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They’re so different from men.Men respect good hunters and good fighters. That’s all that matters to them.
And yet, I thought it would be easier with my mate. I thought she would understand me. Some ridiculous picture in my mind painted a story of us living in peace and harmony together. Sharing laughter. Sharing stories. But if I can’t pull my big foot out of my mouth, none of that will happen.
A terrible thought occurs to me.What if she’s never happy with me? What if I love her and cherish her, and she only wants the other men?It feels like I’ve swallowed a rock.
Of course, she would want them. They’re smooth, always saying the right things. Women fall all over Sulien because he’s “strong and silent.” They laugh at Cobar and drink up his compliments. They fall for Zane’s intelligent conversations and elegant words.
What do I have to offer a mate?Nothing. Fucking nothing. My title seemed to be the only thing, but my Cassia will get that from the other men.
I feel sick.
For a minute, I don’t know what to do. From the moment she became my mate, all I cared about was her.She needs to see and believe that I’ll be the husband she needs, if I have any hope of capturing her heart. So what can I do right now that would show her my love and devotion, but give her space while she deals with whatever the hell upset her?
And, it hits me! Her father and grandmother should’ve arrived by now at the castle.If she loves them, then I do too. They’re now my responsibility, and I’ll care for them each and every day moving forward.If she sees that, maybe she’ll realize I’m more than my fumbling words and crass behavior.
She’ll see a reason to love me, too.
I leave my room and head down the hallway towards the stairs, planning to check on them. But in an instant, Zane teleports just ahead of me. He leans against a wall, his typical cold expression carved into his pale face. And I know by the way he looks at me that he’s here waiting for me.
“Leaving so soon?” Zane inquires coldly.
“Fuck no. I have a mate. I’m not going anywhere.”This asshole. He can’t just let me walk past him. He always has something to say.
He gives me a look that’s almost sympathetic. “I know it’s hard for you to be out of your element. It’s different, more civilized, here in the Summer Court. No one around wearing animal pelts and bone jewelry. There aren’t any wild hunts or drunken parties with bonfires. It’s all finery and delicate things.”
I can’t tell if he’s trying to insult me or if that’s how he really sees my people. Either way, itisinsulting. My people are wild, they do enjoy the hunt, drinking, and being free, but we also have civilized meals and palaces that rival the Summer Court’s. Which he knows, because he’s spent many months in the Fall Court.
Irritated, I cross my arms and stare back at him. “We take pride in our savagery. It helps us survive. It helps us win wars. And it’s better than being whatever the fuck you are.”
“I am the beloved prince of the Winter court.” He gives a dramatic royal bow. I don’t laugh, but I want to. He’s ridiculous.
But with Zane, I can never tell if he’s joking. I just don’t get the man. I don’t getanyof the fae princes. Every word out of their mouths tends to piss me off.
“Beloved my ass.”
He studies me. “Far more beloved than you, am I correct?”
“Fuck you.” I pass him, planning on getting as far from him as I can.
“Is it hard always being a jerk? Is it hard to always treat everyone around you like they don’t matter?”
I stop walking, but I don’t turn around. While punching him square in the jaw would be wholly satisfying, I have to admit he’s right. I’ve made no effort over the years to even get to know the other princes, and now we’re linked together forever. The realization is kind of miserable.
Just like with Cassia, something has to be done. I have to change in some way. Show my value.
“I haven’t tried to bond with you—with any of the princes,” I confess.
I’m unsure if I should go down the stairs or try having a deeper conversation with him. Truthfully, I just want to leave. I want to just continue on with my day and not interact with anyone at all. But that’s how I always handle things, which has resulted in a pissed-off mate and the three men I’m bonded with hating me. So, maybe it’s time for something else.
I take a deep breath. “But none of you like me for some reason, so I haven’t bothered.” The truth hurts to say aloud. Vulnerability doesn’t suit me.
“It’s not that,” Zane begins slowly, as if carefully selecting his words. “You act like an arrogant asshole. Like you want to be anywhere but around us. And you never let down your guard,never, not even after all this time. So how are we supposed to know you, or like you, if you don’t give us a chance?”
“You’re telling me Sulien lets his guard down?” I ask, turning in disbelief.
Zane tilts his head. “He does, with people he trusts.”
In other words: not me.
