Page 154 of Wolfkissed
I laugh again. Almost choke on laughter. “I’ve never noticed Valen being too full of himself, and as for kicking his ass… Have you seen him and have you seen me? I barely reach his chin.”
“You have him wrapped around your little finger,” Konstam clucks his tongue. “He’s still wearing the collar you put on him. You’re already kicking his ass.”
I glance at Valen. He isn’t denying any of this. Why isn’t he? And what about the collar?
“Enough about my ass,” Valen says. “Maybe bringing her here was a mistake.”
“No, I… I’m glad,” I say, placing a hand on his corded forearm. “Truly.”
His smile is slow to form but bright. “You mean it?”
“Are all of your people like this?”
“Such idiots?” He shrugs. “Quite a few, yes.”
“I meant, this nice.”
“She thinks we are nice.” Darian preens. “Take that, Valen. Here’s a lady with good taste.”
“I’d say…” Valen turns his gaze to me. “I’d say we’re as okay a people as any other, but my friends and family are the best.”
“Excuse me, I have something in my eye,” Konstam says and theatrically wipes an imaginary tear. “Such eloquence, Valen. I can’t stand it.”
I snort, then clap a hand over my mouth. That’s as unladylike as you get.
But the men only grin wider.
“I like her, Valen.” Konstam nods at me. “You have my stamp of approval.”
“She doesn’t need your approval,” Valen growls.
“I agree with Kon,” Darian says. “You can keep her.”
“She’s not a pet!” Valen roars.
We all stop and stare at him. He’s breathing hard, a flush on his face.
“Valen?” I whisper.
“Apologies.” He turns his back to us. “It’s just… Fuck.”
“Just fuck?”Konstam turns to Darian. “What does that mean? Is it a human expression?”
Darian slaps the back of his head. “He’s upset, you dumbass.”
“Why?”
“Because she’s going to marry someone else.”
I stare at Valen’s broad back, and my heart aches. “I should get back to the manor.”
“Yeah.” Valen runs a hand through his hair. “Yeah, you’re right. Time to go back.”
This was fun, but it’s time for me to return to the real world.
CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
VALERIAN
