Page 38 of Princess For All

Pink hot pants that were so tight I was pretty sure they had to hurt.

PinkCrocseven.

His eye makeup was pink… And I’d never seen him wear so much as BB cream.

“Did I try that pot we’re growing?” I asked, several people chuckling.

James cleared his throat and moved closer to me, dipping his head. “No, I’m apologizing.” He held out a phone to me. “My full explanation.” He let out a slow breath when I didn’t take it. “I swear it’s more than I was an asshole. I’m an asshole and I should have explained this first, but it’s more than me just being a dick.

“I’m not saying it’s valid or—it’s a thing with me. No matter what, I’m sorry I scratched you. I would never have thought in a million years my cat would have reacted like that—risked you or have behaved so—I’m sorry. Please give me the chance to explain so you understand even if you never want to see me again.”

“His cat also hunted a hundred ducks and brought them to the castle to feed you in apology,” Nick said from off to the side as he wheeled out more food. “And everyone knows duck is your favorite.”

I nodded that I heard him.

“If you can find it in your heart to forgive me after hearing my explanation and letting me really apologize and make it up to you, I put some pictures and ideas in there for a men’s necklace,” James continued. “I’ll wear your collar, My Princess. Gladly. All of the time as a man.”

I couldn’t hide my shock especially at the heat in his eyes. He liked the idea of everyone seeing that he was mine and getting something that the other men in my life didn’t have.

Yeah, Kristof wasn’t happy. I felt his annoyance that James might have something special that he didn’t. Okay, another time for that since I wanted to focus on James when he was trying so hard.

It was the leash then. Something with the leash set him and his cat off. That’s clearly what the problem was.

“Thank you for immediately apologizing and making sure things didn’t spiral out when everything does,” I said firmly for all the dozens of ears we had listening. “I will listen when I can, but no matter what’s between us, I don’t want to ever demean the coven’s head of security to this clown getup. Not with the way people talk.”

I moved closer and was glad when he got the idea and leaned down, letting everyone see when I kissed his cheek. I was just about to have my private breakfast with Kristof when one of the visiting nobles came into the dining room and worry was all over his face.

So clearly, shit had hit the fan somewhere.

Of course it had.

10

“I went by Albuquerque to pick up breakfast and drop off some cleaning supplies that I heard they needed,” the noble told us after we were in my private dining room with all of the people who should be there. “They’re very nice there and kind that we don’t speak English well—understand we’re guests. So we help too.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” I said when he seemed worried.

He nodded and let out a slow breath. “I heard one of the workers worry someone was missing. She said she was going to check and I followed after her—just to make sure, not intrude or be nosy. I was just going to stay outside the building. But she found the woman crying saying a vampire fed from her.”

“What?” I bit out, rage filling me.

He nodded. “I came right here and told you immediately. That is all I know. I swear.”

“Find Sundar and get who we need there,” I ordered people and went right for Kristof. “Come with us.”

“We will fix this,” Kristof comforted. “At least she’s alive.”

“What if she’s not his first victim or worse has happened?” I worried, voicing what we were all thinking.

“Then we will handle that too,” he promised.

Hopefully, we could.

People figured out something was up with a bunch of us showing up or some had already guessed the situation. There was a large group gathered by the women’s dorm, and I could feel the migraine already forming.

“You’re not taking her, you monsters,” someone bellowed as she moved out in front of the others.

I frowned and glanced around. “Taking her?”

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