Hunter Mourned (Wild Hunt Book 3) Read Online Free Page A

her wrist. The modern world with its many clothing options allowed her to turn the necessary shield into a fashion statement. “But my wrist shows. See? No line extending up my arm. You’ll have to go inspect our brothers’ marks to see if the Triad has picked its next pawn yet.”
    That was all they were to the triple-faceted god that ruled over all. Objects to use and manipulate in some celestial game of good versus evil where none of the players, besides the Triad, knew the rules. The only advice given to them was the words whispered into their heads as the mark of their damnation was seared into their skin.
    “To negate the curse, you must heal yourself. Make your sacrifice. Save the world.”
    And if they failed their challenge? They’d be tossed back into the prison they’d escaped. There, they’d suffer eternally with the knowledge that they’d not only damned themselves but the humans they were created to protect. Each Hunter who failed to meet their challenge would cause the fragile, damaged barrier separating the Underworld and the mortal realm to splinter, allowing all the things that made Hell nasty to spill into the humans’ happy little homes.
    “I have looked at their marks.” Rhys curled his fingers, hiding his. “None of our siblings show any signs of being the next to be tested. That leaves you, and the glove you’re wearing covers the first half inch of your wrist. Take it off.”
    She inspected her nails instead of complying. There was no reason not to expose her palm. She’d told Rhys the truth. The line hadn’t lengthened in the weeks since she’d been free. Annoying her brothers was one of her favorite hobbies, though. That and tormenting human scum, of course. Making the dredges of society face their sins while still on earth gave her a special thrill.
    The bloodred color on her nails would have to go before she went prowling the streets tonight. Maybe pale pink to match the schoolgirl outfit she’d picked out. Or something glittery. She could put her hair in pigtails too or take a page out of Allie’s book and wear a headband.
    “Stop ignoring me and answer my questions.”
    She sighed. “Have you considered that it’s possible the Triad was satisfied with Tegan’s outcome and decided to give us a reprieve?”
    “Or it has been waiting until its next set of players are ready to face their challenge.”
    She turned her back on Rhys. Better she did that than continue with a conversation that would end with her attacking him. Annoying him was one thing. Ripping his throat out for pissing her off was another. Blood did not come out of polyester well, and she’d just bought the outfit she had on. If he thought to imply she was next, then that was exactly what would happen.
    Everyone assumed the challenge involved overcoming some internal or external battle in order to claim their mate. Both Calan and Tegan were good indicators there was truth in the assumption. Rowan couldn’t mate anyone, not unless she wanted to tie herself to Lucas. He had the means to reverse her failed bond.
    Not. Happening.
    That meant she’d fail, and that wasn’t a pleasant thought. A millennium of mourning Kai was a drop in the bucket to an eternity of grieving his death.
    Out of habit, she scanned her surroundings for Trevor. On the Huntsmen’s property, she didn’t worry that he’d get hurt, but the reassurance of seeing him alive and safe calmed her. Unfortunately, both he and Ian were gone. Maybe they went back inside. She’d have to check, just to make sure.
    “Looking for Trevor?”
    Caught. Then again, she wasn’t exactly being subtle. What was the point? Her motives concerning Trevor were founded on guilt. Nothing more. There was no reason to hide her concern for the human.
    “Yes. Yesterday proved he has no regard for his safety. I want to make sure he doesn’t get it in his head that he can go hunting sluaghs just because some whack job human doctor has decided he’s recovered from his