Rose’s breathing caught up with her racing heart as she listened to his bold words. He was correct. They needed to go to where there were more people. Lots more people. Trying to quell her own desires, she attempted to lighten the atmosphere. Her lips curved in a teasing grin even as her pulse raced from their first kiss and his forthright words. “Right. Wouldn’t want to scandalize everyone by showing up late to your own coronation.”
Talbot’s rich laugh filled her with joy. It was a feeling that, up until two days ago, Rose thought she’d never feel again.
From the moment he put his hands on her beautiful face, Talbot began getting brief glimpses into Rose’s mind. He tried not tosee. He didn’t want her to think that he was trying to take something she might not be willing to give. Memories and thoughts were every bit as intimate as two bodies becoming one, maybe even more so.
But in those glimpses, what he saw brought him immense joy. Though he and Rose had known each other but a day, her emotions for him were every bit as strong as his were for her. She’d been unable to control her shift—he would have to teach her how—and had revealed the color of her scales. Their beauty had knocked the wind out of him. He’d had a tiny appetizer of her truly delicious soul, and now he was like a vulture circling his feast. Damn, he was glad she couldn’t see into his mind as he could in hers. She’d have gone running for the hills. The tension between them, the attraction and desire, made him want to chain her to his side and never be parted from her.
Her body trembled next to his as they walked down the corridor toward the back doors. Since they weren’t in the main villa, and didn’t have a room big enough for all the arriving guests, they’d been forced to hold the coronation outdoors. Talbot could sense her anxiety growing and got fleeting thoughts of inadequacy mixed with excitement and curiosity about this new adventure.
“You good?” he softly asked her.
“Yup.” She sucked in a deep breath.
“You’re not going to pass out?”
Rose shook her head. “I make no promises.”
They reached the double glass doors. Two KOV warriors stood on either side, ready to open them on Talbot’s orders.
He stopped just a few feet away and looked down at Rose. Her face was flushed and her eyes wide like a child seeing something new and awe-inspiring for the first time. “I want youto know that you come first. Always,” he said fervently. “Not the kingdom, not myself, but you. I will always choose you.”
Her eyes grew glassy with unshed tears. “I barely know you. Yet I feel like I’ve been with you my whole life.”
“Or your soul just knew who it was waiting for, even if you didn’t.” Talbot ran a finger down her silky cheek. She was the most lovely creature he’d ever seen, and she belonged to him.
A throat clearing drew Talbot’s attention, reluctantly, away from his mate. Turning his head back toward the doors, he saw that the Kingdom of Venom’s Shaman, Link, stood in front of them.
Talbot inclined his head respectfully to Link even as irritation flickered through him at the interruption.
“Your Highness, all are gathered and awaiting your entrance,” the shaman intoned. His sharp gaze took in Talbot’s close proximity to Rose, and he gave him a nod of approval.
Talbot wrapped an arm firmly around Rose’s waist and drew her against his side. She came willingly, molding her curves to him in a way that made his blood heat. But now was not the time to indulge such desires, no matter how enticing his new mate was. Duty called them both.
Drawing strength from Rose’s presence, Talbot inclined his head to the guards who pulled the double doors open wide. Squaring his shoulders beneath the elegant cloak marking his royal status, he strode with measured steps into the courtyard beyond, Rose matching him stride for stride.
As expected, the expansive space was packed with representatives from all kingdoms, a sea of judgmental eyes focused on the new king and his mate. Low murmurs rustled through the crowd as they passed, curiosity and suspicion heavy in the air. He could understand some of their suspicion, considering Azure had sent him on errands, though they’d always been mundane business. And the only reason he’d doneit was to keep Talbot from learning about Azure’s treachery. He’d either forgotten that his great-nephew could pick up on his thoughts or he was so sure in his own abilities that it wouldn’t matter what tidbits Talbot saw, and felt, whenever he came in contact with his uncle.
Talbot kept his gaze fixed straight ahead, hyperaware of Rose’s anxiety bleeding through their bond. He projected back waves of reassurance and pride, hoping to drown out her nerves. By the way she lifted her chin and glided more smoothly at his side, some of the tension eased from her frame. That small victory reinforced Talbot’s own resolve. It was amazing what you’d willingly endure if you had a comrade, whether it was a mate or a close friend, on your side.
The Council members, along with the full retinue of the Royal House of Venom, awaited. Those present represented the Kingdom of Fangs, Tides, Fur, Silver, and Hooves. He’d have to send out letters to those who hadn’t attended, letting them know he was sorry they were unable to do so, but also to remind themhewas aware that they’d chosen not to show their support.
As they took their places on the central dais, Talbot sought out familiar faces, subtly offering greetings. Link’s stern and almost imperceptible nod offered cautious hope. Slick flashed a discreet thumbs up that nearly made Talbot chuckle. Even dour Crowley, the Shaman for Kingdom of Fangs, managed the barest upward twitch of his lips in acknowledgement. Isla, the Shaman for the Kingdom of Tides, offered him a raised glass and a slightly bowed head as her approval.
Only one absence really bothered him. He looked around but couldn’t see… Talbot’s phone buzzed with an incoming text. Checking it discreetly, he saw it was from Nico.
Nico: Congratulations, T. I’m proud of the male you’ve grown into, despite having that ass of an uncle. I’m sorry I can’t be there today, but I’m currentlyhunting said asshat uncle. I know you’re going to be amazing. And Rose is a sweet female. She is a good match for you.
Talbot: Thank you, Nico. I appreciate you and the time you invested in me over the years. You will be missed today. Be careful. Azure is desperate. Desperate, cornered animals don’t go down without a nasty fight.
Nico’s response was brief and very Nico.
Nico: I’ve sharpened my blades just for this occasion. I will be fine, as will the rest of the hunting party. You just focus on the fact that you’re going to have to weed out those that might still be loyal to Azure. Keep an eye on Rose. If Azure finds out you mated, hewilltry to have her killed.
Talbot cursed under his breath. Nico was right. Rose would be in danger if Azure knew about her. This hunt couldn’t end soon enough, for all their sakes. And Nico’s warning to watch their backs made Talbot’s lungs tighten anxiously. He couldn’t even guarantee his new mate safety in her own home.
Digging deep for calm, Talbot slipped his phone away and reached for Rose’s hand. Her slender fingers twined tightly with his. Her hazel eyes were luminous with trust when they lifted to meet his gaze. His thumb caressed the back of her hand softly as the officiant—Link—stepped up.
“Are you ready, Your Majesty?”
