Chapter 29
“Colette POV
I can’t help but feel bad for Caspian, as he looks away from me, unable to look me in the eye. It’s
obvious that he may not have a queen now, but at one point there was someone he cared for, loved
maybe.
I tilt my head, taking in his graying hair and the way his skin seems to glisten as if he dusted with a
soft morning dew. He is a handsome man, looking dashing in his expensive clothes as he eats in
his silence. But king of the council or not, he is still a
man, or part man.
“What is it like?” I ask, making him pause mid bite. “The ocean?”
He ces his spoon down. Caspian turns in his chair to face me, his curious eyes taking in my face
a spark of interest in his deep grays.
“That’s a strange question,” He says, but the malice isn’t there, instead he ces his elbows on the
table and leans on them, watching me with a curious glint in his eyes.
‘s just that I’ve never been to the ocean before.” I give him a soft smile. “I’ve always wondered what
it feels like or even looks like under the waves.”
“It’s a shame you haven’t experienced for yourself.” He says, returning my smile. “The ocean is-
“Wet, and smells of fish” Florence interrupts, mumbling into her ss of whatever alcohol can get
supernatural beings drunk. I’m not entirely sure they can get drunk, but with how she acts, she has
to be drunk. All the time.
“My first time being near a body of water was when I came to my new pack.” I say ignoring Florence
and reminiscing about theke that instantly made me feel at home. The way the water just calmed
me. The sound, the feel, having it near me.
“And did you enjoy it?”
I nod, giddily. “The water is magical.”
“It is indeed.” he gives me a tight smile, before clearing his throat. I nce around the table.
Everyone’s eyes are on us, watching me like I am spinning some b, ready to catch Caspian and
drag him away or something.
Then he sits back in his chair, looking between me and Merikh before he clears his throat once
more and picks up his — utensils again, then straightens himself out to eat the rest of his dinner.
-You trained this dog better than thest one. He mutters, before scooping up food and pushing it
into his mouth.
My jaw drops and Merikh’s arm tightens around me, a warning not to say anymore. My gaze once
again slides around the table, taking in all the unfamiliar faces who try not to stare or gawk at me
and my embarrassed, red cheeks
“This is my Luna, Caspian.” Merikh says in a low, threatening voice.
“Your point?” He sighs, annoyed.
“She is not a dog, nor is she someone for you to judge and put down.”
“Please, you think we don’t see this pathetic attempt to make her dazzle me by speaking about the
fucking water so you can earn your spot on the council? I am not stupid. If she is your mate, your
true Luna, then where is your mark, Merikh?” He asks, turning his head and looking at my neck. He
observes both sides. “I don’t see it.”
“Our marks do not always go where others can see them,” Merikh tells him.
“Oh,e on, that’s bullshit and you know it.” Johannes heckles from his side of the table. “You
marked Lauren on the neck. Are you not as fond of this one? Because Florence and I would take
her for you.
“Shut up Johannes,” Caspian growls, “Must you always bring up that dreadful dead bitch?
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Johannes stands abruptly, his chair toppling to the floor as he ms his fists on the table.
“Sit Down Caspian hisses. I watch as Johannes‘ eyes flicker a darker red before he pushes off in
anger and collects his chair.
“He is right,” a bearded man draws out, crossing his arms over his broad chest as he sits back, his
eyes boring into mine. “We all know Lycan’s are possessive. Your kind wants the world to know
what belongs to them.”
I scoff, rolling my eyes and I force Merikh’s hand from my waist angrily. I scowl, looking around the
table, annoyed and nervous. These people are all full of themselves and such assholes, including
Caspian, who I mistakenly got the vibe might be a decent person. Everyone here is so full of
themselves and self important that it is a wonder that anyone is ever safe or that the council even
serves a real purpose.
“Should I hike up my dress to show you my mark?” I offer, reaching for the hem, pulling it up an
inch, showcasing more skin that I am used to. Merikh growls, jumping up as Florence giggles and
Caspian looks at me arching a brow in curiosity.
“I think we would rather not see it.” He says after a moment. Merikh moves himself in front of me,
his eyes zing in anger and I furrow my brows, confused. Why would he be upset about me
calling their bluff to help us!
“Speak for yourself, Florence says with a gleeful grin. “Show me the mark, baby girl.”
“Your mark is only for me to see,” Merikh hisses, bending down so our faces are close together. His
nose lightly brushes over mine. A warning in his eyes.
“Sit. Eat your food. You will want all the nourishment you can get before we sit and argue for a
month about why you will never be on the council again. Caspian sighs.
I press my hands to Merikh’s chest, giving myself space as I look him in the eyes, then nod to the
chair. He doesn’t budge until I gently push him a second time and his lips twitch in frustration before
he sits and opens his arms to wee me back on hisp
His muscr forearm wraps around me like a seatbelt, tucking me as close as humanly possible to
him. I wiggle, trying to getfortable, but freeze when I hear a pained groan and feel something
pressing into my butt cheek.
