CHAPTER SIXTEEN

I woke facedown in a strange bed, my legs pinned and a warm weight against my back.

Awareness returned in spurts. Gradual, as I drifted out of slumber-land only to fall back into it again. Eventually I forced myself awake, the unfamiliar feeling of another person wrapped around me tugging me from sleep.

A leg pushed between mine from behind as I became aware the firm shape under my head wasn’t a pillow but was in fact a nicely muscled arm. One I recognized.

I lifted myself up, or tried to anyway. The arm around my waist tightened, flattening me down again.

Unable to escape, I twisted my head and stared blearily at a sleeping Liam.

His face was relaxed, peaceful even. It was the first time I’d seen him so unguarded. I wouldn’t go so far to call him innocent or childlike, there was too much masculinity, too much potential for sin even when sleeping, but he looked softer.

I allowed myself to stare, my eyes running over him as I lay my head back down. Like this, his beauty was even more evident. For once, I didn’t immediately want to punch him in the throat.

The events of last night came back to me. The trip to the hospital had changed things between us, but I still couldn’t determine the extent.

He’d been an unwavering support at my back, doing what even my family seemed incapable of. I still didn’t know if I trusted him, not entirely, but in certain things, I knew he wouldn’t let me down.

It was enough. For now.

His eyes blinked open. He stared at me, desire in his gaze, his arms tightening.

Intent was there. Passion too. He looked like a man who was about to take what he wanted. He dragged me over him and hesitated, giving me a chance to say no for one endless slice of time.

The denial hovered on my lips. This was a bad idea on so many levels. We argued as easily as we breathed. He had secrets wrapped in secrets. I doubted I’d ever know the real Liam. This would likely be a brief interlude that flamed out as fast as it burned.

Somehow, I couldn’t voice the word that would end all this as he put slight pressure on my neck, his eyes never leaving mine.

For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was right where I was supposed to be. Warm and safe. I couldn’t explain it, and I didn’t want to question it. The normally banked fire that flared to life anytime we got within feet of each other turned into an inferno.

For just one night, I wanted to forget the differences between us. I wanted to forget we were on two sides of a divide, forget all of the reasons this wouldn’t work.

Instead, I wanted to feel, to throw myself over the edge and not come up until I had sated myself.

It was a purely selfish desire. I was okay with that if it meant getting what I wanted.

He seemed to sense the change in me, one hand coming up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, his eyes questioning.

We didn’t speak, each of us afraid to break the moment for fear of it disappearing, of it turning as ephemeral and fleeting as a ghost light.

His hand tightened on the back of my neck as he drew me down, his eyes never leaving mine.

Our lips touched and thought disappeared. The desire we’d been denying rose up, swamping any remaining semblance of thought.

We became two creatures intent on glutting ourselves on the other. It was raw and violent, as if we didn’t consume the other right this second, we would die from the lack.

He was a cool spring lake, stealing my breath and stopping my heart.

I gasped as his fangs sank into my breast, piercing the flesh around my nipple. My hands clutched his back as fire raced from the bite.

I returned the favor seconds later, my eyes fluttering at the first sweet taste of his blood, my head dizzy as we fought for dominance, turning the bed into a tangled nest of blankets.

His skin slid against mine, hard and warm as one hand glided up the inside of my leg, blazing a trail of ice and fire that sank deep.

A husky laugh reached me as I writhed, unable to keep still as he teased and played. “I’ve been waiting to do this since the first time I saw you, a chuisle.”

“Then stop messing around, or I’ll find someone more willing to get things done,” I hissed, my fangs fully extended and my vampire nature engaged.

I regarded him with an obsessive possessiveness, one matched by the dark need in his eyes. It should have scared me, should have sent me running, but somehow it fed the deepest parts of me, ramping up my desire until I felt like I’d do considerable violence if I didn’t get what I wanted right the fuck now.

His smile turned wicked as he read the need in me. It was all the warning I got before he pinned me in bed, his face hovering over mine. “Oh no, macushla. I’ve waited long enough. We’re doing this my way.”

His lips descended as his hands played along my side. Soon my moans filled the air as he left bites along my body, each one sending me higher and higher until I felt like I might spontaneously combust from the feelings running rampant in me.

I arched up, rubbing myself against him, my lips skating over his neck and collarbone as my fangs left another mark. The decadence of his blood made me wild.

