more fatherly.” How sweet. “I’m not buying it.” “Think about it, Kate. You are deadly, smart, beautiful, and you are capable. Why wouldn’t he want a daughter like that? Don’t you think he would at least try to get to know you?” “You’re missing the point. I don’t want to know him. He killed my mother, Hugh. He robbed me of the one person every child counts on for unconditional love. Do you remember your mother?” “Yes,” Hugh said. “I was four when she died. Three years later Voron

out for her. She sat. He turned and sat in her place, next to me. Great. “You didn’t bring enough,” Curran said quietly. “It will suffice,” Hugh said. His voice boomed. “In honor of the hunt, I bring you entertainment.” The Iron Dogs took three steps backward, turning, moving in unison until they formed a line along the wall to our right, behind Jarek’s werewolves. People entered the minstrel’s gallery, carrying small round drums, accordions, and other instruments. A line of men

stools?” “Your father once told me that a dog sitting on a throne is still a dog, while a king in a crumbling rocking chair is still a king.” Nice choice of words, considering his official title was preceptor of the Iron Dogs. “My father?” Hugh sighed. “Come on. I saw the sword, I walked through what remained after Erra’s destruction, and I found your flowers where you and the shapeshifters fought the Fomorians a year ago. I felt the magic coming off them. Don’t insult my

stomach, throat, stomach. Now he isn’t sure what to guard, so either you kill him or he gets out of your way, and you keep walking until you’re out of the crowd. Did you want something?” “Curran is here.” I stopped. “He came in about an hour ago, stood here for a while, watching you, and went upstairs. I think I heard the roof door. I thought that perhaps he would come down, but it’s been a while, so I thought you might want to know.” I put the saber down, grabbed Slayer and the

I wished for another six inches of height and an extra thirty pounds of muscle. It wouldn’t make us even, but it would tighten the gap. “Interested in my standards?” Hugh asked. Danger, icy lake ahead. “No.” “If we’re talking a one-night stand, I’m looking for enthusiasm. Perhaps for someone fearless. Blind obedience is boring. I want to have a good time, I want her to have a good time, and I want to make a memory I’ll enjoy remembering.” “Too much information.” Hugh’s one-night