I slide him a nce over my shoulder, shocked, and he gives me a wry smile. He dips his head, his
lips finding the top of my shoulder, before pressing a kiss to my heated skin. I need to remind
myself I am mad at him. That our rtionship is built on a broken foundation with no trust, but damn
if I can’t help but want to melt into him.
“How did you two meet? Seeing as you are obviously second chance mates, which is a little rare
for your kind, correct?” A blonde–haired woman asks, drawing my attention. I give her a soft smile.
“It’s not crazy rare, but it’s not an everyday urrence.” I smile. “Merikh came to my pack to mate
with the Alpha’s daughter Loffer, before getting ng squeeze from Merikh to continue on.
a
“And you discovered you were mates.” She finishes and I chuckle.
“Something like that.” I say softly, leaning back into the wall of a man behind me. “I discovered my
first mate in the alpha’s daughter’s bed. He got her pregnant and then rejected me. Merikh and I
obviously refused her, and I was traded in her ce. At his insistence, of course.”
“How romantic,” she says, clutching her chest with a genuine smile on her lips.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Merikh mutters and 1 bark out augh, thinking back on what feels like so
long ago.
Then I shake my head and look down, noticing the tes before us, a little shocked that I didn’t
see them arrive, but I grab a fork and cut into the roasted chicken breast. As I take a bite, relishing
the tender meat, there is shouting down the hallway that has everyone looking around.
“Oh, great, Brent is here.” Johannes says.
“Does the wizard get under your skin, vamp?” Florence asks with a giddy grin.
“Enough. Eat, then go about your business. I am tired of the bickering, especially when we all
know what the first meeting
will turn into by the end.”
I furrow my brow, not really sure what will happen but based on everyone taking a drink from their
cups and avoiding eye contact with anyone, it seems tomorrow will be very much like this dinner. As
long as I’m not a part of it, it could be fun.
Merikh leans forward, one arm around my waist and the other feeding himself. I take his lead,
devouring my food in silence before pressing back into him again and watching the others chat
amongst themselves.
As everyone finishes their meals, they leave in silence, either wandering to the deck outside and
mingling or disappearing down the hallways. Merikh helps me off hisp, taking his hand in mine as
he leads me back to the room, closing the door behind us and releasing a heavy sigh. All of his
tension evaporates as he spins and looks at me.
“So how’d that feel?” He asks. I shrug.
“Not entirely different from dinner in my old pack, except at least here I had almost actual
conversation. Who is the blonde woman?” I ask. “The one that was asking me about how we found
each other?
“She doesn’t matter. What matters is what the hell were you going to do if they called your bluff?”
He growls, crossing the room to me as I take steps backward to escape him.
“They didn’t.” I remind him.
“If they had, it would have gotten us both killed, you understand that, right? I would have killed every
fucking one of them I could for seeing what wasn’t theirs to see.”
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I bite back a smile, trying to hide the thrilling shiver that zips through my body with his possessive
nature over me. No one has ever really wanted me before, all of me. I mean, he has acted this way
with Grady, but for him to be this way with people that are equal to him…it’s a little exciting and kind
of a turn on.
“It won’t happen again.” I tell him, and he drags a hand over his face.
“I’m sorry it’s just…after everything with…” He pauses and frowns at me and I sigh. He is talking
about Grady. Would he still feel this way if he knew the truth? If he knew I picked him and that it
was an easy decision? I hire my lip, but my damn mouth has a mind of its own since bing his
Luna
“Merikh, I didn’t kiss Grady back. I pped him and told him to leave.” I blurt out. Merikh freezes,
his eyes full of shock and wonder.
“I saw you two kissing.” He tries to argue, but I close the short distance between us now. Pressing
my hand to his cheek.
“He kissed me and I was stunned. The second I realized what was happening, I shoved him back
and pped him. You can alphamand me to tell you the truth.”
He pauses, thinking about it for a moment. I want him to trust me, to take my word for it because,
damn it, it’s the freaking truth. My chest aches with anticipation, my eyes flitting from one to the
other, trying to predict what is going to happen.
next.
“It is easier if I don’t believe you.” He murmurs, and my heart shatters. I don’t know why it does. I
knew what his response would be. Merikh’s trust issues have trust issues. Asking for such a big
thing from him was a long shot, but I still find myself so disappointed.
“You mean you still don’t trust me? Merikh, you could justmand the truth. Under the oath, I
can’t lie to you, right?”
He steps away from me, moving to the bathroom, stopping in the doorway.
“You think the kiss is the only issue? The fact remains, you still lied to my face, Colette.” he
whispers before disappearing. Leaving me behind to force the tears away and reflect on what I
know was wrong.
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