Page 51 of Dead

Chapter Twelve

Two days later, Noah stood at the back of the king’s throne room with Eilam as the members of his team were recognized for their bravery—including Angelo who was being treated for the “bite” he’d gotten. It had been more like a nick.

Pride radiated from Noah as each man approached the king and took their award before the entire court. The men had risked their lives to save Midnight, and to see the king pay respect to them meant the world. When their king was done, he turned and motioned Eilam and Noah forward. “Eilam, I believe all of these men were ones you wanted to serve as my king’s guard?”

“They are, Your Majesty. All but one,” Eilam answered.

“Kane was my addition, Your Majesty.”

“I was thinking that this special team of yours could be better led by someone on my king’s guard,” the king murmured. “Someone working side by side with Eilam.”

Noah stiffened. “You’re kicking me off my own team?”

The king lifted one brow. “If you’d let me finish… I thought your team should be led by my Sergeant at Arms.”

“Sire, you don’t have a Sergeant at Arms,” Eilam said.

The king turned to Noah and softly whispered, “I do now.”

Noah met the king’s stare, and a smile grew on his face. The king returned it, a light shining in his violet eyes.

Their warlock turned to Eilam. “And I also have a new Sheriff of Midnight.”

“Me?” Eilam asked.

“You,” the king answered. “It’s pretty much what you’ve been doing all along, but now you both have the titles you deserve. Ones befitting king’s consorts.”

Noah froze and lifted his stare to the king. Their monarch waved a hand and two witch males came up, both of them with heavy gold circlets on velvet pillows in their hands.

Adriel took the first of the two and walked to Noah. “Take a knee.” He smiled before whispering, “So I can reach your head.”

Noah lowered to one knee, his whole body trembling. He stared at the golden circle in the king’s hand. It was very much like the one the king wore for court. He had no desire for titles, or crowns, for that matter—but what it symbolized, he wanted more than his next breath. Adriel took a half step closer and lowered the circlet to Noah’s head. He lifted his stare and held his mate’s for a moment before the king leaned his head and pressed his lips to Noah’s before the entire court.

And then he stepped back, took the second circlet, and moved to Eilam.

Noah turned to watch Adriel crown his brother bear. When it was over, Eilam looked his way, his eyes bright.

He’s ours.

Protect him.

Noah took a ragged breath, stunned they’d reached this point. Still shocked that it had even happened. He tilted his gaze and looked up at the king, who wore a wide smile.

“You may rise,” Adriel said. “And turn and meet the court as king’s consorts.”

Cheers and applause arose around them as they turned to see the court and his team watching what had just transpired.

While the applause was appreciated, these were not the people Noah wanted to see. Not now… not when they had a mate to finally claim. His bear roared within, ready to get their warlock naked.

Once the cheering calmed, Theis stepped toward the dais and whispered something into the king’s ear. Eilam grew worried and moved closer. Noah followed suit.

The king looked at them both. “Follow me.”

* * * *

“He survived?” Adriel asked. “I spoke to the healers, and they said there was no hope.”

“There are no answers… they’re still doing tests, but Ralnur has somehow weathered this storm and is growing stronger.” Theis paused. “And has been turned.”

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