Page 14 of Dead

“I’d almost forgot… big day… I guess we got it off to a good start.” Eilam grinned, his expressive mouth too sexy not to kiss.

Noah took that kiss before rising on his arms. “That we did.”

* * * *

Hours later, Eilam gazed into the king’s study and saw the ruler behind his desk. He knocked on the door and saw the monarch wince in pain. A little too much wine, hmm? He deserved to ache.

Just as much as he made me ache last night.

“Can I have a moment, Your Majesty?” Eilam asked quietly.

The king waved him in. “Make it quick. I am under the weather today.”

They both knew that was utter bullshit, but Eilam wasn’t in a mood to argue. Not after that delicious escapade in the kitchen earlier that morning with Noah. Eilam walked over to the desk. “I just wanted you to be aware that the team is beginning work on our portal issue today. Noah will be spearheading it for me.”

“Noah?” the king asked, whipping his head up. “Whyever would you do that?”

“You told me I could hire whomever I chose.”

“But not him. You know not him. Why must I keep saying this?” the king demanded.

“You said I had free rein to hire as I saw fit. There are no males in Midnight more concerned for your safety than him and me. I trust him implicitly.”

“Stop trying to force this mate issue. It is not happening.”

“I said nothing about you being our mate.”

“Good. Because I am not your mate.”

“Then what about last night?”

One of the king’s brows rose. “What about last night?”

“You asked me to your bed.”

“I did not,” the king declared. He sat up straighter and glared at Eilam.

Anger roared within Eilam. How the king could take him from zero to sixty in a few seconds, he didn’t know. Scratch that. He did. But knowing why still didn’t stop him from feeling absolutely furious at the denial.

Eilam leaned over the desk and eyed the king. A low growl escaped his lips. “This… is why I refused you. But then, had I taken you last night, perhaps you’d have had a harder time denying me in the light of day.”

The king opened his mouth to argue, but nothing came out. He sat there silently, his lower lip quivering a bit.

“I will make you beg for it. Eventually, you won’t be able to hold back and you will beg us to take you.”

Red filled the king’s face. His eyes widened, his mouth opening farther.

“You’re excused,” the king finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Eilam rose to his full height, holding the king’s stare the entire time. After a moment, he spun and stormed across the room, ignoring protocol. The king would have to stare at his back as he left.

He was past caring about etiquette.

And to hell with the king. Noah was the male he’d chosen to run the team. He refused to take something else away from his brother bear.

He’d been given free rein.

Noah was his choice.

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