In the Heat of the Bite by Lydia Dare Page A

and stopped in her tracks when she saw a very large, very male figure leaning against the doorjamb of her room.
    Lord Radbourne pushed himself away from the wall and offered a slight bow. “I am glad to see you’ve returned in one piece, sweetheart.”
    Havers!
The air rushed from Rhiannon’s lungs. Was he lying in wait for her? And why? “My lord?” She took a hesitant step forward. “I thought ye were with Cait.” What a stupid thing to say.
    Radbourne’s warm amber eyes drifted over her appreciatively. “I hope that doesn’t mean you’re avoiding me.”
    Rhiannon shook her head. “No, I just wanted ta freshen up a bit after the ride.”
    The viscount made a sweeping motion with his hand as though inviting her into her own bedchamber. “Please do wash the scoundrel’s scent away.”
    Rhi gaped at the man. “I beg yer pardon?”
    One of Radbourne’s dark brows rose in mild amusement and he touched his nose. “Excellent senses, you know.”
    She did know, having spent a little time with Lord Eynsford and a whole lot of time with Lord Benjamin Westfield. A Lycan’s sense of smell was unparalleled. Still, she hadn’t found anything unpleasing in Blodswell’s scent. “He’s no’ a scoundrel,” she defended for no apparent reason. Where had that come from?
    “No, he’s worse than that.” Radbourne stepped toward her, taking up most of the space in the corridor. “He’s a creature who preys on the living.”
    Rhiannon sucked in a surprised breath. “Ye ken what he is?”
    The viscount tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “I know a great many things, sweetheart. Until recently, I’ve not been acquainted with Blodswell, but I’ve known others of his kind. They’re a dangerous breed.”
    “The same could be said of Lycans.” Rhiannon found herself defending Blodswell once again.
    “Touché.” Radbourne chuckled lightly. “Yet Lycans enjoy the company of ladies for pleasure, not as a food source.”
    Rhiannon gulped. She couldn’t exactly counter that point. Still, she had offered Blodswell a payment for his aid, and though he had said he wanted to take from her, he’d kept himself from doing so. That had to mean something, didn’t it? That she meant more than his next snack, perhaps? Though part of her didn’t think she’d mind so much being tasted by the earl. That thought should have scared the life out of her, but it didn’t. How strange this day was turning out to be. “Well, his lordship behaved quite gentlemanly. Would ye like ta search for bite marks?”
    Radbourne’s golden eyes darkened, and a wolfish grin lit his face. “I’d like nothing better, sweetheart. Where shall I begin?”
    Warmth engulfed Rhiannon.
Havers!
What a foolish thing to have suggested to the man. “I-I dinna—”
    “Archer!” Cait called from the top of the staircase. “I wondered where ye had gotten off ta. Dash has been lookin’ for ye.”
    “Has he indeed?” Radbourne smothered a smile. “In the same fashion he was looking for Gray earlier this afternoon?”
    “Exactly,” Cait replied haughtily. “And what are ye doin’ blockin’ Rhiannon from her room? I canna imagine yer mother raised ye ta accost young ladies outside their bedchambers.”
    The viscount laughed as he sidled past Rhiannon to face his sister-in-law. “There are a great many things my mother did not raise me to do.”
    Cait sighed. “As I am very aware. Now, off ta Dash’s study with ye.”
    “As you wish, my lady.” He dropped a kiss on Cait’s brow. “A more lovely termagant, I’ve never met.”
    Cait batted him away. “Be off before I have Dash put you out with the hounds.” As soon as they were alone in the corridor, Cait stepped closer to Rhiannon and grinned. “Tell me all about it.”
    Rhi closed her hand tighter around Alec’s letter and shook her head. “All about what?”
    “The ride, ye ninny, and doona leave out any details.”
    Oh, there were a great many details Rhi would leave out. “We saw