Page 71 of Claws and Effect

Relief and satisfaction passed between her parents in another silent exchange. Queen Juliette brushed a strand of hair from her daughter’s face, a gesture unchanged since Laykin’s childhood.

“Then our greatest duty as parents has been fulfilled.”

A discreet knock on the door frame interrupted the moment. Zyle stood there, his expression carefully neutral though his eyes lingered on the traces of tears on Laykin’s cheeks.

“The car is ready whenever you are,” he said, his gaze questioning without demanding explanation.

King Leoric rose, extending his hand to the man who had saved both his daughter and his pride. “Take care of her,” he said, the simple request laden with meaning.

Zyle clasped the offered hand, his grip firm. “With my life,” he promised, the words emerging as more vow than pleasantry.

The good-bye that followed was brief—all understood that this was not a true separation but merely a transition. As royalty and now official pride representatives, Laykin and Zyle would be required at the palace frequently in the coming weeks to oversee the contract implementation.

As they walked toward the waiting vehicle, Zyle’s hand settled on the small of her back, the touch both protective and reassuring.

“Everything all right?” he asked quietly once they were beyond earshot of her parents.

“I’ll tell you when we get home,” Laykin promised, still processing the revelation herself.

The drive passed in comfortable silence, Zyle respecting her need for reflection without pressing for details. The mountain roads wound upward, each turn taking them closer to the sanctuary of his estate—their home now, she reminded herself.

Security waved them through the gates, the sprawling compound appearing through the trees ahead.

When the car stopped at the main entrance, Zyle circled to her door before she could open it herself. The small courtesy might have irritated her once as unnecessary coddling, but now she recognized it for what it was—not a statement about her capability, but an expression of his care.

“I can walk, you know,” she pointed out as he extended his hand to help her from the vehicle.

His response was to sweep her into his arms in a single fluid movement, cradling her against his chest as if she weighed nothing at all.

“Zyle!” Laykin protested, though without much conviction as her arms automatically circled his neck.

“Doctor’s orders,” he reminded her, carrying her effortlessly up the steps. “No exertion for another twenty-four hours.”

“Pretty sure walking doesn’t count as exertion.”

His low chuckle vibrated against her side. “Why take chances?”

The staff had prepared for their arrival—fresh flowers filled vases throughout the entrance hall, and the scent of something delicious wafted from the direction of the kitchen. Zyle ignored these welcome-home touches, carrying Laykin directly upstairs toward their bedroom suite.

FIFTY-SIX

The space had transformed during her hospital stay. Where Zyle’s bedroom had once been meticulously masculine—all dark woods and leather—subtle touches now softened the space. Her favorite throw draped across the end of the bed; books she’d mentioned enjoying filled a previously empty shelf; a landscape painting she’d admired in his mother’s home now hung on the wall.

He had prepared for her return, created space for her in what had been solely his domain. The gesture touched her more deeply than any grand romantic gesture could have.

Zyle set her gently on the edge of the bed, his movements careful despite her almost-healed state. He knelt to remove her shoes, the domestic intimacy of the action bringing a lump to her throat.

“You’re being ridiculous,” she said softly, no heat in the words. “I’m not made of glass.”

He glanced up, those intense eyes holding hers. “Humor me. I spent three days watching you in a hospital bed. I need this.”

The honesty in that admission silenced any further protest. Laykin reached out, tracing the line of his jaw with herfingertips, feeling the slight roughness of stubble beneath her touch.

“Did you know?” she asked quietly. “About our early mate recognition?”

Surprise flickered across his face. “Your parents told you?”

“Just before we left.” She studied his expression. “When did you find out?”

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