The Beta's Heart (Wilde Creek Book 8)

by R. E. Butler

  Ren walked through the portal and stepped out in front of a quaint building with a wooden sign that read “Jeweler” in script.

  The front door swung open and a male with long, white hair said, “E’lahn, welcome.”

  E’lahn shook the male’s hand and said, “Thanks for letting us come on short notice. This is my daughter’s mate, Ren. He’s a wolf shifter from the other realm. Ren, this is Porth, the royal jeweler.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Ren said.

  “Of course. I’m amazing,” Porth said. He stepped into the house and Ren and E’lahn followed. “You’re looking for an engagement ring, yes?”

  “Yes, Sir,” Ren said.

  “Sit, sit,” Porth said. He moved around a large, glass case and sat on a stool, and Ren and E’lahn took the chairs across from him. Inside the case, gemstones glittered in the sunlight that streamed through the skylights in the ceiling. Behind the jeweler, shelves held tools and what looked like metal bricks in varying shades.

  “Tell me what the young lady likes,” Porth said.

  Ren didn’t have to think hard to know exactly what she loved. “Flowers.”

  Porth nodded. “Her favorite?”

  “Fairy roses.”

  Porth hummed and swiveled on the stool to face the shelves. He picked up a block of silvery metal and set it on a table next to the glass case. He settled his fingertips on the block. His wings appeared, sliding through slits in his shirt and unfurling, the feathers silvery-gray with gold tips. His fingers glowed a brilliant yellow, and as he lifted them from the block, strands of molten metal followed, twining and twirling into a ring shape. He moved one hand into the glass case and chose several gemstones, from the clearest diamonds to the pinkest stones Ren had ever seen.

  “He’s a medalionfae,” E’lahn said. “He has control over anything with metal.”

  “It’s remarkable,” Ren said.

  “I told you I was amazing,” Porth said.

  The ring hovered in the air and Porth cupped his hands around it, the yellow light brightening until Ren had to look away because it made his eyes ache. Ren blinked until the spots cleared and turned back, his mouth dropping open as he stared at the ring between Porth’s finger and thumb. A brilliant, round diamond was the center of a platinum rose, the petals covered with tiny, pink gems. On either side of the rose were diamond-covered leaves that encircled the ring.

  Ren took the ring in his hand. “It’s still warm,” he said.

  “It will stay warm until you put it on Kismet’s finger,” Porth said as he put the bar of platinum back on the shelf and turned to face them.

  “What?” Ren asked.

  Porth smiled. “I guess you’d say it was a ‘smart’ ring, in that its size is malleable until it’s on the finger of your intended. Once the ring is on her finger, it will mold to exactly the correct size.”

  “Wow,” Ren said. “That’s…incredible.”

  “Yep.” Porth clapped his hands together, clicked his tongue, and pointed his thumbs at himself. “Amazing.”

  E’lahn snorted. “Your ego gets larger every time I see you.”

  “Greatness can’t be contained,” Porth said.

  “What do I owe you?” Ren asked. The ring was too beautiful for words and just perfect for Kismet. He didn’t care what the cost.

  “Watch out for him,” a masculine voice said from behind them. “He’s known to be a cheat.”

  E’lahn stood swiftly and bowed, and Ren looked at Porth in surprise to see him bowing as well. Unsure what to do, but not wanting to be rude, Ren stood and faced the visitor and bowed.

  “Sire,” E’lahn said, “this is my daughter’s truemate, Ren Corbin, a wolf shifter from the other realm. Ren, this is our king, Alberik.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir,” Ren said.

  Porth snorted. “It’s only because you’re new to the realm.”

  Ren’s brows rose as he looked between the fae king and the jeweler.

  “I see you’ve met my brother-in-law,” Alberik said. “He’s only alive because my wife made me promise not to kill him.”

  “And, because I’m awesome,” Porth said.

  “So, what brings you to my talented, but ridiculous, in-law?” Alberik asked.

  Ren held up the ring that Porth had made. “I’m going to ask Kismet to marry me.”

