Page 37 of Dead

“We don’t even fully know what the threat is,” Eilam growled, rising to his feet. “And I won’t allow you to be harmed.”

“Won’t allow?” the king asked, looking incensed. “You have no right over me.”

“As the head of your security, I would think he does,” Noah spat.

Eilam took a step toward the king. “As your mate, I will protect you. Regardless if you’re willing to accept our claim or not, it changes nothing. I would die to protect you.”

“You almost did,” Noah muttered.

“And I won’t let there be a second time!” the king cried. “I cannot lose you, Eilam.”

Eilam grew quiet. Noah felt the tension between the two of them. All the months they’d been in close proximity… when he’d been forced into semi-exile… they’d forged a bond. No matter that the king had pushed Eilam away, they’d still spent hours together.

Time Noah had lost.

He watched as an outsider as Eilam cupped the king’s cheek.

“I heard the things you said as I lay dying on that floor,” Eilam said. The huskiness in his voice wasn’t from his injury. It was pure unadulterated lust. Noah felt his own body react to the sound of it.

Yet he couldn’t help but feel he didn’t belong.

He took a step back, feeling as if he witnessed a moment he shouldn’t. The king was theirs… not only Eilam’s, but the bond between Adriel and Eilam was unmistakable.

His heart clenched in his chest, wondering if he’d ever have that same connection to their mate… or would he continue to feel like the third wheel?

On the outside, looking in.

* * * *

Eilam held the king’s gaze as he cupped the man’s cheek. For once, the warlock wasn’t pulling away from him. Fear almost made him freeze where he stood, scared to push any farther. “I heard the things you said as I lay dying on that floor.”

A hint of panic crossed the king’s face.

“I heard the words I love you.”

“You didn’t,” the king said… but he didn’t back away. “I never said that aloud.”

Eilam lifted a brow. “Aloud?”

The king’s face turned red again. He took a step back.

“Adriel,” Eilam murmured and the king froze before moving any farther.

“You push too far, Eilam.”

“Perhaps I haven’t pushed enough.”

The king lifted his stare. Eilam captured it and took a step closer to close the gap. “I love you, too,” he whispered, caressing the back of his hand against Adriel’s face. “And all we want to do is protect you.”

“And who protects me after you’re gone?”

“I don’t plan on going anywhere. Do you, Noah?”

Noah didn’t respond.

Eilam turned. He paused, sensing not all was right with his brother bear. And then, when he caught Noah’s stare, he sensed it. He urged Noah over, but the male didn’t move.

They were three. Noah had been left out too long.

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