Valiant Heart by Angela Addams

people believe that they ended up working with Lazarus, helping him to find his bride time and time again. That if they are still alive, they deserve to meet the end of a sword.”
    â€œAnd what do you believe?” Ella asked as she pulled another leaf from a tree. “Do you think they should be punished for their actions?”
    â€œI think that if I ever encountered one I’d cut her down with her beast.” I sneered. “I’d never turn traitor to my tribe.”
    A heartbeat passed. Ella slowly nodded before letting the leaf fall from her hand to the forest floor. “Well, it sounds like you know where your heart lies. Go ahead and get your bond. Your leadership awaits.”
    I opened my mouth to question her but she slipped away, bounding into the forest, moving fluidly through the trees until she just disappeared.
    It was kind of creepy if you asked me. I scanned ahead, seeing nothing that would suggest she was around. Long gone. I shivered. Ella was odd. One of the warriors that I could never quite get close enough to. And now she was showing an undercurrent of…what? Questioning my authority? Well, if I had my bond, double marked by Hunter and werewolf, then I wouldn’t face any disagreement. My power over the Huntresses would prevent any insubordination.
    Melonie slipped up next to me, ducking her head close to mine. “I heard part of your conversation with Ella.”
    â€œEavesdropping?” I snapped, very irritated by the lack of respect I was getting.
    Melonie shrugged with a playful smile. “I can whip you up a lust potion if you want me to.”
    I frowned. “Huh?”
    â€œI helped Ella mix one for the orgy with the Hunters, remember? I’m pretty sure I can find all the ingredients.” Melonie shrugged. “If you want me to, that is.”
    I eyed Melonie with a slight edge of suspicion. Questioning her motives and her abilities.
    â€œI’d want to be on your team though.” She winked. “When you become a commander and are given your own team. I want to be on yours. Greer, well…” She winced. “She’s a little too coarse for me.”
    I tilted my head. “And you’re sure you know how to build the potion yourself? Without Ella’s help?”
    Melonie nodded, her smile growing wide. “Just a few simple ingredients that are all over the place here.” She winked again then moved back to her flanking position.
    Melonie hadn’t exactly been the most proficient Huntress. Her powers had been siphoned more than anyone else I knew. Punishments were frequent for mistakes on the battlefield. Greer didn’t like her and tended to take out her anger on the poor girl more times than not. But she was good at taking orders and possibly an asset in other ways. She was willing to help me toward my leadership goals.
    A potion to sever the bond with Lance once I’d gained what I needed from him? I snapped my gaze back to him and Kelly, frowning when I realized that I’d closed the distance to Lance subconsciously, like I was being pulled in his direction. I scoffed. As if. I purposely slowed.
    â€œThe wolves are quiet,” Kelly said as she adjusted her pace, falling in line with me, as if I wanted her company.
    I felt a blush rise. She’d caught me watching them, her expression telling me that she felt bad for me or something.
    â€œYes, we’re just on the outskirts of their territory. They rarely venture here unless we give them reason to.” I adjusted my sickle, gripping the handle tightly. “Better to be ready though, just in case.”
    Kelly nodded but made no move to retrieve her own weapon. “My powers are almost gone. I’m weak, becoming more and more like a human every day. When I get my wolf bite, what will happen?”
    Lance dropped back a few paces, obviously listening to our conversation but pretending not to.
    â€œThe wolf bite is permanent and