His hands found my hips, his fingers tightening and then he was sinking home, filling me up as my neck arched and I lost myself in him.

His eyes shut and he murmured in his native language, words I didn’t understand even as I caught the meaning behind them.

Together, we ignited, each touch sending us higher as he moved within me. His pace quickened, every muscle in my body drawing tight in anticipation, pleasure biting deep. My climax swamped me, sending wave after wave of sensation quaking through me. Liam gave a guttural groan as he followed seconds later.

It was a long time later when we came back to ourselves. I was plastered against his side, he on his back, one hand drawing random patterns on my skin. Shivers skated down my back at each touch as my body rested, resplendent and replete, against his in the aftermath.

I didn’t know if it was because we were both vampires or if it was us, but the intensity of what we’d just experienced was almost scary. It made me want to do it again and again while at the same time I wanted to run fast and far, for fear of losing myself.

I sighed and rolled onto my back. Liam moved beside me, coming to hover over me, his weight supported on one elbow as his hand moved, caressing my side and playing with my hair.

His eyes were wondering, his focus intent, as if he was committing this moment to memory so he might never forget.

“Is it true my apartment was your first stop upon returning?” I asked, feeling vulnerable all of a sudden.

What we’d just done felt momentous. At least for me. For him, who knew? Given his lifespan, he’d probably had lots of lovers. The perfect-looking Niamh being one of them.

I remembered his face the night he’d returned. Expectant and anticipatory, like a starved man seeing food for the first time. He’d hummed with energy, almost desperate, when we kissed.

He made a small sound and dropped a kiss on my collarbone. “Yes, though I’d hoped for a better welcome than the one I got.”

I snorted. “You’re lucky I didn’t shoot you. Again.”

“A chuisle, you’re so violent.” His smile deepened. The look in his eyes grew wicked as he nipped my chin. “I find I like it.”

“That’s good. Because I’m not likely to change.”

He lifted his head, his expression turning serious. “Nor would I want you to. I am fascinated by your stubbornness.”

I gave him a flat look. Fascinated. Right. That’s why he sometimes looked like he wanted to murder me when I challenged him.

His smile turned playful. “It makes me want to break it down and turn it to better uses.”

That sounded more realistic.

“How is it that I awoke before you?” I asked. He was centuries older than me. He should have been awake hours before me.

“My day was more active than yours,” Liam said, his gaze steady on mine, his hands tightening just slightly. “And the sun isn’t quite down yet.”

I nodded. Now that he’d said something, I could feel the sun in my chest, its presence waning but still very much there. No wonder my waking had been so slow and disjointed, similar to the way a human would wake.

This was the point where I normally drew back, put distance between the two of us. Somehow, I couldn’t bring myself to do that just yet.

He rolled onto his back, pulling me with him and arranging me on his chest. I let my chin rest on him.

“Why did you leave?” I asked, almost wincing at the vulnerability the question hinted at.

It wasn’t like I was some insecure teenager unable to cope with someone I was interested in being gone, but for some reason the manner of his leaving bugged me. Much as I hated to admit it, it had hurt he could head out without even a word.

Over three months without communication. It was hard to let that go. Especially given the direction we’d been heading in.

“I got word that someone I’ve been searching for a very long time had been spotted. I didn’t think I had time to delay.”

I rested my chin on his chest as I considered him. “And did you find this friend?”

He stared up at the ceiling, his face pensive. “Yes and no.”

I lifted myself up so I could see his face better. “It’s a pretty straightforward question.”

His eyes turned me. “I found this person, but he is trapped. I’m not even sure he recognizes me. I don’t know how to free him. Yet.”

“This person is why you left?”

It was something I could understand. I had people I would drop everything to find if they ever went missing. From the way he spoke, whoever this person was, they were extremely important to him. I could hear the yearning in his voice when he spoke of them, sense his frustration that he didn’t know how to help them.

He made a wordless sound of assent. “It was supposed to be a quick mission, there and back. Unfortunately, complications delayed my return,” he said.

“Complications that followed you back here?”

The look on his face was all the answer I needed. 

An irrational surge of jealousy rose. I already knew Niamh and he had had a relationship, now I had to consider whether that relationship was a little more recent than I’d previously thought.

