Page 11 of King of Inferno

“I’m sorry. I’m just so excited to meet you,” I whisper.

“Oh no. It’s not you. I’m starting to get worried about Ray. She should have been here by now. Come, I’ll treat you to dinner. Hopefully she’ll show before we’re done.”

“Oh. Why didn’t I think of that? Do you think her dad found out and kept her from coming?”

“Our dad is an asshole and that’s more than likely what’s happened.”

I nod. I was shocked to learn our father had four children all these years. He kept Ray but shipped the rest of us off. From what I know, only Billy and I landed in foster homes. Lee doesn’t speak much of her upbringing.

She has only recently shared about her unwanted engagement. I get the feeling she has had a better life than Billy and me. It’s as if our father took more care with what would happen with her and Ray.

What was so wrong with me? How could a baby make you not want them? No one has ever wanted me.

I guess that’s why it hasn’t been too hard to stay a virgin. I may have been focused on school, but it’s not like anyone has been knocking down my door. I think of my date tomorrow night.

I guess it was nice to be asked out. I’ll have to give Ferg a chance. What could it hurt?

I shake my head and notice the distant look on Lee’s face. She blinks a few times and then focuses her attention back on me. She gives me a tight smile.

“Come. I’ll feed you and get you home. It’s not safe out there.”

I smile back. “You’re probably one of the older sisters,” I say.

“I believe I am.”

“It’s a feeling, right?”

She winks at me. “Something like that.”

Bradan

Kendrick has found his bond mate. Something has changed. We can all feel it.

The pull to this diner has been stronger than ever. I came here tonight after seeing Kendrick’s mate. She is perfect for him. So perfect I can’t wait to see what the gods have created for me.

I sit in the same booth I’ve been sitting in for a little over a month, but the little one who’s always here studying isn’t here with her books this time.

I grind my teeth in frustration. I had club business last night and missed her. Not wanting to miss her again, I came here as soon as I got Kendrick’s mate settled in his room.

I had hoped she had something to do with the pull I always feel to this place. I was drawn to her from the first time I saw her. If she weren’t human, I would have tried to pick her up that first night.

Try … I snort at my thoughts. I wouldn’t have had to try very hard. I see the way she looks at me when she thinks I’m not paying attention. Closing my eyes, I inhale the air.

She was here. I missed her again. I furrow my brows as I notice something different lingering in the air with her scent.

It’s her, but it’s not. There’s a note of something other about it, almost like the scent of my brother’s mate. I shake my head.

I must be imagining it after finding out Kendrick has a mate. I’ve longed for my own for so long. Someone I can fully be myself with. Someone I’m not forced to hold back with.

I sigh and rub at my forehead. As much as I want her, I’d rip that little human to pieces. Those tight jeans she wears would guarantee it even if I weren’t a king. Besides, if she were my mate, I would have felt it that first night.

While her checking me out did make my cock swell, none of the other bond-mate signs showed. I grind my teeth and stand to storm out of this diner. I’m wasting my time here.

“No steak and fries, big guy?” the waitress who always serves me says.

“No, Helen. See you some other time,” I say as I toss a hundred on the table.

“Thanks, honey,” she calls after me.

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