Excerpt of Lord Of The Hunt by Shona Husk

A lean white dog with red tips on its ears and tail wandered in to her alcove. She quickly wiped away her tears and held out her hand. The dog trotted over for a sniff, and then a second dog rounded the corner. How many were there? Before she had time to fear the dogs, the gray-eyed man stood in front of her.

He leaned against a tree and smiled. “Now why would a Lady just back at Court be so sad?”

She searched his smoky gray eyes for a hint at his intent, but saw no malice.

“You leave a lover behind?” He took a step closer and the alcove seemed to grow smaller around them.

Who was this Lord? His clothing wasn’t brightly colored and it didn’t glitter with gems, and yet this close, she could see that the fabric was covered in delicate stitches that shimmered in the light. The cuffs of his shirt were undone, the ties dangling. His dark brown hair was pulled back, but strands fell around his face, softening his otherwise sharp cheekbones and nose. He was beautiful even by fairy standard—and he’d followed her out here.

She glanced at the dogs sitting obediently at his feet. He’d sent them after her. Was she talking to the Lord of the Hunt? Her heart gave an extra beat.

Taryn shook her head. She didn’t want him thinking she was crying over a human lover. “My family.”

“Ah. They are in the mortal world.” He nodded as if confirming his information. How did he know? “Brownies, then?”

“Yes.” Being a Brownie was as good as it got in the mortal world, living in the home of a changeling, or more rarely a human, and keeping the house immaculate. A home within a home. A small exchange between human and fairy sealed the pact. It didn’t matter where fairies were; rank and social standing was important. She’d thought the stuffy all-girls school she’d attended had prepared her for Court. It hadn’t.

The dogs laid down and looked relaxed, but their eyes never left her. And neither did his. He’d sought her, which meant he wanted something. What could a man with almost as much power as the King want from her? For half a second, she wanted to give him anything he asked for if he would help her get her father’s pardon. But that wouldn’t be a smart move.

She almost smiled—she did know something about Court and Annwyn politics, but caution made her careful. She had to confirm who he was first. “Your dogs?”

“They are, but don’t worry. They are well trained and won’t harm you.” He moved a little closer to her. “But there are plenty of others who would.”