Page 53 of Dimitri

“They are only acting like that because everyone in the council seems to think we are all hooligans and are going to mistreat the new enforcers. When has that ever happened?” Benjamin asked. He pushed on Raiden’s shoulder gently. “The most any of them have ever done is between Raiden and Ramsey, and that’s because they’re twins, and they’ve always pranked one another.”

“If you say so,” Rainier said. “Please just make sure you all are kind and watch out for him.” Rainier glanced at Felix beforehe left the office. It didn’t take long for the fae to look back our way and shrug.

“You don’t have to be kind. I know we’re not exactly wanted here.”

“Why would you say that?” Benjamin asked.

“Naw, we want you,” Briggs said. “The more, the merrier.” Briggs held out his hand. “I’m Briggs.”

Felix took the hand and shook it. He looked to the rest of us in question.

“Dimitri,” I said, holding out my own hand.

Benjamin held out his own hand. “I’m Benjamin, and that was my sire father. And the gargoyle down there is Raiden.” Raiden held out his hand for a shake. “Seriously though, why is it that you think you aren’t wanted?”

“We were warned there might be some resistance from the council and the enforcers when we were asked to volunteer. I know that in my village, there isn’t a single one of us who wasn’t more than willing, even if we weren’t wanted. None of us were finding our mates, and we were told it was a possibility, but probably not right away.”

“Well, that would be great for you if you did,” Raiden said. “But bad for the council if all of the new fae enforcers were to find their mates at once. The entire point was because we needed more enforcers. A lot of us have found our mates since joining, which puts the council at a disadvantage.”

Felix shrugged. “I don’t really care either way. I just wanted something else to do besides working in my family’s store. It was pretty boring, and the idea of being able to come here was more than enough for me.”

“Well, welcome to the council and the team,” Benjamin said.

Chapter 18

Caspian

Icould tell Dimitri was concerned about something. Through our bond, he seemed to be uncertain. I did my best to not bother him while he was at work, and when he reached out and let me know he was on his way home, I had worked myself into a mess. That was how he found me when he arrived home.

“Caspian?”

“Back here,” I called out. I was sitting on the sofa—more like lounging. I’d been here on and off most of the day, and although I had a couple of shorter naps despite not drinking the sleepy-time tea, I felt as if I had taken a step forward because I wasn’t sleeping deeply in our bed.

“There you are.”

I looked up at Dimitri. When our eyes met, his widened, and he rushed the last several feet separating us. “What is wrong, lyubimyy?” Dimitri was kneeling in front of me in moments.

“You are…I’m not sure. Conflicted, perhaps? Have I done something? Are there issues?”

Dimitri shook his head. “Nyet.” He ran his fingers through my hair, which I knew was a mess; I just couldn’t care enough at the moment. I was up and out of bed and felt somewhat decentafter feeling like death for longer than I ever wanted to. I was going to pick my battles, and right now, hair wasn’t going to win.

“What’s wrong? I’ve felt it through our bond since this morning.”

“Apologies, my heart. I never meant to worry you so.” Dimitri cupped my face, and when he leaned in, I gladly accepted the kiss. It didn’t go further than a simple joining of our lips, but it spoke volumes. When Dimitri pulled away, I wanted to follow, but the need to know what was going on was stronger, and I sat up and waited.

“What is going on? Do we need to leave? Your grandfather was here earlier,” I told him. “He said we would be welcome here always. My mind is spiraling, Dimitri. Share something.”

Dimitri grinned. “I would if you would give me a moment to talk.”

I rolled my lips inward to keep from responding. Dimitri’s smile grew. I wasn’t going to say a word until he’d told me what was going on.

“My dragon has been struggling today a bit. I’ve been given an assignment, and although I want to go, I’m torn because I have you now, and I will be leaving you behind.”

I released my lips and blinked at my One. “That’s it? That was the issue? You’re fighting yourself internally because you are being sent out on assignment?”

Dimitri nodded. I wasn’t sure if it was the stress I’d felt for the past several hours, the fact that I wasn’t feeling completely myself just yet, or that it was something insignificant, but I started laughing. It wasn’t a little chuckle either. It was full-on laughter that I couldn’t seem to stop once I started. By the time I had myself under control, Dimitri was smiling with me. We stared at one another for a moment before he shook his head.

“I love you.” He leaned in and kissed me again, and when he pulled away this time, I suddenly felt better—much more relaxed and surer of everything.

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