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A small smile tugged at Orrin’s lips as he shook his head. “I like looking at snow, and I love all the celebrations during the winter, but no, I don’t really like the cold.” His gaze flickered toward the heavy front doors across the room. “Are you really going to leave them out there all night?”
“Not all night.”
Instead of the argument he expected, Orrin shook his head and leaned closer, his expression soft and coaxing. “What if I asked you to let them go? Would you do that?”
If Orrin kept looking at him that way, he would raze the fucking earth if the elf asked it of him. “Your wish is my command.”
It was a corny line, usually spoken in sarcasm, but Erus meant every word. If it was within his power, he would give his mate anything his heart desired. And very few things weren’t within his power.
A few seconds later, the double doors banged open, and four pissed-off Guardians strode into the Lobby with murder in their eyes. The moment their leader spotted him, he changed directions and marched across the room as the other members of the Guard fanned out behind him.
Tyr Bergstrom. Berserker. Specifically, a bear shifter with a magical heritage. He was certainly the strongest of the group, which made him the most proficient at hand-to-hand combat.
To his right was Rune Callix. Also a bear shifter. A little younger, but highly skilled with a blade.
Aksel Hartlen stood to his immediate left. Another bear shifter. Quiet, observant, and the most strategic of the males.
Lastly, Sindri Ohlson, the youngest and least experienced. Bear shifter, little more than a cub. His cheery personality was quite unusual for a Guardian, but he had an aptitude for de-escalating situations rather than charging in with brute force.
Erus didn’t just know these details because of his position in the Ministry Department of Defense, either. With one look, he knew the names, ages, and basic inherent traits of every person—Otherling and human—in the entire hotel. Useful in some ways, but with the potential to be utterly exhausting.
Stopping on the other side of the fire pit, Tyr fisted his hands at his sides and glared at him. “Who are you?”
Before he could answer, Orrin jumped to his feet and sidestepped to stand in front of him, blocking him for the Guardians. At first, he assumed his mate had done so to stop him from hurting the males again, which made sense. So, when he realized Orrin had positioned himself in a way to protect him, he didn’t know what to think.
While unnecessary, the gesture warmed him in a way he had never felt before. His chest tightened, a lump formed in his throat, and pure sunlight spread through his veins.
“This is Erus.” He spoke quickly, but with a calm, quiet authority. “My mate.”
“What the fuck do you mean he’s your mate?”
Not liking the tone used with his mate, Erus pushed up from the sofa and wrapped an arm around Orrin’s slender waist. Pulling him back against his chest, he glared over the top of his head.
“It’s not a difficult concept to understand. I am his mate.”
“And your boss,” a bored voice added. Dressed in a black turtleneck and a pair of matching chinos, Pepper stepped around Tyr, strode over to Erus, and shoved a clipboard at him. “Sign this.”
“Who the hell are you?” Rune demanded.
“Screw who he is,” Aksel added. “Where did he come from?”
“That guy is our boss?” Sindri tilted his head and dragged his fingers through his blond hair. “I thought the prince was our boss.”
Taking the clipboard and pen from his assistant, Erus scribbled his name across the indicated line. “Anything else?”
“That will be all, sir.” Taking the leather-bound board back, he tucked it under his arm, where it abruptly disappeared, likely returned to his desk back in San Diego. “Enjoy your evening.” His eyes flickered to Orrin, and he bowed his head slightly. “Your Highness. Congratulations on your mating.”
“Uh, yes…thank you?”
The prince sounded so damn confused that Erus couldn’t help but smile. “Asteraki, this is my assistant, Pepper Damon.”
Shaking back the sleeve of his robe, Orrin held his hand out to the familiar. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
Pepper stared at the hand for a good three seconds before taking it and giving it a tentative squeeze. “Likewise, Your Highness.”
Behind them, Tyr glared daggers, while the other three continued their whispered conversation.
“Who is he?” Aksel asked.
