by Marie Medina
Lorelei dropped his arm and was already inching away, apparently glad to have a reason to leave. “Oh, of course!” She turned wide eyes to Vadik and gently touched his shoulders but said nothing. She turned away quickly, lifting her skirts as she rushed along the path.
“Kinsman, you say?” Vadik said when he looked back to Tasia. “I wouldn’t know since none of your people have taken much of an interest until now.”
“You were of no consequence until now,” she said, as if no other explanation was needed. She eyed him up and down. “But you certainly are of Fen descent. You don’t seem to have any elven features, but that’s no matter because there does seem to be magical potential in you based on your vibrations. You have a noble carriage and a very fine body.”
“Is my body really what you wish to speak about?” Since she was so bold and blunt, he studied her in return. She was beautiful, but her features lacked personality, her eyes dull and almost lifeless. She might as well be a statue.
“In a way, yes.” She spread her stance and clasped her hands behind her back as if she were reporting to her commanding officer. “While we value advantageous alliances over the romanticism of fated matehood, the bond is still sacred when the involved parties choose to honor it. News of a shifter with Fen blood being fated to the fae king piqued our interest.”
“News travels fast, it seems.”
“We do not employ spies, if that’s what you mean to imply. But we do encourage strategic friendships.”
“Thank you for making the distinction,” he said, though the sarcasm didn’t seem to resonate with her. He crossed his arms, already tired of this conversation. “Do you have a message for me?”
“A proposal. We wish to make an alliance with this realm. Asmund’s decision to form a treaty with the shifters in the human world and allow them more knowledge of and access to our realms was problematic at first, but we’ve watched the packs and do see the strength in them. The possible advantages of keeping them as allies. Humans do seem to keep multiplying.”
“Imagine that.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly but still revealed nothing. “Are you always so flippant?”
“Do you always talk as if it’s two centuries ago? I mean, the king and the people here at court are formal, but you really take the cake.”
“Take the cake?” She frowned at him.
“Never mind. What’s your proposal?”
“I will do the king the honor of marrying him and bear him at least two sons if he will name you as our consort and let me have children by you as well. If you are an officially recognized consort, these children will be legitimate. We’ll simply need to ensure that I have a son by you first so that it will be the heir. My sons with Asmund will have potential and be given roles according to their talents and magical abilities, but the children you sire will be far superior.”
You’ll do him the honor of marrying him, will you? Bitch, I don’t know what drugs you’re on, but they are something else. “I’ll do anything to be with my mate, but I won’t share him, especially not with someone like you. And I can tell you right now that Asmund won’t be even slightly interested in your revolting proposal. If you were a man, you’d be in need of that sword at your side right now. He’s my mate, not a stud horse, and I don’t like hearing him talked about this way.”
Seeming unperturbed, she said, “Asmund was raised to rule. He won’t have as emotional a reaction as you are having. Being raised among the humans did you no favors, I see. The king will see the reason and logic in my points. An alliance with us will benefit his kingdom far more than it will my clan.”
“Tell yourself whatever you want. I’m turning you down, lady, so there’s nothing more to say.”
She tilted her head. “You find me unappealing because I’m not perfumed and giggling and covered in lace like the delicate little nymph you were with earlier?”
“I find you unappealing because you’re cold and calculating. And rude and presumptuous.”
“I’d heard shifters were temperamental. There’s nothing wrong with talking about things bluntly. Objectively. I meant no disrespect in the way I was talking about the king. Even if he is fae, Asmund is still of royal lineage, and I will never dishonor him. I’ll obey him unless I have very good reason not to. I will show him all due respect when I become his queen.”
When you become his… Vadik felt his wolf rising up, and he had to fight to keep from growling. “That’s never going to happen.” He struggled to keep himself in check, the desire to attack strong.
Tasia’s stance faltered a bit, and she stumbled back slightly. Surprise came to her eyes, which soon narrowed. “I see powers are emerging already.”
