Page 17 of King of Forest and Fur

“Leila, I know you’ve been through a lot, but I’m going to need an account of what happened for liability reasons.”

Leila nodded as she took a seat with Tressa, Xanthus, and the other blonde sorceress.

Rehn’s team gathered around him and Drystan’s body while the academics conversed.

“Listen, I need you all to take Drystan back to the territory. We’ll handle everything there and need to address the rest of the sleuth. There are too many waiting for his execution that will want to hear about this.”

Idris placed a sheet over the body. It took four of his men to lift the deceased rogue.

Rehn stopped Idris before he could follow the others. He shot a look toward Leila. She was still busy recounting the events to her peers.

“Drystan attacked Leila. He came here for her specifically.” Rehn nodded at the raven-haired beauty.

Idris followed the gaze.

“I don’t understand. Why?”

“I’m not sure,” Rehn replied. “He confirmed that he did have help. Based on what he gave away and how he escaped, I’m pretty sure it’s a sorcerer.”

“Did he say why?”

“Oh, just the usual. I’m going to get what’s mine, blah, blah, blah. The usual threats.”

“Do you not believe them?”

Rehn looked at his right-hand man with a heavy sigh. “I do. The way this all happened…there’s something bigger at play here. And we need to find out what it is and who else was in on it with Drystan.” His eyes flicked back to Leila. His bear paced with the uncertainty of her safety. He needed his mate with him, especially since she was in danger.

Idris must have caught an unintentional look that gave Rehn away.

“Sir?”

Rehn thought about telling Idris the truth about Leila – his bear recognized her as his mate. Even with everything that had happened, his body was still riding the natural high of simply being close to her.

Now isn’t the time, he decided. But he did know she needed to be with him. He had to know she was safe.

“We need to take her with us.”

“Who? The sorceress that was attacked?”

“Yes. Leila. I need you to make transportation arrangements and pack for her. She’s to stay in the head house.”

“Excuse me, but the hell, I am.”

Leila had overheard the conversation and was now standing.

“Who are you to tell me where I’m going? Or pack my personal things?” Leila made her way to Rehn and got in his face. “You’re not my king.”

“Leila!” Tressa hissed in a warning tone.

Rehn raised his hand. “No, it’s quite all right.”

He had to try not to smile at the fiery sorceress in front of him. She looked quite wound up.

“You heard what Drystan said,” he spoke, addressing only Leila. “There’s a powerful sorcerer out there after you, specifically. One person was sent to get you but failed because I was here. A new person will be sent in his place soon. You need to be protected.”

“This Drystan,” Xanthus piped up as he stepped forward. Rehn hadn’t even seen him stand from his chair, “he was from your kingdom, correct?”

“Correct.”

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