“Would it be okay if I spend some time alone with her? I would like to get to know her better and possibly understand some of her thoughts, what she’s going through. Maybe she will talk to me about her magic.”
He gives me an absentminded nod, his eyes adopting a faraway look as he retreats into his mind.
I replay my conversation with Anders in my head. Nervously, I lick my lips and run my palms over my thighs. “Sir, if I may…”
His eyes meet mine, shining with interest. “Please, call me Nathan. Goddess, you practically grew up in this home with the rest of our children.”
I push forward before I lose my courage. “Yes, sir—I mean, Nathan. I want to be completely transparent with you and let you know that, since I met Jessica. I’ve experienced some changes, in a good way, I think.” I inhale sharply inhale. “I’ve developed... feelings or maybe a bond. I’m not really sure what to call it. I understand there is quite a bit of an age difference between the two of us. I promise you that I will treat her with nothing but respect.” I take another deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts.
He raises his hand, halting me from making a fool of myself. “I see. Would this have to do with your sudden decision to step down as Young Alpha?”
My father must have called and spoken to him about the change in our status. He and I literally only spoke of it last night. “It did. I want to be all in. I didn’t want to take things further, not that they have. I wanted to make sure that Icouldpursue a relationship with her. I’m not selfish to want something and givefalse reassurances on my end, especially because my intended mate is also her best friend. I care for both of them. I wouldn’t dare hurt either of them.”
He steeples his fingers in front of his chin, assessing me. “Thank you for being honest with me. I have no doubt in my mind that you will treat our daughter with respect. However, she’s only seventeen and will need to experience what life has to offer. Settling down at a young age isn’t good for her when she’s barely been outside of the territory.”
“Sir, I?—”
He holds up his hand again.
Heat rises in my face. Beads of perspiration dot along my forehead. He doesn’t approve of our bond.
He chuckles. “What I’m trying to say is have fun. Enjoy each other’s company. Don’t take things too seriously—not yet anyway. You two will have plenty of time for all of that. Get to know each other and experience life outside of the territory boundaries. Do you understand?”
“Yeah. I think so.”
“Good. Besides, I don’t think it’s my approval you should be sweating over. I’m sure this isn’t something you could have talked to Anders about. If he had his way, he would lock her up for the rest of her life. Add in a potential mate and he probably would self-detonate.”
I shake my head. “I plan to tell him when the time is right, if and when there is something to tell. Right now, these feelings are completely one-sided.”
He laughs. “Well, when you do have that conversation with him, make sure I’m present. He might not kill you if I’m there.”
A sense of relief passes through me. Just before the muscles in my shoulders relax, his good-humored smile drops.
“Shadow, I love that girl as if she is my own flesh and blood. If you hurt her or do anything to which she does not offerconsent, I will not only let Anders have his way with you, but my boys and I will rip you apart and feed you to the pigs. Am I clear?” His Alpha energy bursts forward.
My balls literally shrivel up and tuck away inside of my body.Shit!Message received.
I pace in the sitting room while I wait for Jessica. Doubt creeps in like a parasitic weed, sliding under my skin and making me itch with anxiety. Some of these emotions stem from the Alpha King’s parting words. What if I can’t control some of these innate animalistic tendencies and hurt her? The thought forms a tight knot in my abdomen.
You won’t hurt her.
How the fuck do you know that? Just a few days ago, I put the fear of the gods in another Alpha. I almost killed one of her favorite guards.
They deserved it, and you were protecting her. The bond brings out a protective instinct. Because of that bond, you will never hurt her. You would rather die than ever hurt your true mate.
I run my hand down my face. At the mention of the bond, my anxiety spikes, and the knot in my gut tightens. The bond forces us together, the reason why I can’t keep my distance from her. But what if she doesn’t like me? Hell, I don’t even know ifIlike me even on a good day. I’m not normal. I don’t engage in normal behaviors, like other shifters my age. I don’t want to scare her away or for her to look at me like I’m a freak.
You should just tell her. It would make things easier. Or ask Emily to talk to her. She is one of the few who knows the real you.
No. It’s my secret. I will tell her when I think she’s ready to learn the truth. Now, go the fuck away!
“Shadow?” Jessica’s raspy voice grabs my attention, and I turn to find her standing in the doorway.
I clear my throat. Shit, she’s so beautiful. Her hair is bundled up in a ponytail. She wears her glasses, although I still don’t understand why she still uses them. She wears a fitted long-sleeved shirt, skinny jeans with manufactured rips in the thighs and Converse shoes.
You’re staring. Say something, fool.
Fuck off!