“I’ve lived a long life, not all of it good. There are things in my past that I’m not proud of. I would prefer those things not touch you,” he said, his voice serious.

He wasn’t the sort of man who explained. You took him as he was or you walked away. There would be no changing Liam, no softening him or using feminine wiles to civilize him. The fact that he’d bent to explain that much said he took this thing between us seriously.

I didn’t react for a long moment, letting his words sink in. It was enough that I didn’t get up and walk away, though it was tempting. He had heartache written all over him.

“Niamh is one such thing?” I asked, giving in.

His nod was small. “Yes.”

“She wants you back,” I said. Liam was a fine specimen of manhood. The way she’d looked at him had been possessive, not the sort of look a woman gave an ex-lover.

“She is a collector,” he said. “She sees me as a challenge, someone who got away, something that she can possess. However, she will not let that desire interfere with their purpose here.”

I drummed my fingers on his chest. “You had me look over you and Eric to see if either of you were under her influence.”

“Yes.”

“And if I’d found her fingerprints all over you two?” I asked, lifting up, alarm finally taking hold.

“I would have had to take drastic action,” Liam said in a calm voice.

I didn’t have to ask what kind of drastic action that would be. I remembered the screams of the woman when the geas had taken hold.

If I’d found evidence of influence, Liam could very well have gone the same way.

The knowledge I might have come close to losing him struck deep. In all our back and forth, I had never considered a world without him in it. It was a much-needed reminder that despite the fact we were both immortal, life was still short. You had to grab it while you could or else be left standing battered and beaten in its wake.

His hands stroked my back, the touch drugging. I put my head back on his chest. The faintest trace of a heartbeat fluttered against my ear as he went back to playing with my hair, picking it up and letting it fall with a fascinated expression on his face.

“Speaking of our Fae friends, what did they get up to today?” I asked, needing a change of subject. I assumed he knew since he’d evidently been up most of the day.

His hand stroked along my back as he shifted under me, trying to get comfortable.

“They met with the witch’s hag,” he said.

Not good. I couldn’t think of a worse partnership than Niamh and Sarah. The two apart were forces in their own right, both as tricky and devious as the other. Together they would be a nightmare to deal with.

“I’m still surprised Sarah agreed to an alliance with them,” I said. “She doesn’t strike me as the type to work well with others.”

“She’s not,” Liam said. “But she hates Thomas. She’d do anything to bring him down.”

That was a depth of hatred I just couldn’t understand. Whatever had caused the enmity between them had happened centuries ago. To still be plotting and scheming to get back at Thomas, took a dangerous amount of persistence.

I sighed as the sun sank fully below the horizon, the tight feeling in my chest loosening for the first time since I’d awoken.

Liam’s knowing gaze was on me when I looked back up. “It’ll get better with time.”

I sure hoped so. Being this conscious of the sun’s movements was disconcerting.

“There’s still one thing that’s bugging me,” I said.

His chest moved under me as he chuckled. He ran his fingers through my hair, smoothing it out. “Just one?”

“That first attack, how did the person know I would head for the troll?” I said thinking out loud.

His fingers paused as he gave consideration to my observation. “You assume the troll’s sleep was because of you.”

“You don’t?”

“I had the enforcers check on a few other of the known Fae in the city, especially the powerful ones. Two others were in a deep slumber like your friend,” he said.

Which meant Hector and the butterfly might have been a coincidence. I could almost see that.

“I don’t think the attack on us was on purpose,” I said, thinking out loud.

He shifted his head so he could see me better. “What makes you say that?”

“It was sloppy, and it doesn’t fit with everything else going on. I think whoever did it saw an opportunity and took it.”

It would explain a lot. My bet was the witches at the bar. Whether it was revenge for getting them kicked out or because of my connection with Angela, they made the most sense.

Once you took Hector out of the equation, the attack pointed directly at the witches. 

“We should get going,” I said. “I’m sure whatever Niamh and her companions are after won’t wait much longer.”

I still had to get to the bottom of Niamh’s role in my niece’s sickness, and Liam probably had to make a plan of action with his people.

Liam’s face was regretful as he stood, stretching that long expanse of fine skin over glorious muscles. He pointed to a door to my left. “You can take a shower in there.”

