Briar tentatively pulled the lid off his plate and Nelson could see the man sigh in relief when he saw he had Chicken Alfredo like Nelson and Helio. Just as the little butterfly dragon picked up a forkful, he asked, “Do you think we’ll be ready for the Summoning Ceremony?”
Jewel nodded. “We will be even if it kills me. I just wish my powers weren’t so damn wonky. I could help finish the sports arena.”
“That thing is huge. It has to be over a hundred thousand square feet,” Nelson stated.
Nodding, Jewel replied, “It’s one hundred twenty-five thousand square feet actually. I was thrilled that Axel was able to get it up in just a week.”
“That’s because Kerrick sent so many men to help out,” Nelson replied.
“Kerrick sent twenty men to watch over me. I just used them to get a job done then called my brother and promptly had most of them removed from the coven house and sent back to him,” Jewel stated.
“Well I can see not all of them were removed,” Helio said with a smile as he turned and wiggled his fingers at one of the guards at the right of the door.
“Jewel, I know it must be a pain in the ass, but you are next in line to be king of the elves, The Re’s mate, and carrying the next in line for that throne. It isn’t unreasonable that Kerrick and Ezra would want you kept as safe as possible,” Nelson softly stated.
Sighing, Jewel replied, “I know, but I hate having no privacy, Nelson. I had to keep two guards from entering the damn bathroom with me this morning and I haven’t had sex in days because the fuckers won’t leave the room. I’m really getting fed up. There has to be some limits to this shit.”
“I think you should talk with Kerrick and make some ground rules,” Nelson stated then turned as Helio played with his magenta hair and rapidly blinked then smiled at the same guard.
“Helio, are you flirting?” Nelson asked with a snicker.
Shrugging, Helio replied, “I think he’s cute. Keir said that if I think someone is cute I should let them know. I’ve watched some of the women around the coven and that’s what they do. Well, they do that and toss their hair back. I think that man is cute, but I don’t want to—you know.”
Nelson laughed with Jewel, both nodding their heads as Briar looked at the guard Helio spoke of and shrugged. “He’s okay I guess. I like my men a bit—who the heck am I kidding, I don’t know what I like. I’ve never really paid attention.”
“Keir needs to mind his own business. He’s an Imperial guard, not a love specialist,” Jewel muttered.
Nelson smiled and lightly tapped Briar’s foot with his own, saying, “Give it time, Briar. However, Helio, might I suggest being you and not trying to be like everyone else. You look like you have something in your eye and are constipated on top of it. Just be you, and when the time is right to let someone know how you feel, you’ll know.”
“But I want a mate and if I don’t practice, how will he know I’m interested?” Helio muttered looking down at his hands.
“No one can force a mating to happen, Helio. It happens when it happens. You and Briar just really started shifting again, after a really long time. Maybe fate thinks you need some time for adjustment. But, when the time comes, I have no doubt you will know exactly what to do.”
“Like you and Orion? You still haven’t done anything about your mating. Why is that? I know it isn’t the love part because anyone with half a brain can see the way you two are with each other. So why is it you haven’t taken theplungewith that large hunk of man?” Jewel asked wiggling his brows.
Nelson felt his cheeks heat, knowing that the three men were staring at him. Nelson felt like an idiot. He should have changed the subject to something else. Shame filled his heart and soul. He knew that the coven was watching him and Orion, and if the gossip was right, people were even placing bets on when or evenifNelson and Orion would mate. Gods, Nelson wanted to. He had wanted nothing more in his entire life. However, what no one seemed to know—or maybe it was understand—was that Nelsoncouldn’tmate Orion. It wasn’t that he didn’t want the man. Gods, who wouldn’t want a man like Orion? Orion was sweet and gooey on the inside and strong and sexy on the outside.
Jewel burst out laughing. “I don’t know what you were thinking a bit ago, but I much prefer the look you have now.”
“What look?” Helio asked.
“The one that says Nelson wants to start at Orion’s toes, sucking and licking until there isn’t a piece or a part he’s missed,” Briar giggled.
Nelson’s ears had to be as bright red as his neck and cheeks. Gods, Nelson hated how embarrassment looked on him.
“Seriously, Nelson. Why haven’t you and Orion mated yet? I know that it can’t be the scars. You are not a shallow asshole like so many around here, so what’s the story?” Jewel asked,
“If you tell us, maybe we can help. Please, Nelson, let us help,” Helio practically begged.
“You said friends tell each other everything and know that no one else will be told. We take our secrets of and for each other, to our graves. That’s what you said, Nelson,” Briar argued.
Sighing heavily, Nelson pushed his plate away, saying, “It’s not a secret, but I don’t think people have given it any thought with all their stupid betting and needling.”
“I don’t understand,” Jewel stated in confusion.
“Me either,” Helio replied looking at Briar for explanation.
Briar scoffed, “Don’t look in my direction, I don’t get what he’s saying any more than you do, Helio.”
