Lycan Warrior by Anastasia Maltezos Read Free Book Online Page B

within the hour,” he said abruptly. “If we travel without stopping, we can make it past the mountains before dark. Mount Trotus will be a half day’s ride after that, so we should make it to the waterfall by tomorrow morning.”
    She frowned. Was this the same man who had made mad, passionate love to her last night? The man who spoke of their souls and how they’d been connected since the birth of time? She was irked he could dismiss it so easily.
    “Ten of my men are staying here with you. I will be travelling to Trotus with my remaining guards and you will wait for our return tomorrow night.”
    “There are traps in the woods at the base of Trotus. Traps made with silver. You’ll be killed!”
    “I have survived many battles in two hundred years. Fear not for my safety.” He then turned away.
    Katya grabbed his arm and he gave her a questioning look. “No! I have to come.”
    His jaw tensed as he glanced down at her hand. “I cannot risk your safety. You will remain here. Ortega and my men are under strict orders to guard you with their life.”
    Worry lined her brow. “Malek, I know the terrain. I must go with you.”
    “You will remain here.”
    She knew arguing with him was futile, so Katya nodded, thinking she wasn’t going to give up that easily.
    She turned to walk away, but his hand on her arm stopped her. The look in his eyes took her breath away. His expression wasn’t aloof or cold. There was heat in his eyes. Heat, warmth, affection. Slowly, he lowered his head and kissed her. Malek withdrew before she could catch her breath.
    “You worry about me,” he said. “That is good.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Malek and his men reached Trotus’s base just before sunrise. The waterfall was just ahead and there were no signs of Lycans from Balkathan’s lair. He knew Balkathan’s Vampires were asleep since it was almost sunrise. He paid attention to the area so when he returned to the castle he could map out the region to the king.
    A noise snapped his gaze to the left and he motioned with his hand to his guards behind him to remain silent. He saw three Lycans walk onto the grounds just as the sun rose. He couldn’t make them out. A rustle behind him made his hair at the back of his nape rise. He turned around, astounded to see Katya. He released a soft, yet angry growl.
    “What the devil are you doing here? I specifically told you to remain at the camp,” Malek whispered angrily.
    “I’m here to help.” Katya pointed to his left. “Just there. Once the sun rises, you’ll see the entrance.”
    “Do not change the subject.”
    “I’m not.” She released a frustrated sigh. “Look, I appreciate how serious you’re taking your role protecting me, but you fail to acknowledge one fact.”
    “What is that?” he asked tightly.
    “I was imprisoned here for two years and survived. I think I can survive a scouting trip—Oh look! The sun’s rising. See how the light penetrates that range of leaves by the large oak tree. In a second you’ll see it’s not leaves, but a shadow—the entrance to Balkathan’s caverns.”
    He looked to where she was indicating and narrowed his eyes. “I see it.”
    “The sun will move for a few more seconds and then the entrance will disappear, making it look like leaves again. Rumour has it, Balkathan has a witch working for him who cast a spell on his entrance to guard his lair.”
    “How do you know all this?”
    “I was here for two years. I overheard a lot from the guards.”
    There was a rustle on the left and they all crouched down.
    “Damnation, Katya! Ortega is probably combing the hills for you.”
    “Don’t worry. I left him a note. He knows I followed you here.”
    He tossed her a hard glare. “And that makes it better?”
    “No, but at least he’s not worried. He knows I have you to protect me,” she replied cheekily.
    Frustrated, he glanced back at the guards by the entrance and grew cold. The morning sun now lit upon them and he made them out