Page 20 of His Stolen Queen
"The Weres, Lycans, and Witches are enraged. And I doubt they are the only ones."
King Harkin snorted. "What do those dogs have to be mad about? They're not exactly discreet with their howling."
"It is hardly the same fucking thing, Harkin," King Fraand of Straess growled. "They are not leaving mutilated bodies strewn about for humans to find."
Harkin shrugged carelessly as he tossed the photos he held in his hand onto the table. "We all know why the BloodKin has continuously breached cover over the last few years." He eyed me, his black eyes roving down to my chest before his mouth lifted in a sneer.
On instinct, I moved to cover my beating organ as if I could protect my mate from his disdain. My body calmed at the steady beat—now elevated under the scrutiny of my peers. Envy saturated the air.
"You have something to say, Harkin, then fucking say it."
He scowled. "It is no secret that your mate has been born. What is curious to us"—he indicated around the table, and a few of the Kings lowered their gaze from mine—"is why you have not been able to locate her. Or perhaps you already have her locked away in that dank dungeon of yours?"
"Slight my mate again, and I shall throw your body into Hades myself."
"Now, let's all calm down," King Cassius of Ipaua implored.
"Itisodd that you have yet to find her though," Harkin continued, ignoring the comment. "We know by now that she is not a Vampire. The question is, doyouknow what she is?"
"Vladimir and his Kin are an enemy to all of us. Wasting time indulging in your petty jealousy will achieve nothing."
He snarled and looked away, confirming my prediction. He was jealous. And probably not the only one of the Kings who felt that way. We were all-powerful, our strength and authority unmatched. Yet I was the one blessed with a fated mate. My power would exceed theirs with her by my side—a troublesome thought that intimidated some of them.
Unlike others, I had no plans to use my power against the other Kings—unless they crossed me. Yes, there were rivalries between certain Territories, but we were all united and bound by a common threat as well as the Treaty of ManKind, which King Artemis and Queen Sarai spearheaded. We would always be allies.
But I could not do anything about the rampant envy that rippled through the group. King Remus of Llarmo, King Damon of Ameros, and King Dionyis of Gilla were the only Kings Itrusted implicitly. We had built a friendship that strengthened over the centuries. I knew I could count on them to have my back.
"Why are we arguing among ourselves? Let us refocus on what is important," Dionyis chastised. "Vladimir was spotted five hundred miles from here. Chances are, he knows we are meeting and has since fled, but not far. We know he watches us and, I fear, you the most, my friend."
I blew my breath out, frustration clawing at me. "It is no secret that my mate is born." I again touched my chest and felt my ire slip away. "As much as it pains me, we fear she is…anotherOther."
That she was human was a closely guarded secret between me, Von, and my Elders. Not even Damon, Remus, or Dionyis knew, and I was unsure whether I would ever disclose that information to them. I was not a fool. I knew the reason for the current uprising was the birth of a King's mate—my mate.
I glanced at the photos before quickly averting my gaze. The thought of my precious mate being slaughtered in the same manner caused bile to rise from my stomach. I could not live with myself if I brought danger to her doorstep. I would cease to exist if she were no longer in this world. The guilt and sorrow would eat at me.
It was why I made the difficult decision to abandon my search for her. It was a resolve I had conceded over a year ago when the BloodKin's murders became more rampant. It pained me greatly, but I would rather she were out in the world living her life freely and, more importantly, safely.
I swallowed thickly as another barrier entered my thoughts, darkening them.
She was married.
She was living happily with her human husband, possibly with a child or children of her own. The mere thought enraged me.Even though I allowed her to live freely, it did not mean I had to be happy for her. I was not that generous. However, her safety was more important than my needs. My ego.
Furthermore, even if we did meet, the likelihood that she would feel the same bond as me—as a human—was not guaranteed. My Elders thought it impossible. A sexual attraction, yes, but this deep, searing obsession and need? It would not register with her.
I had done many cruel things in my lifetime. I killed without mercy, slaughtering my enemies and their families without thought. I slept with taken Beings, seducing them without guilt. Yet forcing a human woman, regardless of her status as my mate, to conform to me and adjust to our ways—the thought did not sit right with me.
Our meeting dragged on for a few more hours before finally ending early in the morning. I only needed a couple of hours’ rest, although there were times I went without sleep for days. My body had grown accustomed to centuries of regeneration.
Damon invited Remus, Dionyis, and me to drink with him at his underground bar in Vancouver. His primary residence was just outside the city, near Squamish, where our meetings and resting rooms were located.
Loud music thumped through the stereo system as bodies gyrated on the dancefloor. Some were dancing; some were participating in other carnal activities. Other Beings were welcome, bound by a Witch's spell to leave their grievances at the door. Killings were forbidden, and fights were encouraged. Humans could not find the venue, but if one was invited, a spell or glamour was used to wipe their memory upon entry.
I stared down at the crowded dancefloor from Damon's office. His two-way mirror allowed us to observe the club in private. An orgy was happening in the middle of the dance floor, and two Witches were locked in a sixty-nine. There was a time I would bedown there as a willing participant, possibly fucking one of those Witches from behind as she took care of her friend. It had been a long time since I had taken a bedmate or two. A dull ache settled in my chest, and I rubbed at the spot. My heart sped in response.
"Tell us honestly." Remus leaned forward. "What does it feel like?" He nodded toward my chest, curiosity furrowing his brow. "Does it pain you?"
I was tempted to let out a bitter laugh at his innocuous question.
