The Wolf Prince Read Free Page A

she said, wondering why the words felt like a lie.
    He gave her hand a gentle tug. Moving with him out onto the terrace, when they reached the balcony that in daylight would look out over the lush and green forest, she let go of him, taking a small step sideways to keep their bodies from touching. He didn’t react to this, gripping the smooth marble rail and staring straight ahead, almost as if he’d forgotten she was there.
    Together they stood, side by side, gazing out over the darkness toward the mountains, the silence growing between them. The faint swell of music from inside provided background noise. She fought the urge to fidget or to speak, simply to hear the sound of her own voice.
    Evidently, despite the way he’d sought her out, he had nothing to say to her. Just like she was back at home, the ugly younger sister. Though she knew she ought to be used to it by now, it still hurt.
    Turning to face him, she lifted her chin and flashed a carefully casual smile. “I have to go,” she said, no trace of regret in her voice.
    Tall and straight, he swung his head to gaze down at her. “Please, not yet. Stay with me a little longer. Please.”
    Though his husky voice simmered with enough sensuality to make her feel dizzy, she suspected he might be toying with her. Though for what reason, she couldn’t tell.
    “Why?”
    “A simple enough question.” He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “Though my answer is more complicated. I’m the prince.”
    “The prince?” she repeated, shocked.
    “Yes. This—” he waved one hand “—This is all for me. My parents’ idea of a good time. They’re putting me through ball after endless ball, all to find me a wife.”
    At the word, he gave an exaggerated shudder, making her laugh despite herself. “I take it you don’t like the idea?”
    “That would be a major understatement. I don’t want to marry.” Casually, he placed his hand on her shoulder. Despite the heavy material of the dress, she felt the heat of his beautiful fingers and had to fight not to lean into him. To be able to choose one’s own fate...now that was a luxury she wished she had.
    “Me, either.” She sighed, unwillingly reminded of the unknown prince her parents had promised her to.
    “You never told me your name,” he said.
    Since she now realized the man, this prince, rather, needed a friend rather than a date, she relaxed. “Willow.”
    His disheveled dark hair gleamed in the lights from inside. “That’s an unusual name.”
    More at ease now, she grinned up at him. “I’m an unusual person.”
    As he continued to gaze at her without responding, she felt her face heat. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m not really good at flirting.” The words came out in a rush.
    He shrugged. “Who is? I’d rather run in the woods.”
    At his words, she couldn’t help but silently agree. How could this be possible? He’d unknowingly echoed her earlier thoughts. “You run in the woods? Me, too, though I roam more than run. I love the forest.”
    He grinned, devastating her, and then he laughed, the deep, rich masculine sound curling around her like a shawl.
    “Come with me.” Again, he held out his hand.
    This time, instead of blindly accepting, she shook her head. “First, tell me where we’re going.”
    Gravely, he regarded her, the flickering interior lights casting shadows on his craggy features. “To dance, of course.”
    And just like that, he made her want him. So intensely her entire being ached with it.
    “Let’s go,” she said, surprised her voice didn’t crack.
    As they entered through the French doors, the band had begun to play a waltz, as if on cue. Because her mother had seen to it that Willow had received the same dance lessons as her sister, she knew all the steps.
    He swept her into his arms and she had to remind herself how to breathe.
    In that instant, she felt sharply the loss of every magical power she’d never had. Because dancing with Ruben was all