  “That’s wonderful news,” he said. He looked thoughtful. “There’s a lovely garden my wife has cultivated at the palace. It’s quite the romantic setting. Why don’t you bring Kismet to dinner tonight, and you can ask her in the garden? I’m sure she’d enjoy the view.”

  Ren glanced at E’lahn who nodded. “Can my father-in-law join us?”

  Alberik grinned. “Of course.”

  “Then we’d be happy to come. Thank you very much.”

  “An engagement is something to celebrate, and for the only daughter of one of our highest-ranking military males, it’s entirely my pleasure. See you at seven. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have business with Porth.”

  “Wait,” Ren said. “You didn’t tell me how much I owe you for the ring.”

  Porth tutted. He took the ring from Ren and placed it gently inside a black velvet box. “An invitation to the wedding is all I ask.”

  “Are you sure? This ring is spectacular.”

  Porth smiled smugly at the king. “See? Someone appreciates my work.”

  “I never said I didn’t,” Alberik said.

  “No charge,” Porth said. “It’s my pleasure to design jewelry for the children of the military.”

  “Thank you,” Ren said. “We’ll send you an invitation for sure.”

  After saying goodbye to Porth and the king, Ren followed E’lahn through a portal into Kismet’s home. E’lahn texted Key to let her know they were back.

  “Won’t Kismet be surprised we’re going to the king’s for dinner?”

  He put the phone back in his pocket. “It’s not unusual for the king to invite the high-ranked military members and their families to dinner from time to time. She’s dined with him and his wife, Rose, on other occasions. I think the king is curious about you being from the other realm. I’ll let Kismet know to portal to the palace for dinner at seven. I’ll send something appropriate for you to wear.”

  “Thank you,” Ren said. “For everything.”

  “Of course. See you soon.”

  E’lahn stepped through a portal into his own home. Just as he disappeared, another portal appeared, and Kismet stepped into the house. “Hey!” she said, giving him a hug. He tucked the box into his back pocket and hugged her tightly.

  “I missed you,” he said, burying his face in her throat and inhaling her sweet scent.

  “Aw, me too,” she said.

  Her phone buzzed and his sensitive hearing picked up the sound. She pulled it from her pocket and read the screen. “Oh, this is interesting. Dad says we’re invited to dinner at the palace tonight.”

  “Really? That’s cool.”

  “Yeah. I haven’t been to the palace since I was a teenager. The king’s wife Rose is so beautiful. She can control flowers like me, but she’s really powerful and talented. Dad said he’ll send over clothes for you.”

  “What kind of clothes?”

  “Well, I don’t know for sure, but probably a dress shirt, with trousers and a matching jacket. Come on,” she said, tugging him toward the bedroom.

  “Where are we going?” he asked.

  She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes glittering. “You said you missed me. We have to make love.”

  “Oh?” he asked with a chuckle.

  “Yep. I’m pretty sure it’s a law.”

  “If it’s not, it should be.”

  Chapter 14

  Kismet slipped on a pair of blue satin heels studded with tiny crystals. The heels matched her dress perfectly, one of her favorites from her collection of ball gowns. The strapless gown had a sweetheart neckline, and the full skirt made her curves look even curvier. She c
urled her hair, pulling the sides up with crystal clips to showcase the mating mark that Ren had given her.

  The bathroom door swung open and Ren stepped out. He tugged on the cuff of the jacket and gave her a tentative smile.

  She stood and walked to him, the dress swishing with the motion. “Oh, you look amazing!”

  The black, leather trousers were fitted, with a wide belt. The cream-colored silk shirt was covered with a long, maroon jacket, that had wide cuffs and gold buttons. She began to unbutton the shirt.

  “I don’t think we have time to play, sweetheart,” he said with a growl, “but I love how you think.”

  She giggled. “It’s the style to leave the shirt unbuttoned a few buttons. I love how you think, too.”