I nodded, getting a good look around the bedroom for the first time since I’d woken. It was surprisingly sparse, just a big wooden bed with a dark coverlet and strong, dark pieces interspersed throughout the room.

“Where are we?” I asked.

The room lacked the easy charm of his house, leading me to believe he’d taken us somewhere else.

“The Gargoyle,” he said. “The sun was already up by the time we left the hospital. This was closer and it was safer to wait out the day here.”

I couldn’t argue with that.

“I selected some clothes from your room last night. They’re on the chair,” he said, pulling his pants up as he grabbed his cell from the end table.

I didn’t waste any time grabbing them and heading for the bathroom, the thought of a shower a welcome one.

It wasn’t long before I was clean and dressed and ready to tackle the day. Liam was already gone when I re-entered the bedroom, so I left as well, sparing the rumpled bed a last, lingering look.

I stepped into the hallway, closing the door softly behind me. I didn’t want to advertise where I’d spent the last night. While I didn’t plan to hide what Liam and I had done, I saw no reason to announce it to the world.

Seconds later Makoto rounded the corner, his head down as he studied the tablet in his hand. I froze just as he looked up.

His eyes went from me to the door, his smile widening. “You dirty girl, you.”

I gave him a quelling glance. “Stop.”

“No, no, it’s cool,” he said, pretending to wipe the smile off his face. “I’ll just ignore the fact that you came out of Liam’s room and are wearing that just-been-fucked glow.”

“You mean the just got out of the shower look,” I returned.

He gave me a grin that told me I hadn’t fooled him. “Don’t deny it. I can practically sense it on you.”

I gave him a dark look. Sometimes living around creatures with senses even more finely tuned than my own sucked.

“Besides, Liam made an announcement earlier this evening. Your status has been upgraded to his most special person. Anyone caught trespassing on his territory will be dealt with harshly. That usually only means one thing,” Makoto said, tossing the information out like it was unimportant and not the type of thing capable of making my head explode.

I stopped in the middle of the hallway, staring at nothing as anger welled deep inside. He probably hadn’t used those exact words, but the sentiment would be the same.

“Where is he?” I snapped.

“Uh oh,” Makoto said.

Uh oh was right. When I got done with Liam he was going to think twice about sharing personal business with his underlings.

“Where?” I asked.

“The war room,” Makoto said.

Of course, he was. One of the few parts of the mansion off-limits to me.

“He said to bring you there when you got out of the shower,” Makoto continued.

“Lead on,” I told him with a pointy smile that didn’t quite disguise the fury crackling through me. Makoto looked like he’d prefer to be anywhere else right then.

The mansion was surprisingly full tonight. For once, vampires were in the halls, a few of them sliding me unsure glances as they passed.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Everyone’s on edge because of what happened last night,” Makoto said, sending them a dismissive look. “No one wants to admit it, but they’re afraid. Most of the civilians don’t face death on a regular basis. It’s got them rattled.”

“But not you?” I asked.

He shrugged. “This is just another day, another situation. Vampire politics are no less bloody. Every one of the people here would probably kill if it would advance their station. They’re running scared because they don’t understand what happened and they don’t like facing the idea there are creatures out there more powerful than them.”

After that he fell silent until we came to a halt in front of the war room. He headed inside, going directly to a spot in front of a laptop, setting his tablet beside it.

I stepped in, my gaze immediately drawn to Liam. His eyes met mine as his mouth quirked. I sent him a look that said we were going to have words later. His smile turned smug, his eyes communicating he was looking forward to it.

We’d see about that.

After the exchange I found a spot along the wall, noticing most of his enforcers were in attendance. Thomas entered moments after me, guards flanking him. He was dressed in a suit, looking incredibly formal, as did his guards. My jeans and nice top didn’t compare.

He took note of me where I stood along the wall, before turning his attention to Liam. Looked like we were about to get started.

The situation felt oddly familiar. I’d sat in pre-mission briefings before, and that was what this was. No doubt about it. Everyone listened with attentiveness. A single overlooked detail now could mean the difference between life and death later.

These people moved and spoke with an ease and purpose that came from doing similar briefings time and time again. It was odd how comfortable I felt falling into this role.

Granted, the mission briefings I’d sat through in the military usually didn’t have the same level of high-tech equipment. It looked like the sort of briefing room you might find in a movie about spies or something. There were more monitors than I cared to think about, and so many technological gadgets even I couldn’t recognize all of them.

