Page 18 of King of Forest and Fur

“Then wouldn’t that mean that taking Miss Camor there would only bring her closer to the shifter that was after her?”

Rehn’s bear growled in protest. “That is beside the point. I would be the one personally protecting her.”

“But you couldn’t even keep a man in your prison. What says you can keep this shifter out of the castle?”

“Are you suggesting that I can’t protect her?” Rehn was growing short in his manners. He didn’t like being challenged, especially over protecting his mate.

“No, not at all. Just that maybe there is a weak spot in your system that needs to be sorted out.”

Leila interjected before Rehn could rebuttal.

“Do I get a say in this? I’m a grown-ass woman and I can protect myself.”

Xanthus turned his eyes onto Leila, calm and kind. “That’s been proven evident, but we would all feel safer knowing you are better protected. No one knows what will happen next it seems. I know the academy can undoubtedly put up all sorts of wards to help keep you protected. Probably far better than the king would be able to provide.”

The remark at the end felt snide and unnecessary to Rehn. It poked his bear enough that the anger was eating away at rationality.

He was about to say very unkinglike things to the sage until Tressa interrupted.

“Gentlemen, Leila, I think it would be in the best interest of you and the academy if you reside far from campus. For now.”

Leila looked crestfallen. “You want me to leave?”

“No, dear. Not permanently. Just while you are a target; this thing has to be sorted out first. For the safety of the students and everyone else. Chaniel can take over your classes for the time being.”

The short blonde one stepped forward. “I can keep you up to date with everything we do and I’ll follow your books and guidelines.”

Leila’s dark eyes were soft with gratitude.

“Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”

The two hugged as the blonde whispered for Leila to be safe.

“Then it’s settled. You’ll stay with me.”

Rehn tried not to appear too smug about the fact that he had gotten his way. There was no way he was letting Leila out of his sight. Tressa making the decision took Leila’s anger away from Rehn since he was no longer the one ordering her to stay with him.

Idris gave his king a skeptical look but said nothing. Rehn was sure he had questions for him, but all in due time. Idris knew better than to question Rehn, no matter how close they were in friendship.

Leila’s brown eyes finally met Rehn’s gaze again after her quick hugs. She didn’t look impressed. Not now anyway. That didn’t matter though, as long as she was coming back with him.

“So, Miss Camor. Would you like Idris here to help you pack?”

Now that she wasn’t in danger, her confidence was back, as well as her independence.

“I am fine, Your Majesty,” she said briskly. “I will be packing my own things.”

He could tell she was irritated at having to stay with him. He didn’t know why but he was enjoying seeing her trying to be polite.

He shrugged, unable to hide his growing amusement. “Suit yourself.”

Rehn turned toward Tressa. “Thank you for letting us take care of this issue internally. I promise we will keep Miss Camor safe. When I find out anything, I will let you know.”

Xanthus was the one who answered.

“Please do.”

Rehn knew he shouldn’t be annoyed with the professor. So, he turned to Leila and let his final words be the comeback needed to annoy his mate’s mentor.

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