Page 62 of King of Inferno

Knowing of Bree’s gift, I can’t help but wonder what’s going on with her. What has she seen about my mate? This weekend is sure to be interesting, that’s for certain.

Queen’s Greeting

“It will be fine. You will see,” Bradan says as we walk to what they call the holy land.

I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I’ve met so many of the wolves before. They have always felt like the family I never had.

“I’m not a wolf and I’m barely coming into my magic. Will they all want to accept me here?”

“I have been around to watch this pack grow and thrive. I’ve seen more generations of alphas walk these lands than I can count. I’ve fought beside many who still live here.

“I’ve sat on the board of deans at their college. I’ve taught a few of their classes on magic. My mate is my queen.

“No one here would dare to disrespect that and expect to live another day to tell about it. You are as welcome here as I am. They will all love you,” he says.

“I learn something new about you every day. The Immortal Iron Brothers’ world is amazing. What you all do for the others and supers of your world. The bond you have with the people.

“I wish I could have grown up around all this all my life. I guess that’s why I like the wolves. I never feel alone around them,” I choke out.

Bradan stops and turns me toward him. He cups my face and rubs his thumb across my cheek. The gesture is so tender and sweet, totally opposite of what you would think this big, strong being capable of.

“You are never alone, my little one. I will always be here.” He places his other hand over my heart. “I am also in here.” He shifts his hand to brush my temple. “Call to me whenever you need, and I will be with you.”

“Okay,” I say and drop my gaze to his chest.

“Taylor, baby girl, look at me,” he says as he pinches my chin between his fingertips and lifts my head.

I look into his eyes and feel the tears that are burning the backs of mine. I still have so many questions about why my father kept one sister, gave the other to his brother but found me and Billy lacking and sent us off.

Now after meeting all three of my sisters, I can’t help wondering if I wasn’t chosen because I was the runt of the group. Did my father think I wouldn’t be strong enough? Was he afraid I would disappoint him?

I wouldn’t wish my old life on any of my sisters, but I can’t help wondering why he gave up on me. I have always felt like less. Now, knowing what I know, I’m finding my abandonment issues run deeper than I could have ever thought.

“I—”

“You think we all will abandon you after you allow yourself to care for us? You’re nervous because I’m drawing you into a world of love and you think I’m going to take it all back from you,” he cuts me off.

I purse my trembling lips and nod. The tears I’ve been holding in begin to spill over. Cupping the back of my neck he pulls me to him to crush his lips to mine.

I have no choice but to lift up on my toes as he delivers the toe-curling kiss. We break apart as whistles fill the air. Bradan laughs at me as I jump away like a horny teenager caught kissing in the basement.

He presses his forehead to mine. “Ignore them. They are like annoying little brothers. You and I will know the pain of loss as they grow old and perish. That’s something I can’t shield you from.

“It’s the nature of life. However, that’s the only way you will lose them. As for me, you and I have centuries to love each other while we watch the world grow and evolve around us.”

“What?”

“Which part didn’t you understand, baby girl? That I love you or that we’ll spend centuries together?”

“I love you too,” I say happily. “But how can we spend centuries together?”

He laughs and the warmth and scent of his breath fans my face. I suddenly want a cup of hot chocolate. I shake my head clear as everything begins to sink in.

He just told me he loves me. I’ve said the words to him. Centuries?

“I will live a very long time. As my mate, your life will be extended as well.”

“Really? What about a family? Can we have one of those, or is that only a Kendrick-and-Ray thing that happened through magic?”

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