Vampires might be known for being old-fashioned, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at this place. My old commander would have sold his own mother to get his hands on a few of these toys. 

“Our guests have informed us the hunt will likely start tomorrow night,” Liam started.

The others stirred, the news unsettling them.

“Do we have any idea who the hunt has chosen as prey?” Daniel asked.

Liam’s eyes met mine before he turned his attention away. “Not yet. They’ve assured us those who participate do so voluntarily and will be compensated appropriately should they survive the Wild Hunt,” Liam said, not seeming happy about that fact.

The news didn’t resonate well with those around me either, if their somber and irritated expressions were anything to judge by.

“If I were the designated prey, I would find a deep, dark hole to crawl into until this hunt is over,” Anton muttered, not bothering to keep his voice quiet.

“Be that as it may, this is happening,” Liam said. “Our job is to make sure there are no incidents.”

Liam nodded at Makoto, who hit a few keys on his laptop.

A map popped up on the large-screen TV next to Liam. It zoomed in on a section just north of the city.

“The hunt will begin near the Alum Creek Reservoir,” Liam said, pointing to a place that was right next to the dam.

“So close to the city?” Anton asked. “What if it moves into the populated sections? It’s not exactly known for obeying borders or rules.”

“It’s the best we could do,” Liam said. “Arlan and Niamh are holding a party tonight to celebrate their gods and the return of the hunt. Then tomorrow, starting at sundown, the hunt will begin. Daniel and Anton, you’ll be with Thomas tomorrow. Nathan is already on-site preparing for our arrival. For tonight, I want everyone on the lookout for anything unusual. Our guests will probably try something. It’s our job not to let them. Any questions?”

Anton raised his hand. Liam looked resigned and gestured for him to speak.

“What’s the yearling’s role in all this?” Anton asked, jerking his thumb at me.

All eyes swung my way. I returned their gazes with a placid expression, outwardly calm at being the focus of several top predators.

“You don’t need to know that,” Liam said in a voice that meant business. It did not invite questions.

Anton didn’t seem satisfied. A feeling that seemed to be reflected in several of the enforcers’ faces.

Still, they respected Liam, and kept their doubts to themselves despite their reservations.

“Alright, let’s survive the night,” Liam said in clear dismissal.

His enforcers filed out while Thomas and I lingered. I didn’t move from my spot, hoping Thomas would finish his business so I could have a moment with Liam.

To my surprise, Thomas turned to me, propping his hip on a desk. “Liam tells me your niece is sick.”

I didn’t answer, my gaze going to the man in question where he had busied himself tidying up several papers. I didn’t like that he’d shared that news. I liked it even less, that he’d done it without giving me a heads-up.

“She’ll be fine,” I said. She would. I’d make sure of that.

“There are ways to help her,” he said, his words meaningful.

“She doesn’t need help. I know how to fix her,” I told him. I wasn’t accepting anything else from Thomas. Not after the stunt he’d pulled with Deborah. He was the enemy pure and simple.

His expression grew confused as he looked between Liam and me. “Is there something I don’t know?”

I didn’t answer, holding my stony silence. The less he knew about anything, the better.

Liam put down his papers and sighed. “She thinks Niamh or one of her people might have something to do with her niece’s condition.”

Thomas’s face turned alert. “Is that a real possibility?”

“Yes.”

“Unlikely,” Liam said at the same time, giving me a warning look. “And we’re not going to make any accusations unless we’re sure.”

I lifted my chin but didn’t answer.

“Aileen, I need you to promise. These aren’t the type of beings you take on at a whim,” he said, his voice serious.

I jerked a shoulder up. “I’ll be smart.”

I had to be.

Thomas made a small sound of amusement. He looked like a cat infinitely entertained by the two fools performing for him. He glanced at Liam. “She’s your responsibility tonight. Make sure she doesn’t get herself killed.”

Liam grunted as Thomas straightened and glided out of the room, leaving the two of us alone.

I fidgeted, finally giving in to the urge to move as I explored the room. These types of conversations weren’t my forte. Throw in the fact that I had intimate knowledge of his body now and couldn’t help but remember a few of the things we’d done not that long ago, and it was a recipe for awkwardness.

