LycanPrince Read Online Free PDF

between them was palpable and she couldn't wait to be left alone. "No one is after me. Do not fear for your men's safety."
    "You did not answer my question."
    Alex had had enough and her shackles rose. "I answered your question. We did not run from anyone. We are merely on an excursion. An expedition, so to speak."
    "To what? To get yourself killed? This is highly dangerous soil you have entered. You put your sister at risk."
    Alex raised a delicate brow. "If I recall correctly, I was doing fine on my own before Ariel came up from behind the boulder and distracted me. I was in no danger from the four bandits who fell upon my camp and I was certainly in no danger from your men."
    "Are you always so obtuse? Those bandits come in packs. The four were a diversion. There are more out here." He paused, his face darkening. "And what of the Lycans roaming the mountains? Preying on innocents like you? Are you not afraid of them?"
    "Mythical beasts?" She shrugged. "When I see one, I'll believe they exist. Right now they are only myth and I have no time to fear something that is only hearsay."
    He gave her a look she could only define as dumbfounded. "These mythical beasts, as you call them, attack when the moon is full and destroy entire villages. They are only hearsay because the villagers they turn become one of them. No one has ever escaped their lair."
    "Then surely you must be glad to have me here for your added protection. Speaking of which, where are my weapons?" she asked.
    He tensed. "Safe."
    "I want them."
    "When you've healed and we have parted. You are too dangerous with sharp objects. Speaking of which, you fight with silver. I checked all your weapons. Dagger, sword, arrows, all are made with silver."
    "They are for mine and Ariel's protection."
    "From these mythical beasts you don't believe in?" he asked sardonically.
    "I will protect my sister from all, real or otherwise."
    He stared at her for what seemed an eternity before he spoke. "And now you have me to protect you," he said slowly. Immediately, he stiffened as a dark frown fell over his face, as though he was momentarily disturbed by something.
    Alex had never heard anyone tell her they would protect her. Most of her adult life, she had been the protector. An uncharacteristic flutter settled over her stomach, his words oddly comforting.
    She thanked the skies above because at that moment, she heard a small bustle behind the prince and turned her gaze toward the sound. It was the healer returning with Ariel. Alex's mood shifted immediately and she smiled at her little sister's face peaking up from the side of the wagon. The lavender shadows under Ariel's eyes were darker today and Alex pursed her lips as guilt raced through her veins. She had been the cause of Ariel's fatigue the past fortnight, embarking on such a perilous journey.
    Alex saw the prince move and lift Ariel over the side. He looked massive compared to her tiny sister, but Alex could see his touch was gentle as he carried her to her side.
    "Alex! We are going to sleep in a big tent," Ariel said excitedly.
    Alex laughed softly. "I know, baby and while the tents are being set up, you and I are going for a little walk."
    Ariel giggled with glee. "Can we play, too?"
    Alex sat up and pulled her tiny sister into a warm hug. She grimaced in pain. She saw Vasilis move sharply, his face concerned and she shook her head slightly at him, her mouth pursed. She placed a tender kiss on her sister's cheek. "Of course. Anything you want."
    "I will have Ortega and Roarke walk with you," Vasilis offered in a gruff voice.
    Alex looked up at him. He was right, of course. If giving her sister a hug made her wince in pain, how could she find the strength to defend her? She nodded and he looked pleased.
    With a curt bow, he turned away and disappeared over the wagon's edge.
    Ariel stared at Vasilis's huge, retreating form. "The big man is scary, Alex," she said in a small voice.
    Alex hugged her close. "That man, honey, is