  She almost told him that she loved him, because she was very certain she did. They’d only been together for a week, but he held her heart entirely. She couldn’t imagine her life without him in it. She decided to wait to tell him those words until the moment was perfect.

  “You’re gorgeous,” Ren said when she’d finished her task.

  “Thank you. Are you ready?”

  He nodded. “Is there anything I need to know? Like do I have to behave a certain way? I’ve never been around royalty before.”

  “You’ll bow when you meet him and his wife. They don’t shake hands here like they do in your realm. Otherwise, just be on your best behavior. That’s what my dad always said to me.”

  “I promise,” he said.

  She opened a portal, and through it she could see the palace. Guards stood at attention at the gate. Just as she and Ren walked through the portal, her father appeared next to them.

  “Hi, Dad,” she said.

  “Perfect timing,” E’lahn said. To the guards, he said, “The king is expecting us.”

  “Of course,” one of the guards said, ducking his head in a slight bow. The gates opened, and they walked through.

  The trio walked up the marble steps to the front doors, which were opened as they reached the top. Inside the foyer, the king and queen greeted them. She smiled as Ren bowed, following her father’s example. She knew it was strange for him to be around royalty.

  They followed them into the dining hall. Ren pulled out Kismet’s chair and pushed her in gently. He sat next to her, and her father sat on her other side. The king took the chair at the head of the table, and his wife sat on his left. The table was spectacular. Every place setting was full of gold, from the plates to the goblets. Candelabras were draped with flowers and pearls, the flames flickering.

  As the meal was served, conversation flowed around them. The king asked Ren about his pack, the realm, and what it was like to be a shifter. The king’s power, like her father’s, was over fire.

  “We can have dessert in the den,” the king said, pushing out his chair and offering his hand to his wife.

  “Oh,” Rose said, “would you like to take your mate out to see the garden? I found some heirloom seeds for a variety of iris that have been extinct in this realm for several decades, and they’re growing beautifully.”

  “Would it be all right?” Kismet asked. “I’d love to see the garden.”

  “Of course,” Rose said. “We’ll be waiting for you in the den.”

  “Want to see some flowers?” she asked Ren.

  He stood and offered her his hand. “Absolutely.”

  She took his hand and they walked through the glass doors that led out of the dining room into the wide backyard. The palace was walled for privacy and security with ten-foot-tall stone slabs. The queen had created a haven within the stone in her garden. It was like Kismet’s garden, but on a much grander scale.

  “Oh, look at the stars,” she said as she turned her gaze upward. “It’s a beautiful night.”

  “Very much so,” Ren said.

  They walked along a stone path to the garden. She pointed out the varying plants to him, finding the ancient iris flowers. She bent to smell the delicate blooms, and when she turned to face Ren, she found him down on one knee, holding a sparkling ring in his fingers.

  “Sweetheart,” he said, gruffly, “I love you. You’re the most important female in the world to me, and I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. Will you marry me?”

  Her heart leaped into her throat and tears stung her eyes. “Yes, of course! I love you, too.”

  She put out her left hand and smiled as she noticed his hands were shaking as much as hers were. The ring was warm, and she recognized it as one of the magical pieces Porth made. It tightened gently on her finger until it was the perfect size.

  Ren stood and pulled her against him, lifting her off the ground. The kiss that they shared seared her all the way to her core. She’d honestly never been happier.

  “We have to get inside, I want to see the ring!”

  He put her down with a chuckle and they walked back into the dining room. The king and queen were still at the table with her father.

  “Well?” her father asked with a broad smile.

  “I said yes,” she said, lifting her hand and looking at the ring. It looked exactly like one of her fairy roses, from the pretty pink gems to the delicate petals.

  The king and queen clapped and her father joined them. “There’s just one thing,” her father said.

  “Oh?”

  “You have to invite Porth to the wedding.”

  “Of course!” she said.

  “And your king and queen,” Alberik said.

  “We were going to get married in the other realm,” Kismet said. “We’d love to have you there as our honored guests.”

  “Then we’ll be there,” Alberik said.