Liam watched me, his gaze enigmatic as he leaned against the side of the table, arms folded across his chest. The flexed muscles reminded me unnervingly of how strong he’d been earlier. How effortlessly he’d held himself up.

I blinked and shook my head. None of that now. I needed to concentrate.

“Makoto tells me you’ve been making announcements. Something about how I’m yours,” I said, my voice eerily calm.

Liam’s smile flashed; he knew what he’d done and was amused by it. Great.

“I simply relayed the facts as I saw them,” he said.

He waited expectantly. I didn’t fail to disappoint.

“Is there a reason you felt the need to share our personal business?” I asked tightly.

He lifted a shoulder, the picture of unconcerned relaxation. “I felt it best to head off any misunderstandings now.”

“Misunderstandings?”

He nodded. “I’ve found clear communication is always best.”

“Clear communication.” Great. Now I sounded like a damn parrot. I took a deep breath, trying for patience.

“Were you aware this isn’t the middle ages?”

Liam cocked his head. “It’s not?” Fake surprise was in his voice.

I narrowed my eyes at him as his lips tilted up in a wicked smile. He thought he was winning this little battle.

“No. And in this time period, people aren’t owned,” I said through gritted teeth.

“Are you sure? Because I’m pretty sure you’re mine,” he said, purposely missing the point.

My smile bared teeth in an expression an animal would have recognized as a threat. “Only in your dreams, pretty boy.”

He leaned forward. “Only every day and every time I shut my eyes. Over and over again.”

I folded my arms. Okay, that hadn’t gone the way I’d thought. Time for a new approach.

“What was the purpose of telling everyone what we’d done?” I asked, point-blank.

I didn’t enjoy having my personal business bandied around the water cooler. It wasn’t the end of the world that others knew, but I wanted to understand the tricky vampire. He never did anything without a reason. Understanding was the best way to tilt the odds in my favor.

“Don’t tell me you’re ashamed of me,” he said with a teasing glint. His confidence was such that I knew the question was more to pull at my tail than anything else. He exuded sexuality. There weren’t many women dead or alive who wouldn’t have taken him up on what he was offering.

“If you needed compliments to stroke your male ego, you only needed to ask,” I said in a saccharine voice.

His laugh was short as he gave me a glance from under his eyelids. It was packed with all the seduction in his repertoire. I’d be lying if I said the look was ineffective; it stroked across my senses as I flashed to what we’d been doing earlier.

I leveled a look on him that meant business. I wanted answers.

He sobered slightly, some of the teasing playfulness falling from his expression. “Vampires are territorial by nature. By making it clear that you and I are involved, I’ve simply made it so no one will see you as a viable bed buddy. It keeps them safe since they know the state of things.”

I went still, processing that statement. I didn’t know which part of it to address first.

“You assume that we’re going to be doing that again.”

His gaze turned provocative. “Oh, I can promise you we will.”

I folded my arms across my chest and snorted. “I think you’re going to need my full cooperation for that sort of thing. Somehow, I just don’t see that being possible after this little conversation.”

He moved closer, looming over me so I had to tilt my head to look at him. His personal scent reached out, wrapping around me and making me slightly light-headed. The man was heady and dangerous. No doubt about that.

“I like my chances of convincing you to change your mind,” he rumbled, looking me over in a way that told me he was remembering what I’d looked like rising over him in bed.

The sound he made then was half-purr, half-growl. I fought to keep it from getting to me, knowing that way lay danger.

Liam was too used to getting his way. If I let him, he’d grind me up and spit me out, leaving behind nothing but a heartbroken mess.

“I think it’s best if I work next to someone else for the remainder of this job,” I said, my eyes never leaving his. “To cut down on distractions and all that.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “I didn’t know your willpower was so weak. I’ll be sure to limit my allure when you’re around, if that makes you feel better.”

My smile turned brittle. “It’s not my willpower I’m worried about. After all, I’m not the one going around metaphorically pissing all over me.”

Having said my piece, I headed for the door.

He stopped me with a hand on my hip. “I’m looking forward to this dance, a chuisle. Run all you want. In the end, you’ll still end up back in my bed. Mine, as I’m yours.”

I stepped free. “I think you’re confused. I’m not part of the hunt.”

The door was closing behind me when his words floated out. “No, you’re the prize.”