My heart practically beat out of my chest.
“I look at Adele the same way,” he murmured.
I turned to look at him as he stared at his mate with a love struck expression that warmed my heart. “I'm so happy for you, brother.”
My younger brother looked a lot like me, with only small differences. His hair was swept up with the ornament of our family. A crown sat on his head, and it didn't look heavy.
“I’m so proud of you for what you've done with our kingdom.”
“Thank you for that. I can't tell you what it means to me,” he croaked before shaking his head. “I’ll have the army ready to go in three days. They'll meet you at that camp with the location you gave us next to the facility. They’ll listen only to you.”
“Thank you, brother.” I clasped my hand on his shoulder, and he jumped before lurching forward and pulling me into a hug.
“We may not have shown our affections as much growing up, but I do appreciate everything you've done for me,” he murmured.
“And I appreciate everything you've done for me, Birch. You are the reason I don't have to separate from my mate.”
“You're the reason that I get to rule both kingdoms next to mine,” he said, and our magic clashed, but it didn't repel like it usually did, instead it froze. “By the way.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “I took care of Madison. She won't be bothering you anymore.”
“Thank the Fates,” I breathed, and he chuckled. “Are our parents here?”
“No, they are somewhere in the kingdom, enjoying their vacation.”
“Good, they deserve one for how long they've ruled the Ice Kingdom.”
He let me go and stepped back. “It was good to see you. Best of luck with the battle, although I know you don’t need it.”
“Are you ready?” I asked Wren, who whipped her head toward me with a small frown.
“That was a fast meeting.”
“Birch already took care of everything. He's a fine king.” I smiled, and Adele shot my brother a loving look.
Forrest cuddled into Wren’s arms before she passed him to Adele. He pouted his lips out, and Wren poked him on the nose with a soft smile. “We'll be back to see you guys soon. Your mommy promised me a special blueberry slushie.”
“Did she now?” I mused, and she straightened up before stepping beside me and looping my arm through hers.
“One night when you and your mate can stay over,” Adele explained, her gaze slipping to my brother.
“We look forward to it,” I said before we walked out of the throne room with a wave toward my brother, his mate, and our nephew, only to step in front of Madison.
Wren stiffened, glowering at her, but Madison just stared at us with wide eyes before turning and scurrying the other direction.
“At least she finally figured out when not to talk,” Wren muttered bitterly.
I chuckled, pulling my arm from hers and wrapping it around her shoulders. “Birch said something to her family as a warning, and it looks like it worked.”
“Good because you’re mine.” She growled, staring up at me as her pheromones shifted across my skin.
I groaned. She had been insatiable lately, and I was having a hard time keeping up—but that was why she had seven of us.
Turning us to the left, I guided us down a corridor.
“Where are we going?” she questioned in a husky tone.
“Somewhere we can be alone.” I threw open a door and nudged her inside before shutting it.
Holding my hand out, I sealed over the lock with ice before turning toward her.
