Page 31 of The Queen

My shoes scuffed the slick metal floor as I turned from the lift and hurried to my quarters, skirts swishing angrily around my legs, and my eyes prickling with moisture.

The scent of sun-warmed oak trees cradled me as I approached my cabin. Lex was standing outside my door, looking agitated. The footfalls behind me faded to nothing as I rushed into my alpha’s arms.

He didn’t hesitate for one second to wrap me in his strong embrace. I wasn’t ready to face him, or anyone, but he held me while I wallowed in the pain that flooded my chest. Emotions threatened to overwhelm me, but something about Lex’s calm presence was like a soothing balm. It took time, snuggling into his strength and warmth, before I was ready to face him.

Composing myself, I breathed in his scent, taking heart in the familiar comfort, before I stepped back.

“I heard you’ve been busy,” he said.

Oh, Stars. What had I done this time? I wasn’t ready for more disappointment directed at me.

I glanced over my shoulder and saw the others lingering down the hall. At least I wouldn’t have to take the fall alone.

“Inside, now,” Lex said, opening the door for us all.

I followed him in, but wasn’t sure what to do with myself. Nervously, I walked to my bed, then a few steps toward the dining area, then back toward the bed. I settled for clasping my hands behind me and rocking on my heels.

The alphas made the room feel smaller than it was. Their presence filled the entire space, barely leaving enough oxygen to breathe.

“Can someone explain why the fuck there was a riot in the military ward?“ Lex’s emphasis was entirely on the word fuck.

“Her scent. Can’t you smell it?” Shadow asked. His voice was a smokey curl in the otherwise still air.

“Yes, I can. Why aren’t you using your soap, Saphyra?”

Lex’s accusation stung. I had been using it. I’d been very careful to always use it.

“I have,” I choked out, a myriad of emotions making it hard to reply.

“It doesn’t seem like you have. It’s incredibly dangerous not to.” He paused for a moment and turned to look at Shadow. “Not to mention the fact that you were taken out of your secure room on a secure level. To go outside of all places. With no additional security.“ The muscle in Lex’s cheek pulsed as he grit his teeth.

Shadow’s normally cocky grin diminished under the accusations, but Ghost’s return from where he’d snuck off into the bathroom stopped the conversation in its tracks.

He held up a white lump that looked like my scent neutralizing soap. “You talking about this?”

Lex studied the object and took a sniff of it. “That’s not what I sent you.”

A spark of boldness rose in my chest. “And yet, that’s what they gave me. What I was told to use.” I was starting to feel like a chastised child, and it was grating. “I didn’t do it on purpose. Why would I purposely not use a safety measure that was put in place?”

“You went outside today. Which was a measure put in place for your safety. So you can see why I might be skeptical.” Lex towered over me like an angry, golden storm cloud. I wanted to scratch his eyes out. Probably because it was true.

“I realize the danger now. I won’t do it again,” I said.

He didn’t look convinced, but what else could I do?

“I’ll have more soap sent up. We have dinner tonight in the Regent’s suite.” His gaze left me and turned to the other alphas. “You’re both invited as my guests, but I can understand if you prefer not to attend.”

I looked back and forth between them, but zeroed in on Ghost as he dropped his eyes to the floor. “Wait, why wouldn’t you want to attend? You should come.”

“Axion might not want to attend because Aster and Hazel are my step-sisters,” Lex said before turning to the door.

Anxiety rolled over me in a wave. My fingers tingled as my body went into shock, shutting down. The only thing I could choke out was, “I see,” before he left.

“If you want me to be there, I will be, princess.” Ghost walked up to me, but I flinched away.

I wasn’t ready for that unhealed wound to be prodded. Real or not, the feelings were still fresh in my thoughts. “No, not tonight. I need some time.”

“If you change your mind, just let me know. I would walk through the center of the suns if it would make you happy.” Ghost pressed a kiss to the top of my head and left.

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