Page 26 of Dead

“Are you hungry?” the king asked. “You did ask about food.”

Eilam wrote a few words and lifted the paper. He began to look weak, as if the simple task of writing was wearing him out.

Yes. But throat sore.

Adriel waved his hand. A tray with bowls of beef broth, green gelatin, and mashed potatoes appeared beside Eilam. “You need soft foods for now. The potatoes might be too much, but the broth and Jell-O should be fine.”

The king sat down on the bed and took the bowl of broth. He lifted a spoonful to Eilam’s lips. Eilam stared at him a moment, and then at the spoon, his eyes darkening with what appeared to be lust. Adriel felt the desire rising within, too, but that couldn’t happen now, even if he wanted it to.

Eilam leaned in and slurped the broth from the spoon. He cringed slightly, but seemed to swallow it down. Adriel watched closely, worried. He offered another, and Eilam took it. The bear appeared to swallow it a little easier. By the time they were midway through the bowl, Eilam motioned he was done.

Adriel lowered the bowl to the tray and waved a hand, making it all disappear. “Later, we can try a little more,” he murmured before reaching out and wiping the corner of Eilam’s mouth with the napkin he still held.

Eilam reached out and grasped Adriel’s wrist.

“Thank you,” he croaked out.

The feel of Eilam’s hand on his skin sent a shock wave through him. He snatched his hand away quickly. As soon as he did it, he felt bad. The look of disappointment on Eilam’s face rocked him to his core.

“You’re welcome,” Adriel said, trying to downplay his offense. He jumped from the bed, fearful he’d be touched again and moved to one of the windows.

Waving his arm and chanting an incantation, the window turned into a view inside his study. He saw almost his entire king’s guard inside, along with Varian. Varian? Why is he there? Adriel turned to Noah. “We should go.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Noah said before leaning in to caress Eilam’s face. “Be well, my brother bear.”

They kissed briefly, but it was enough to send a wave of jealousy through Adriel. He fought back the sensation before lifting his hand to create a portal Noah could move through.

The second they exited the portal, a half dozen shifters were ready to pounce.

---