Page 38 of Reign

“No,” I croaked, quickly asking my next question, but the light in his eyes told me he knew exactly what I remembered. “So are you Prime to more than these people?”

Now he did grin. “Avoiding my question, Firecracker?” He smirked. “That’s okay. Yes, I’m Prime to more than this rabble.”

“Connor is more than our Prime, Ember,” said Owen. He met Connor’s gaze. “He is our king.”

I gulped. “King?” My eyes went wide. Connor was a king?Oh shit!

“That’s right. That makes you, as his mate, our queen.”

My gaze shot to Connor’s. “Queen?” I whispered.

He slipped an arm around my waist as if worried I might bolt. He was probably right. I was still coming to terms with being a shifter and a phoenix. Now I was a queen? Damn! How much more could one woman be?

“That’s right, Em,” said the blonde-haired woman, who seemed totally at ease amongst all these huge men, er, males. I gave her my attention. Anything to look away from the question and compassion in Connor’s eyes.

“I’m Shannon, and we’re besties, or at least we are now. We were enemies when we were younger, but we’re not anymore. So you need to grab your memory by the balls and force it to return, ‘cause I want my friend back. You get me? You don’t take any shit from anyone, and this quiet, unsure version of you is confusing as fuck. So knock your head again and remember, or better still, let me do it. I was always good at knocking some sense into you.” She grinned to soften her words, and I couldn’t help but grin back. Her no-nonsense attitude was just what I needed.

“It’s a deal. If I can’t find a way.” I shrugged. “I’ll let you knock some sense back into me.”

“No, you won’t,” Connor whispered in my ear, making me shiver. “No one lays a finger on you ever again.” And his gentle kiss on the skin under my ear sealed that promise. I shivered but didn’t miss the warning look he gave Shannon, who just rolled her eyes and muttered, “Get a room.”

Even I had to giggle at her attitude towards her supposed king.

After the meetand greet was done, Connor suggested some food then some rest. We all wandered into a large dining area that had plenty of tables and chairs. The short ugly creature, Som, had made a huge pot of chilli and rice.

“Here. Have a seat, and once we’ve eaten, I'll finish showing you around and then show you your room.”

I relaxed as he answered the question I hadn’t dared ask. “I won’t be sleeping with you then?”

His smile was rueful but not judgemental. “No, sweetness. You can have your own space for as long as you need it. If and when we are together physically again, it will be your choice. I’ll never force you.”

My heart beat so hard, I was sure everyone in a mile radius would hear it. He was giving me a choice. How hard must that be for him? I nodded and looked at my plate, considering his words. Taking a deep breath, I looked back at him. He sat opposite, patiently waiting for me to formulate my thoughts. “What if I don’t ever remember us? What if I never want you that way again?” Gods, we’d been together. His hands had explored my body. He’d been inside me…Fuck me.That fantasy was enough to make me squirm. He clenched his jaw but leaned forward over the table and cupped my face with one big hand. Leaning into his touch was the most natural thing ever.

“Then I guess I’ll have to work hard to win you all over again.” He gave me a devastating smile and sat back, folding his arms over his chest, which made his biceps bulge. And again—fuck me. I wanted those arms around me, now. He lounged back with an air of utter confidence. “Besides, it could be fun to persuade you that you belong in my bed. And, you forget, I’ve had prior experience. I know what you like, what makes you squirm, what makes you moan and scream.”

I gulped.Well, shit.Now I couldn’t wait!

“And I’ll win your heart.” He let his heated gaze graze over my breasts and my face and smirked. “You’re mine, Ember.MyFirecracker. Just as I am yours. Even if you never remember what we had, you will not be able to deny what we are and always have been to each other.”

I swallowed against my suddenly dry throat. But I lifted my chin and gave him a shaky smile. What the hell did a girl say to that? My mind and body were definitely up for it. I wasn’t entirely sure about my heart, though. I had a feeling this powerful and gorgeous man could very easily break it. Tension simmered between us as I held his gaze. Som plonked a plate of food down in front of us both, breaking the spell.

The meal was tasty, and the company was actually fun. It was nice to see all these people laughing and joking with each other. I’d been so lonely in Rex’s house, even with Jed. Now I understood why. I needed people around me; their energy settled my soul. Even Jed was there. He was seated as far from me as he could be, but I had a feeling that wasn’t his choice, not when the looks he gave me lingered and his smiles were sad. I was still angry at him for his part in taking my life and family from me, but at the same time I got why he’d done it. Money and staying alive were strong motivators, but by helping Connor find me, perhaps there was redemption for the cold and callous person he’d been. I just hoped he didn’t return to hurting anyone else as he had me. I glanced at Connor. I doubted Connor would allow that to happen. Jed needed to prove his worth, not just to Connor and his pack, but to himself, or instinct told me they wouldn’t let him leave.

I stifled a yawn. I’d recovered from my injury, yet for some reason, I was utterly exhausted. I glanced at the clock on the wall. Nine PM. It wasn’t even that late yet.

“Come on.” Connor stood and held out his hand.

I looked at it, debating whether I wanted to go everywhere being led like a child. Before I could make up my mind about the invisible thread that made me want to reach out to him at every opportunity, he dropped his hand to his side. “It’s okay.”

“Where are we going?” Swallowing my guilt at the hurt in his eyes, I pushed my chair back.

“You’re worn out. I’m taking you to your room. You can have a bit of peace and rest, and then tomorrow, I’ll show you around the rest of the compound.” He stood back and gestured for me to walk in front of him.

I smiled. He seemed to know, without me saying anything, what I needed. Peace. And a comfy bed. Once we’d left the dining room, I looked back in question.

“Down the corridor to the end, then take a right.”

He moved along behind me, his power tickling my senses and awakening something in my soul. Something bright and wild. I tried to grasp it, but I couldn’t.

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