Vadik frowned. “What?”
She took a step forward. “You pushed me away. I felt it.” She tilted her head, studying him. “Did you not do it intentionally?”
“I didn’t do anything.” Or did I? I sure as fuck wanted to push her away, among other things.
“I suppose it doesn’t matter, though it is intriguing. I can’t read you very well, which is unusual. I can usually penetrate human minds easily.”
“Sounds rude.”
She laughed. “Not that human males are that hard to understand. I’ve taken several to my bed.” An unsettling smile curved her lips. “I’m very skilled, and not at all cold, despite what you say. We simply check our passions until the appropriate moments. I can assure you that you’ll experience a variety of new pleasures. You and the king would be very satisfied and well-tended in that department.”
Variety of new pleasures? Well-tended? That department? Those last two words nearly sent him over the edge of his control. What kind of fucking rabbit hole have I fallen down now? “I’m not interested, and neither is Asmund.”
As if he hadn’t said anything, she said, “I will give you time to reflect, to cool your temper. I have other matters to attend to and will approach the king with my offer this afternoon.” She bowed again and walked away.
Crazy bitch! He strode toward the palace to find Asmund, unable to stand the thought of that woman being anywhere near him. He knew his mate would hear her out to avoid offending her, but he wanted Asmund to at least be prepared for what was coming.
The thought that others might have all kinds proposals in mind for Asmund made him walk faster.
****
Asmund began to wonder if something might be wrong because, for the third time, someone told him Vadik had been looking for him. He still had so many things to do, but worry began to build, making his stomach knot. Vadik would’ve said if it was urgent, wouldn’t he? Not willing to risk it, Asmund reached out and sensed the man was in the palace, close to the ballroom. Asmund cut through the rose garden and angled off that way to meet up with him, but he stopped when a leather-clad woman with an impressive sword at her waist came marching down the stairs from one of the verandas, her gaze locked on him.
This must be Tasia. Erik said she refused to relinquish her sword. Asmund paused to wait for her.
She gave a low bow when she reached him. “Your Majesty, I am Tasia, daughter of Fendal and granddaughter of Althur. I crave a moment of your time.”
Asmund wanted nothing more than to go inside and find Vadik, but what he wanted wouldn’t matter even a little bit until after tomorrow night. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Althur was clan leader for many decades, I believe. I’m honored they’ve sent such a prestigious representative.” He cringed inwardly. Prestigious representative? He’d been meeting so many people he was running out of niceties and greetings.
She smiled, though her eyes reflected no emotion. “I’m pleased you recognize the importance of my line. I have a proposal for you. And Vadik. He wasn’t very receptive, but he is mostly human, after all. Hot tempered.”
“Oh, you met Vadik?” And you experienced his temper? Asmund felt he now knew why Vadik had been trying to find him. He could easily imagine Tasia rubbing Vadik the wrong way.
“Yes. He’s handsom
e and well formed.” Her gaze swept over him. “And you’re taller than I expected. Beautiful eyes. I’m pleased by you.”
Asmund had to fight back an unexpected laugh as he imagined this woman telling Vadik he was “well formed”. He was now even more curious about her encounter with the shifter. “I’m glad you find us both … pleasing. But what proposal do you have for us?”
“An alliance, one to rejoin our peoples. We of elven blood have kept apart too long. Fate is stepping in by giving you a Fen mate. His blood may be tainted, but the strength of the Fen line shows through.”
His amusement evaporated as he tensed. “Vadik’s blood is not tainted. And I don’t think I see your point. How could he and I mating form an alliance with your clan? You’ve ignored him until now. Why would he swear any loyalty to you? Or feel any for that matter? He has no reason to.”
