The Master of the Hunt: A Paranormal Romance Read Online Free

speed on Stryker and cantered through the archway. Once he got to the other side he turned to watch for her and stopped. “The hunt is dangerous, and can claim the unwary.” Henry called to her from just past the pine archway. “Are you certain you wish to ride with me, Elizabeth Fox?” His outstretched hand beckoned her to join him, but the look on his athletic face was strangely foreboding.
    Staring into the handsome face of the hunt master, Elizabeth felt a sudden overpowering desire to be at his side. “Yes, I am absolutely sure.” She answered quickly. She urged Braveheart to move forward, and then into a gallop. Just as she passed through the tree arch, an odd feeling swept through her that she had never experienced before. Braveheart shied at the new sensation too, suddenly frightened of what had happened. But before she could react to Braveheart’s fear, Elizabeth was thrown violently from the saddle, and hit the ground hard.
    Everything went black in an instant. When Elizabeth woke she found herself curled up in Henry’s arms, riding atop Stryker. Her right arm hurt terribly, and was bound to her chest in a makeshift sling. “What happened?” Elizabeth asked Henry, “Where’s Braveheart? Is she ok?”
    Henry’s voice was low and soothing in his reply to her. “Braveheart follows along right behind us; she has come to no harm. She shied as you both entered the gate on the West End of my property. You were thrown and broke your arm so I am taking you to my home, and the rest of the hunt will continue without us for a while.”
    Elizabeth turned a bit, to see Braveheart tied to Stryker’s saddle, following the stallion patiently as they moved along. Elizabeth’s head still spun with each movement they made. Nausea came to her in waves as well and she fought to keep herself under control. Finally she decided to give in to the pain and she leaned back against Henry’s warm, firm form. “Ahn oon? Where is tha… wow.” At that very moment a beautiful manor rose up out of the fog before them, looking exactly like a home that belonged in a Thomas Kinkade painting.
    “I would like to welcome you to my home, Elizabeth Fox, “said Henry. A young man came up out of the stables to retrieve the horses as Henry dismounted Stryker. “Edward, take Stryker and Braveheart to the stables. Get them cooled down and fed, while I see to the young lady’s injury.” Henry gently helped Elizabeth off of his mount, and then slipped her into his arms. He effortlessly carried her into the manor, which gleamed with rich woodwork and smelled of fine cigars and wines. He took her towards the back of the home, into a huge bedchamber which gave off a warmth she would have never expected on such a cold day.
    Sitting her down slowly on a massive four post bed he carefully removed her boots, helmet, and coat, being extra careful not to move the injured arm any more than absolutely necessary. “Make yourself comfortable, Elizabeth. I will return shortly.” And with that statement Henry walked out of the room, already removing his scarlet hunt coat and gloves as he moved down the hallway at a brisk pace.
    There was simply so much to look at Elizabeth almost forgot about her injury – that is until she reached for an object on the table next to the bed and was instantly reminded. So Elizabeth sat back on the soft bed with a sigh and cradled her arm closely to her body. Her arm still hurt terribly, and her head was beginning to pound. Even with the helmet on, she must have hit the ground pretty hard. She closed her eyes, hoping that might help ease the oncoming headache and the nauseous waves that tempted to flood the gates at any moment.
    What a morning she’d had. Never in a million years would Elizabeth have imagined that she would now be lying in the bed of a stunningly handsome man, in his palatial home. “I’m lying here with a broken arm, nausea and a huge headache. Yes, very romantic, Elizabeth. I’m sure I’ve just