Page 49 of The Alpha King's Mate

I told myself I missed being a single organism. But Zira was there to remind me of the facts.

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His officers backed away as Sorin held out his hand for me while I stepped down from the SUV. A different method oftransportation—and a different welcome—from the way I’d first arrived at the compound.

My eyes lingered on the ink across his hand, the way it swallowed mine whole. The others watched their Alpha King—some with curiosity, some with awe, and some who exchanged nervous glances with one another.

That’s when I heard the whispering.

“Do you want to die? Don’t look at the Luna.”

I glanced at Sorin, but he either hadn’t heard them or was ignoring them entirely. More people began gathering at the compound’s main hall.

I was glad Ember had insisted on formal clothing. I’d have shown up in pyjamas otherwise.

“There she is.”

“Queen Aliana, how are you feeling now?”

“Luna, I brought you some berry patisseries. Your favourite.”

My head snapped up at the woman holding out a white box.

Talon moved to intercept it.

“I’ll have that, thanks.”

I glared at him.

“Tell him to take one tiny bite,” I hissed at Sorin. Royal taste-tester, my ass. More like greedy fat bastard.

I smiled at the crowd.

“Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I am well now, and I hope to become better acquainted with you all soon.”

Warmth and excitement seemed to radiate from his pack. Sorin’s hand settled around my waist as I turned to wave to my well-wishers. My heart felt full that they’d come to greet me.

We walked through the crowd, officers lining up to escort us inside. Sorin introduced me to the coordinators who represented his people. The meeting’s agenda was multifaceted, and I found myself glad to be there beside him.

He knew exactly what he was doing—trusting me to be there at his side when he made decisions about our pack.

This was not the Silvermere way.

Chapter 24

Sorin

Instead of one seat at the end of the table, there were two. My Luna’s place within our pack was crucial. As much as I’d wanted to remain buried inside her, knot deep, pack business for my people came first—it was essential for our peace and security.

Talon smirked as he took his seat at the table. He set the box down, tapping it once with his hand before rubbing the top idly, like he had all the time in the world to enjoy it.

I didn’t need to look at Aliana. I felt her rage and indignation rising through our bond. Nurturing that bond’s strength was a delicate process, one that required both our focus.

I lifted my pen and fired it at Talon.

Aliana giggled as it struck his cheek before skidding off the table.

I smiled as Talon rubbed his cheek, but he released the box while the others shook their heads at him. Aliana reached beneath the table and rested her hand on my thigh.