Page 31 of Mated to the Crown
Are you safe?
The concern in his voice urges me to move my fingers quicker.
You better show me how much you miss me.
I focus on the thread, trying to pull more of his emotions toward me. I imagine him pressing against me, his hard cock rubbing just where I want him. I move my hand down, pinching my nipples. I arch my back, I don’t know how much he can feel but I hope he feels this. This charge of electricity through us sends me over the edge. I move my hand from my nipple up to the pillow, clutching it tight against my face to muffle any noises as I crash.
Malik.
As soon as my orgasm subsides a sense of sadness fills me.
Tomorrow.
I close my eyes, willing the thread to slip from my fingers once more. He doesn’t need to know how upset I am that he is gone. He doesn’t need to know how worried I am about him. He sure as shit doesn’t need to know that I am believing the bond more with each passing moment.
I push everything away, burying it deep and letting out a breath before rolling onto my side and slipping into an uncomfortable sleep. I toss and turn and wake up the next morning feeling worse than the day before.
The light filters in through the window and I can hear voices outside my door. I get up, throwing the covers off and remembering what I did the night before. I blush and head into the adjacent bathroom, cleaning up as much as I can before going to the kitchen.
“Hey. How did you sleep?” Daisy smiles at me. She wears a large, flowy dress that seems to drape around her perfectly. I give her a shrug before taking the coffee she hands me.
“Like shit. Thank you again for letting me stay. I should head back.” I whisper the last part, avoiding her look. Nicholas walks into the room and clears his throat.
“Actually, I wanted to talk to you. I got word from the palace. Sandra is marrying him today so we need to act fast.”
The cup falls from my hand, splashing on the floor and cracking. I stand there, frozen. Marrying? Marrying him to who? Panic floods me and I don’t even realize what I just did until Daisy grabs paper towels and rushes to my feet.
“Oh.. I’m so sorry Daisy. Let me clean it up.” I whisper, leaning down to help on autopilot.
“I’m sorry Celeste. There is a lot more at work here than just the mate bond.” Nicholas talks quietly, placing his hand on my shoulder.
“I’m sorry. I know it isn’t you.” I turn and look at him. He isn’t much older than us but the wrinkles at the edges of his eyes and tan spots on his face show while this close to him. I meet his gaze and try to focus. “I know the palace better than anyone. I can get in and show them the bond.”
“Show them?” Nicholas asks, tilting his head slightly.
I pull the t-shirt sleeve up, revealing the tattoo. Daisy gasps and rushes over, running her fingertips over the skin. I look up at Nicholas and his jaw is set.
“Will that do?” I whisper.
“I have only ever read about tattoo bonds.” Daisy giggles, slapping Nicholas’ chest. “Help her.”
“I need time to plan.” He grumbles and I shake my head.
“No. I got this. I know the palace. My sister will help. Thank you. I need to find my mate.” The first time I said it out loud. Mine. He was mine. Nicholas looks at me for a moment before nodding.
“Let me figure out how to get you there at least. It will take a while for you to walk. I can use the truck in the back.” He looks at Daisy, kissing her cheek before heading out a back door. I look at Daisy, a mixture of emotions filling me.
“Don’t worry. His mother is terrible, but he chose you. That should give you some comfort.” She grabs my shoulders, giving me a little squeeze. “You got this. Go get your mate.”
I reach out and hug her, holding the moment for a little longer than it needed to be but feeling her hug is like hugging my sister.
I pull away and head out the back door she leads me to and find Nicholas starting up an older truck. It sputters to life and I make a face. I hope it makes it up to the palace. I climb in the passenger seat and give Daisy a little wave before the old truck putts out of the parking space and through the Valley. I need to think. I need a plan.
Nicholas stays quiet. I steal a look at him and he reminds me of Charlotte. His jaw is set, his face neutral but strong. He clearly has his own thoughts occupying him so I stay quiet. I look out the window, what was I going to do? I could find Lyra. She might have some news that nobody else does. Maybe she knows more about the wedding.
Wedding.
I grumble to myself, feeling a tug on the thread. I push the feeling away, the less he knows the better. He will probably tell me to leave and that he has it under control.
