Page 92

Sekh snorted and rolled his eyes. “The Knight of Pestilence is in a class all by himself, and it’s not a stellar one.”

Guillaume shrugged. “Give him time. Captivity does strange things to a man.”

“And I’m trying harder not to be a judgmental asshole.” Sekh gave me a hard look that would’ve made me piss myself five minutes ago. “Am I forgiven, warcat?”

“Sure. On one condition.”

His eyes narrowed but he gave a short nod.

“I get to tell you something, and you can’t kill me.”

“Okay…” He drawled out.

“Go fuck yourself.”

I didn’t expect him to throw his head back and roar with laughter. Guillaume even slapped me on the back. “That’s the spirit, warcat.”

41

SHARA

Quiet rustling pulled me from slumber just as Mayte carefully slipped out from the tangled limbs and hair.

“I’m sorry, my queen.” She flashed a guilty smile as she leaned back in to kiss me. “I tried not to wake you. But I must really get back.”

“Of course.” I threaded my fingers through her hair and kissed her again. “Thank you for staying as long as you did. I promise I’ll come to Zaniyah more regularly.”

“I can’t wait.”

“Do you need to feed again?”

“Not at all, my queen. I’m perfectly well. Your blood already soothed away my hunger before you even fed.”

Leonie stirred too with a luxurious stretch. “I’ll go to my bed as well, my queen.” Though she kissed me before sliding to the edge of the mattress. Jenrade stepped closer holding her gown.

I sat up, watching them both get dressed. Vivian was already up and dressed as well. “I’ll escort House Zaniyah to the fountain when you’re ready.”

“Say hello to Xochitl,” I called after them.

The door shut quietly after them, leaving me alone with Rik, though he still sat in his chair by the window. I leaned back against the pillows and closed my eyes to enjoy just a moment of silence and peace. I didn’t want to be alone. Ever. But for just a moment, it was nice to stretch out in the huge bed and just be. No responsibilities. No magic or blood or feeding or even sex. Just a woman enjoying the feel of silken sheets against my bare skin.

Then my stomach growled. The roof of my mouth pulsed, the tips of my fangs pricking my tongue. And I sighed.

Rik let out a low chuckle. “Who do you want first, my queen?”

I flopped over on my side and shot a mock glare at him. “You, of course, silly. Though this hunger is damned inconvenient.”

He arched a brow at me as he stood and drew his shirt over his head. “So says the most powerful queen in the world.”

My fangs damned near pierced my lip by the time he shucked his pants and joined me on the bed. “Am I really?”

“Without a doubt, and I don’t simply say so because I’m your alpha.”

Despite my hunger, or maybe because of it, I curled against him, my head on his chest. His arms came around me, his chin on my head, and he simply held me. “It’s scary.”

He made a low soothing rumble. “I know, my queen. But we’re with you every step of the way.”

“So much responsibility. I don’t want to lead us astray.”