Page 46 of Luna: Posy 2

"Not funny, Julian. You know what else isn't funny? Coming back from solving a problem for one ofyourpacks only to find that some mutt has stolen two of mypiccoli uccelli(little birds) right out of my nest."

"No wolf of mine acted against you," the king told him.

"Which is why I haven't pulled the trigger yet. Now, where's mybambina(baby), wolf king? Hmm?Where?!"

"Here! I found her!"

Ash ran out of the alpha house, his hands cupped in front of him. The witches dissolved their hexes and ran to Ash, surrounding him and crooning to the little puff of feathers in his giant hands.

Interestingly, the Maxwell twins' wolves whined and also hustled over. Shifting in a heartbeat, Zayne and Zayden crowded closer, gently moving the witches out of their way.

"Mate," they whispered together.

Very carefully, Zayne lifted the fragile goldfinch and cradled her in one palm, and Zayden touched the tip of his index finger to her tiny head.

"She was in a cage in the kitchen," Ash explained. "I gave her some water, and she chirped at me, so I know she's alive."

"Mate, if you shift," Zayden began.

"We can mark you and heal you," Zayne finished.

"Is there a quiet place where we can take her?" Ariel looked at Ash.

"Sure," he said. "I found a couple of bedrooms that look clean and unused. I'll show you."

"Ash, grab us some clothes on your way back," the king instructed.

"Okay, sire."

I noticed that the youngest-looking of Ariel's cousins paused when she passed Halder's unconscious body. Her eyebrows drew together and her mouth tightened. The longer she studied him, the more emotion swirled in her eyes.

Oh, Goddess! He's not her mate, is he?Topaz whimpered.

No. I don't think so. She looks confused more than anything.

"Maria?" Ariel called from the front door of the alpha house.

The little witch tapped one finger on her chin, narrowed her eyes, and nodded as if she'd made up her mind about something.

"Your majesty, we need to talk aboutthatlater." She pointed at Halder. "There's something you should know about it."

"All right, Ms. del Vecchio. Find me at your leisure."

"Thank you."

Once the witches were in the house with the twins, some of the tension eased, but Angelo never took his eyes or his aim off the king. That made all of us antsy and especially Quartz, who was still growling deep in his throat.

"Halder's mine," Angelo growled. "I'm going to skin him alive for hurting myfamiglia(family)."

"He'll be a guest in my dungeon until I tire of his screams." The king inclined his head. "But feel free to visit anytime."

Angelo's gray-green eyes scrutinized King Julian's face for another few seconds before he uncocked his guns and reholstered them. Then he moved closer and opened his arms to meet the king in a bro hug.

"I don't like you hugging my naked ass anymore than I like you staring at it," the king grumbled.

"Heard you found your queen. Congratulations." Angelo stepped back and dropped his hands to rest on the pistol butts at his sides. "She's welcome to your ass, naked or otherwise. You're not my type."

"Thank the Goddess for that." The king deadpanned, then grinned. "It's good to see you, man."

---