Page 98 of Bitten

Caelian smiled up at him, a twinkle shining in his eyes. Ralnur’s chest tightened, and he sensed love was most definitely possible. If only they had time. Best not to waste the time that I do have. Unable to stop himself, he lowered more and captured Caelian’s lips.

The kiss sparked a blaze within him, a hunger growing profound. He deepened the kiss, starving to know this man as Kane did—intimately.

He kept on kissing his newly found mate until he heard a clearing of the throat.

The king, Noah, and Theis stood staring at them in the bed. Ralnur rose to his feet, mortified—Caelian rising behind him.

But then he realized, he didn’t really care that they’d caught him. It might’ve been his only chance to feel Caelian against him, and he wouldn’t be shamed for wanting it.

Caelian was his—just as Kane was. Just as he was theirs.

Lifting his chin, he eyed his nephew.

“I’m told Caelian has a tale to tell me?” Adriel said.

“He does,” Ralnur said, reaching out to Caelian.

Caelian moved closer and bowed before the king. “Your Majesty.”

“Speak. And be as brief and concise as possible. It’s been a hellish day,” Adriel barked.

“Your guardsman, Cannon, is in league with the vampires—he allowed them to reach me in the library and was the person I was to give the amulet to once I stole it. And that’s why Cannon was beaten—Kane wanted it back.”

The king was thoughtful a moment. “And you stole it because?”

“The vampires wanted it—they wouldn’t tell me why.”

“And you just went along with this request?” the king asked.

“They threatened my life and Kane’s,” Caelian said. “I was told not to repeat what was asked of me or we’d both be in danger.”

Adriel turned to Ralnur. “Another person breaking the law for love. Chalk up another one in your column.”

“He took the amulet—without knowing how Kane would react. He didn’t know it was holding back the bloodlust,” Ralnur said. “We wish to go to the archive and research the gem. To see if it can once again be used to save him. Or if it’s too late.”

“Theis tells me our researcher is a drug trafficker. I’m to believe a story he weaves about one of my own guardsmen?”

“There is a way to find if Caelian’s telling the truth,” Ralnur said. “Solomon.”

Adriel was silent, looking thoughtful.

“Solomon could read Cannon’s mind—and tell you if he’s a threat.”

Adriel still didn’t answer.

“If Caelian’s right, you’re in danger, nephew. Have the dragon talk to Cannon. Search his mind for the truth. And when he’s done, I suggest he go through your entire guard, looking for any other threats.”

The king lifted his chin a moment before turning to Noah and Theis. “Solomon has always been a trustworthy friend of the crown. I suppose it couldn’t hurt to entertain this idea.”

“And if Caelian is telling the truth?” Ralnur asked.

“I’ll consider letting you go—under guard and with the amulet.” The king turned to Caelian. “Why did he leave it behind?”

Caelian frowned.

“You said Kane beat Cannon because he wanted the stone—yet my guards found it outside of your hotel room.”

Caelian shrugged. “He said something about no longer needing it. That Cannon could have the gem. I can only offer my opinion as to why.”

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