She stepped closer. “With me as your wife and him as our consort, we will produce a line of strong children gifted in the use of magic. No enemy could ever defeat us. Other matings between our people will follow, and your bloodlines will once again be strong, as ours are. Your people are growing too weak and complacent, paying too much attention to human society and culture, and we must—”
He held up a hand and cut her off. “I only allowed you to keep talking because I was too angry for words. But now that you are insulting my people, I’m going to stop you. We have nothing more to say to each other, as your proposal is utterly absurd. Please accept my refusal graciously.”
“Your reaction proves my point. To reject the idea so quickly? It is unwise.”
“It was unwise of you to come here and start planning my future for me. And that of my people. You are out of line.” He bowed, his hands clenched as his anger built. “If you will excuse me. I have much to do today.”
“It is very important that you hear me out. Vadik is extremely powerful. Being near you is obviously causing his abilities to blossom, as would be expected of a true mating to one such as yourself. I felt what he is capable of. He kept me out of his mind without seeming to put forth any effort. He even shoved me away without touching me.”
Did he? Then why can’t you take the hint? The news set his mind racing, but his anger had him too impatient to ask questions. “He’ll do more than that if you press me too much.” He bowed again, the gesture more pointed this time. “Please, I beg that you excuse me.”
She grabbed his arm as he turned away, her grip strong. “You are making a grave mistake, Your Majesty.”
Asmund could only stare at her. He counted in his mind as he tried to calm down and steady his breathing. He wanted to throw her across the courtyard, but he didn’t want the Sons of Fenrir storming the palace the next day.
But before he could think of a response, a woman screamed. As Asmund whipped his head around to look, he saw an enormous wolf racing toward them. It growled and swiped a paw at Tasia, knocking her to the ground. The wolf stood over her, one gigantic paw on her chest.
Asmund realized it was Vadik, and he rushed forward. “Vadik, stop! I’m not in any danger. We were only talking.”
Vadik glanced to him, still growling.
“I am unharmed, Your Majesty,” Tasia said, seemingly calm. “But if you do not get him off me, I will shift as well. And no one will persuade me to back down.”
“Vadik, please! Back off!” Asmund said. “I don’t want anyone hurt.” He glanced around, seeing the handful of people around them frozen in fear.
When Vadik didn’t move, Asmund reached out and stroked his neck. “Please, Vadik,” he said softly.
Vadik backed away, though he never took his eyes off Tasia.
She rose and dusted herself off. To Vadik, she said, “We were only talking. And you should know that your mate could send me through a wall with the greatest of ease. While you and I would be evenly matched in physical combat, I do not compare to him in the use of magic.” She eyed him with admiration. “Please consider my proposal. You’re magnificent, and I would be honored to give you many strong children.”
Asmund pushed his breath out in a huff when she finally stopped talking. He’d been seconds away from using a spell to silence her. Vadik growled again, and Asmund took hold of him. “Tasia, please leave us. If you insist on insulting his human temperament, please give it a wide berth.”
Tasia finally showed an emotion—annoyance. She gave a forced smile. “As you desire, Your Majesty.”
As she walked away, Erik came running up from the side, his gaze on her. “Shall I escort her out?”
“No, not yet.” Asmund looked around to the gathering crowd. “See that everyone is calmed and reassured. Leave her be unless she bothers anyone. I’m taking him away for now.”
“Of course,” Erik said, turning away and speaking to the men behind him.
Asmund opened a portal and gestured to it. “Come with me, please.”
Vadik didn’t move.
“You need to shift back and calm down. I don’t want everyone ogling you,” he said, trying to be funny to snap Vadik out of his anger.
He had no idea if it worked, but the enormous wolf stalked through the portal. Asmund raised a hand to those gathered and bowed before walking through and closing the portal. He’d taken them to a meadow far away, and he walked over to Vadik, who had shifted back to his human form.
Asmund started to speak, but he found he could say nothing when the muscular and completely naked man pulled Asmund flush against him. Yet there was nothing erotic about the moment. Vadik trembled a little, and Asmund wrapped his arms around the shifter.
