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It was one of the many, many things Grace couldn't do as a proper hostess in an unknown place. Without lots of practice with a familiar teapot and established cups, she couldn't count seconds to judge amounts.
Doing anything new without practice was a challenge, and one of the reasons none of the males in the Scottish Highlands had been enthusiastic about sharing her bed to see if they were her fated one. Because for most people, Grace was a liability.
A burden.
Not wanting to think of that, or the taunts she'd received over the years, she kept her posture tall. "I can hear you breathing, so you're still there. Will you blatantly disrespect the hostess of one of your closest allies and linger in the entry way instead of waiting in the parlor like a gentleman?"
When Khan spoke, she heard the amusement from earlier. "I see what your brother meant by how he spoiled you."
Her cheeks heated at the same time her inner wolf snarled. Her brother could be overprotective, but he was at least a gentleman. She was about to say that when footsteps came from the rear of the house and Dr. Vale's voice echoed in the corridor. "Dark Lord Kahn. Sorry to keep you waiting. We didn't know you were coming so soon."
At Dr. Vale's calm, strong voice, she breathed an inner sigh of relief. Both because he was obviously much recovered but also because now she wouldn't have to deal with Dark Lord Kahn and risk upsetting him further.
Grace was usually more well behaved, but the Dark Lord's arrogance did something to her she couldn't explain.
Not wanting to think of why that was, she turned and quietly made her way up the stairs and back to her temporary sitting room.
Once she sat down, she picked up her knitting needles and did her best to concentrate on the ingrained movements of her fingers.
Because otherwise she might think about Khan's deep voice, and how he'd felt at her back, or how she'd yearned to feel his skin against hers.
No.She absolutely refused to think he might be her fated one. Whilst Grace would never know for certain until she bedded him and could scent his orgasm, inner shifter animals sometimes gave clues.
Her inner wolf's interest was a big one.
She muttered, "Absolutely not. I won't even entertain it."
And she went back to moving her needles faster in her hands, uncaring if the stitches ended up being ungainly.
ChapterTwenty-Seven
River noted Grace fleeing up the stairs and wondered if Khan had said something mean to her. Maybe not on purpose, but so far, the Dark Lord was blunt to a fault.
However, before he could ask Grace anything, Khan spoke. "According to Black, you were huddled in bed and barely talking." Khan looked at Nora and back at him, his eyes lingering on their still clasped hands. "Maybe my help is unnecessary after all."
Nora spoke up. "No, please don't leave yet. We have some questions, as well as need to finalize plans about moving to the fae witch territory as soon as we're wed."
They'd briefly discussed their future plans on the walk back. Despite everything, Nora still wanted to marry him and live with him.
Even though he'd made the decision to fight for his vampire—for them—River still had a hard time accepting why.
Stop it, Vale. No doubts right now.He motioned down the hall. "Please, Dark Lord Khan, this way."
He nodded. "I'll follow at a distance."
It was on the tip of his tongue to ask about that weird-ass tendency, but he kept his mouth closed. Soon they were all seated, and Khan was the first to speak again. "Unlike humans, you two don't have to wait a set amount of time and deal with churches in order to marry. I'd suggest doing it within the week and settling in my territory soon after that."
River frowned. "Why so soon?"
The Dark Lord gave him a piercing stare. "I want to be able to keep a closer eye on you. For a time, you'll need to be monitored before I'll allow you to take on patients. If you can keep your magic under control and remain in a good frame of mind for the most part, only then will I risk my people's lives. You still need to meet with one of my trackers as well. I wasn't pleased about Yates sending you to the country before that was accomplished."
He wanted to growl. But as Nora squeezed his hand in hers, he counted to three before replying, "There were valid reasons for coming here. One of which was related to Dark Lord Black's sister."
Khan raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised she'd even talk with a doctor. Did you manage to finish with her before your breakdown?"
It was almost as if the other fae witch was trying to piss off River on purpose, for some sort of fucking mental health test. "No."
"Then tell her she has to wait as well, until you have my approval to use your magic on others. I won't risk anyone until you're deemed in control and stable."
