceful nose and determined chin. He couldn’t see her eyes from where he stood but he’d swear they were kingfisher blue. He sucked in a deep breath, as though he’d forgotten basic motor functions, and locked his eyes onto her profile. Please turn around. Please feel me staring at you. Please see me, Lila.
    Like a hunting dog scenting a rabbit, he stayed perfectly still, every muscle yearning to rush to her side. God, Lila. You came back for me. A heavy fist across the side of his head made his vision dance and blur, a curtain of stars descending while he struggled to stay upright. “Slave. Do your work.” The darkness cleared, and he saw the warrior scowling at him, fist raised in case a second blow was needed. Lila . It took a supreme effort, but he coaxed his feet into moving again and continued toward Hilde, turning to look at the corner as soon as he could.
    The blonde girl had gone. No! His gaze darted up and down the main table, past Hilde, finding Rowena with a calculating smile on her face . Look away. His heart pattering, he scanned the far wall and breathed again when he found Lila. She was leaving with a well-dressed man at her side. Please, Lila. Please see me.
    At the last moment before they left the dining hall, she paused, whispered into her companion’s ear and turned round. Jared lifted his chin, excitement coursing through him. She had to see him. She fucking had to . Her eyes scanned the diners, her brows tugging together as though she were puzzled, as though she’d heard him— felt him —but didn’t know where he was. When she shrugged and turned back to her companion then walked out, something withered inside him. His chest tight, he swallowed past the lump in his throat and sagged, his legs unsteady as though he stood on quicksand.
    “Wolf.”