“Be angry with me if you must,” Vadik said. “But I couldn’t help it when I saw her grab you.”
Asmund moved his hands up and down Vadik’s back. “I’m all right. And I really could have defended myself.”
“I don’t care. She put her hands on you. And I couldn’t stand it.” He drew back an inch and tipped Asmund’s head back so they could look at each other. “Did she tell you what she wants?”
“Yes, and you know she won’t get it.”
“I do, but it’s the fact she even proposed such a thing to you. I wanted to fight her. To claw her and bite her.”
“And such actions could land us in a war with an entire clan of people like her. I was repulsed by what she proposed, but I had to remain diplomatic and even tempered. Yes, it’s very hard, but I have no choice. Everything I do could affect my people.”
Vadik stroked Asmund’s hair. “I know.”
The weight of that fact hung heavy in the air as they stared at each other. Asmund wished to offer more comfort, but he didn’t trust himself. “She says she felt your power. That you kept her from invading your mind and even shoved her?”
Vadik looked uncertain as he said, “That’s what she claims. I was defensive from the moment she approached, but I know nothing about her trying to get into my head. I felt nothing, sensed nothing. Yet she said she couldn’t read me. And I suppose I did shove her. She faltered and stumbled, looking pretty surprised. But I’ve no idea how I did it.”
“Happens with young fae all the time. You were thinking of shoving her, or perhaps something even more forceful?”
“I was trying not to punch her. She spoke of being your queen and giving you children. And how she would please us with her skills. I’m not sure how I held back.”
Asmund ran his hand lightly over Vadik’s back. “Your vibrations do seem stronger. It’s probably being here. Being near me.”
“Being near you certainly does affect me.”
“You feel better now?” Asmund asked, trying not to fall under the spell of the moment.
“I’m naked and holding my mate. Things are looking up.” He smiled, though a bit of worry still lingered in his gaze.
“Will you hate me if I say you have to formally apologize to her at the reception tonight?”
The smile vanished. “No, but I’ll be pretty pissed.”
“I’m sorry.”
Vadik ran two fingers down Asmun
d’s cheek. “Promise to make it up to me?”
“Yes, if I can.”
“Oh, you can. Tomorrow night after the ball.”
“Your overconfidence isn’t as much of a turn-off as hers is.”
“Good.” Vadik bent and kissed him, the brief touch of lips surprisingly tender.
“We should go back. And get you some clothes.”
“If you insist.”
Asmund let his gaze wander up and down Vadik, wishing he could touch him but knowing he couldn’t. He made himself turn away. “If we don’t get you dressed soon, who knows what other kinds of proposals will be coming our way.”
“Not tempted to find out?”
Asmund shook his head slowly. “No. Not at all.”
****
Vadik found himself searching the crowd for Lorelei. If he could just get her talking, he could likely put off apologizing to Tasia for at least half an hour. But the nymph stood very close to a tall man with golden skin, laughing up at him and caressing his arm. He watched them a moment, wondering what race or type of being the man was. He still didn’t really know how to phrase things. Two women with horns curling from their temples had passed him earlier in the hallway, and he found himself feeling very alone. His Alpha and a few other members of his pack would be at the ball tomorrow night, but none of them seemed to be here now. He hadn’t even thought to ask if they were likely to come to this reception.
He noticed Tasia stride into the room because the crowd parted a little. Were people afraid of her? Even though he’d changed into an enormous wolf just a few hours ago, no one seemed wary of him. In fact, he’d noticed even more people eyeing him with interest, lots of smiles being thrown his way, even though no one approached. He couldn’t be sure if they were impressed by him or pleased he had stepped in to defend their king.
Though the buzz of voices didn’t die down, many eyes turned to him as he walked over to Tasia. He’d practiced what he would say since so many would be watching and listening. The next few moments would reflect on Asmund as well, and Vadik was determined to show that he could be, and always would be, a credit to his mate.