  The king, queen, and her father adjourned to the den, leaving her and Ren alone once more. She turned to face him. “I love the ring, thank you for it. I take it my father took you to Porth’s?”

  “He did. I asked him for permission in the morning and he came to get me while you were with Key.”

  “I knew she was up to something!”

  He hugged her close, his wolf rumbling contentedly in his chest. “Kismet Corbin. How does that sound?”

  “Perfect.”

  * * *

  The next morning, Kismet woke before the sun rose. Ren’s arm was over her waist, his hand resting on her stomach, his warm breath on her neck. She put her hand over his and pressed slightly against her stomach, thinking about the baby. Ren pulled her a little closer as he breathed deeply and then kissed her neck.

  “Morning, sweetheart.”

  “Morning.” She rolled to her back and smiled at him. She pressed her left hand to his cheek, her gaze darting to the ring on her finger. “We’re engaged.”

  He chuckled and kissed her. “Yep.”

  “And pregnant.”

  He kissed her again. “Don’t forget mated.”

  “Right,” she said, brushing her thumb over his lower lip. “There’s something I’d like to do tonight.”

  He wiggled his brows. “Do tell.”

  She chuckled. “Not that. There’s a little ceremony my people do to celebrate a pregnancy. It’s kind of like a blessing or a good luck spell.”

  “Sounds cool. What do we need?”

  “Some special flowers and a shovel.”

  His brow arched. “A shovel?”

  She laughed. “You’ll see. There’s a magical lake about a two-hour walk from here. At midnight, I’ll perform the blessing and we’ll share a vision of our baby.”

  “A vision? Like of the future?”

  “Yep.”

  “Did you say a ‘two-hour walk’? Why can’t you open a portal?”

  “It represents the journey.”

  “Okay. I’m game.” He moved over top of her, his arms straight and a sexy gleam in his eyes. “Now what should we do in the meantime?”

  She ran her hands up his arms, tracing the hard muscles. “I can think of a few dozen activities. But we need to be done by sunset.”

  He glanced at the window where the sun was just
starting to push the darkness from the sky. “I’ll try.”

  * * *

  Kismet put on comfortable tennis shoes for their long walk and grabbed a small pack from the shelf in the closet, which she handed to Ren.

  “This is for the flowers.”

  He followed her to the cabinet in the mudroom and she pulled out a small shovel with a bright blue handle. She put the shovel in the pack and he put it on his back, adjusting the straps so it hung comfortably.

  “Ready?” she asked, looking at her phone.

  “Sure.”

  She set the GPS app for the lake, opened the back door, and took Ren’s hand.

  “Do you want to have a boy or a girl?” she asked as they started on their journey.

  “Is it too cliché to say I just want our baby to be healthy?”

  She grinned. “Yes and no.”

  “Well, I’d love a son to teach wolfy things to. A little girl as beautiful as you will take some serious looking after. Can’t have boys sniffing around her.”

  “You’re going to be an overprotective father, I take it?”

  “Naturally.”

  “Between you and my father, I think any little girls we have will be so protected and loved.”

  “And for our sons, I’ll teach them how to kick ass in wolf form, and your dad can teach them mad sword skills. How about you?”

  “Well, I always wanted a little girl, because they are totally awesome, but I’d be honestly happy for either.”

  “What’s the story about the lake?”

  They stopped at a crossing and she looked at her phone to get her bearings, and then they headed into the woods to pick up a trail that would lead to the base of a mountain and the magical lake.

  “It’s a legend that morphed into a tradition. Supposedly, the first fae couple lived in the mountain and used the lake to bathe. One night, when the female went to bathe, she tossed in the petals from the gossamer rose, which looks like spiders have spun glittery pink cobwebs on them. When the petals hit the water, the surface sparkled. She lifted the petals out of the water and they evaporated, settling on her skin like dust. She had a vision of her unborn child. She cast a spell as a blessing on the baby and invited her mate to join her in the water. It became the tradition of our people, especially with the first child, to make the trek to the lake.”