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I sat on my throne. Reagan idled beside me, fidgeting with her hair in a nervous gesture. On my other side, Styx stood with her arms crossed and a bored expression on her face. I wasn’t fooled by either of them.
Reaching out, I looped an arm around Reagan’s waist and pulled her onto my lap. The curve of her backside fit there perfectly, like she was made for me.
It was all too easy to imagine us like this, with her turned around facing me, legs straddled on either side.
For another time. When she was ready.
Judging by the increased beating of her heart, and the sudden scent of desire, she was picturing a similar scenario.
Clara smirked, giving a nod of approval. Ben’s eyes lingered on our position, and his shoulders tensed. He looked away, uncomfortable.
Good.The possessive part of me needed to make a statement. It didn’t matter where Reagan was with the bond. This woman was mine. Sharp tongue, stubborn attitude, and all. I wanted everyone to see it. Especially him.
“You already gave in?” Nog said, disbelief coloring his tone. He’d been inspecting the room and circling the table where I often sat with those close to me. We’d spent lifetimes in this room, sharing ideas, food and drink. He had the audacity to rub his grubby fingers over my furniture and then question my mate.
Disgust unfurled in me, quickly followed by anger.
As if she could sense it, Reagan touched my hand, her long fingers wrapping around my own.
“First, that’s none of your business,” Reagan said. I agreed wholeheartedly. “Second, it’s . . . practice.”
Whatever warmth that touched me fled.Practice?That’s all this was to her? My mood darkened further but I didn’t let her go.
“Practice?” Clara said, her nose scrunched.
“Yes,” Reagan said, holding her head a fraction higher. “In an effort to keep me safe, Caius thinks we should tell everyone we’ve mated so that no one else makes an attempt on my life out ofmisguided loyalty.”
That was a remarkably kind way to put that, if not for the clear sarcasm.
“Wait, wait—attempt on your life?” Ben asked.
“What he said,” Nog seconded, hooking a thumb toward the unwanted ex. “Although, what he’s still doing here is beyond me. Not gonna lie. I half expected the Soulless One to kill him?—”
“Nog!” Reagan admonished.
“I mean, he has a point,” Clara said.
“Aww, you do love me,” Nog remarked.
“Silence,” I commanded. The hairs on Reagan’s neck stood on end as everyone quieted. Her heart skipped a beat, then continued thumping faster than it should. Had I scared her?
My lips parted. I scented the air, but it wasn’t fear that touched my tongue. It wasdesire.
She squirmed on my lap, and the pressure of her movements made me bite my tongue to keep from cursing. Gods, I wanted her. The slightest shift of her weight brought forth the fire in my veins from our kiss earlier.
Pol cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had stretched a moment too long. It focused my attention.
“First things first, why are you here?” I said to Ben. “I know why he is.” I jutted my chin toward Nog who’d lowered his eyes at my command. “But if you truly came here tosaveher, then you can leave. As you can see, Reagan doesn’t need saving.”
“I ...” Ben started. His hands clenched then released. “Can I talk to Reagan? Alone?”
“No.”
“Excuse me,” she snapped, her glare moving from him to me. “I’m right here. I can answer for myself.”
“I agreed to let him live. If he wants to remain that way, I suggest he not ask to be alone with you. The answer is no. ”
Was I being unreasonable? Maybe.
