Vixen Hunted Read Online Free PDF

The
rough cobblestones gave way to smooth cut stones, and a large manor loomed. A
blue-uniformed man stood at attention outside an iron-barred doorway cut into
the manor wall. A musket rested on the man's shoulder.
    The man saluted and
unlocked the heavy iron lock. The door slid open on oiled hinges.
    Kit sat on the edge of
an ornate fountain placed in the center of a garden that still bloomed despite
the heat. Carved fish mouthed a constant stream of water into the small pool.
    The iron door squealed
shut behind Timothy, and the lock clicked back into place.
    Kit wore a flowing
white dress. Her crimson cloak caught the fading light. The cloak's hood
blended with her hair, giving the impression that her hair flowed down her
back. For all Timothy knew, perhaps her hair did. He still could not understand
how she could wear a hooded cloak in the heat.
    A short distance away
stood more blue-uniformed men, a golden bee accenting their chests. A few of
the men held chains with mastiffs sitting at the ready. The mastiffs eyed
Timothy, and weighted nets dangled from the men's hands. Several soldiers held
wooden mauls.
    Tahd sat on a bench off
to the side and crossed his arms over his chest. His amulet reflected orange
sunlight. What could draw an Inquisitor to work with a noble?
    The lamb bounded up to
Kit with a joyful bleat. Kit laughed and scratched under the lamb's chin.
    "Did you not eat
dinner, Timmy? You look like a frog waiting for flies," Kit said.
    Timothy clicked his
mouth shut.
    "My hero finally
decided to come to my rescue!" She placed her free hand against her
forehead. "After I bid him come."
    "I…uh…"
    "Sit beside me. I
won't bite you…hard." Kit patted the fountain. "As you can see,
Timmy, your wife has secrets, as all good wives do." Her gaze scythed the
men over her shoulder. She snatched Timothy's arm and leaned in. Her voice fell
to a whisper. "A hunt is coming in a few days. I…need your help. Treblin
knows my tricks; I barely escaped the last time."
    "Isn't he your
father? Why are you—"
    "He is not my
father! I am…I guess you can say I am his slave, or prey." She stroked the
lamb's head.
    Slave? Could she
be…with a lord? "You are his…" Timothy could not say it.
    "You think I am
the fat man's…" Kit grimaced. "The fat man only cares about hunting.
Even after running away, he doesn't care that I am meeting with you. Well, as
long as you and I don't try to escape again. I am just a bargaining chip he has
purchased for some grand deal of his."
    "So why did you
want to go to Fairhaven if you knew the men after you were here?"
    "Can you see your
own mouth?" Kit asked. "Where better to hide than here?"
    "But it didn't
work."
    "It would have, if
you…never mind," Kit said. "My plan was perfect. You owe me, Timmy,
for getting me into this."
    "Me?"
    "Yes. Time to
pay." She grinned teeth. "You do know that coming here means you are
known to be associated with me, right?" She gestured to all the soldiers.
"There is no escaping me now, husband. If I escape, they will come looking
for you."
    Timothy groaned.
"Is everything edged with you?"
    "Not everything.
You could have chosen not to come, after all. I really do appreciate
that." Kit leaned close enough that her nose touched Timothy's. "But
I knew you would come. I am a good judge of character, am I not?"
    Timothy rubbed his
forehead. "All right. You got me."
    Kit leaned back and
laughed. "You are between my paws, shepherd. I like it when my prey
squirms."
    She pulled in and
planted a kiss on his cheek. Timothy felt something slip into his pocket.
"Really though. Thank you for coming for me. Just remember I am no
sheep." She stood and offered a hand to Timothy. "I am ready to
leave. I will see you again, my husband." She ruffled the lamb's head.
"And you too, Cat."
    "Cat?"
    The men and mastiffs
shifted. Hands tightened on clubs, nets, and leashes. Kit didn't seem to
notice.
    "Why not? She acts
like one. Most sheep are afraid of me. Looks like I have two