Page 10 of Dead

While Eilam would’ve rather made the king wait a moment as punishment, he didn’t want to linger too near Jean Pierre. He gave the glass in his hand a peek, and realized it could’ve been laced with anything. He wouldn’t put it past the handsy incubi. After placing the glass of wine on a side table, he moved to the king and offered an arm.

The monarch placed a warm hand on Eilam’s arm and gave Jean Pierre another cold glare before he glanced up with a soft smile. “I need to welcome the rest of my guests. Come, Eilam. We mustn’t keep them waiting.”

Eilam led the king about the room, stuck between heaven and hell.

So close, yet he might as well have been miles away.

* * * *

Later that night, Adriel drained his eleventh glass of wine before a servant came round to refill it once more. He gave a quick glance to the bear shifter at his side and knew there would be a dissatisfied look on the male’s face. Of course, he wasn’t disappointed. The scowl on Eilam’s face was exactly as expected. His head of security did not like it when Adriel drank to excess, and had often commented that it was unsafe for a male of his standing to lose control.

It never stopped him, not one bit. He wasn’t a drunkard. He didn’t get blasted each night, but on special occasions, such as this, he would over-imbibe all he wanted. The stress of ruling the kingdom had to be balanced somehow.

Sex had often been his go-to distraction, but since Eilam had come into his life, he’d been unable to look at another man, let alone think of bedding one.

So wine, it was.

His uncle, Ralnur, lifted a glass. “This meal was one of the best I’ve had in some time. A toast, to our magnificent sovereign and host.”

Adriel stared down the table, wondering if that was another little dig from the man. Ralnur and Eilam were cut from the same cloth and seemed to enjoy ruining any fun he had.

A round of hear, hears came as other glasses were lifted and then drained. Adriel nodded to his uncle, thankful for the kind words. Adriel took another drink as he stared down the table. His cousin, Varian, was at his uncle’s side and whispering into Ralnur’s ear.

He didn’t trust Varian any farther than he could throw the warlock… how his irritating cousin had come from such a fine father, Adriel didn’t know. Ignoring his brattish cousin, he turned to Hart, his guest of honor.

“How was your meal?”

“Delicious.” The human’s face told another story.

Adriel grinned, knowing the human palate was quite different than a witch’s. But Hart had natural abilities, which meant there was a bit of witch in him. A meal of traditional food was just the thing to draw out more of that side of the man.

The king turned to Eilam, a smile on his face. “And you, my bear? How did you like this dinner?”

Eilam gazed over, light filling his eyes. Shifter eyes lit when they felt a strong emotion. What emotion was Eilam feeling now, he wondered.

I’d love to get him alone and ask.

I’d love to get him alone and no say any words at all.

Adriel shifted in his seat, his body quickening from his errant, wine-fueled thoughts.

“It was very fine,” the bear shifter murmured lowly. “But I still find myself… hungry.”

Adriel met Eilam’s stare. It showed him exactly what the man hungered for. Heat flooded his body, his cock quickly getting on board with that idea. He took a long drink from his glass and smiled.

“I believe it is time to say goodnight to our guests,” the king said. He rose to his feet and smiled down the length of the table. Everyone at the table stood, as well. “I have enjoyed this night tremendously, but find myself in need to rest. I bid you all a fine evening.” He drained the last of his glass and tossed the crystal against the fire behind him.

Adriel then cast a look to Eilam and lifted his hand, seeking an arm to steady him. Eilam moved in close, his scent filling Adriel’s nose.

The shifter swept him from the room, followed by his two guardsmen. Halfway up the stairs, a voice called, making him pause in his escape.

“Might I have a moment to speak with you,” Varian called out.

“It can wait until morning,” Adriel said, before eyeing Eilam. He had needs that needed fulfilling. “I’m quite… tired.”

“Please,” Varian called out. “It’s important.”

“Make an appointment with my secretary,” Adriel called down before gliding up the stairs.

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