Page 109 of A Reign of Malice
Julian finds me and places a soft touch on my shoulder as I straighten the dining room table for the third time. “They’re going to love everything. Hell, they would’ve loved it before you changed it twice yesterday. Quit stressing, my darling.”
I sigh, fingers lingering over the edge of a perfectly aligned napkin. “I can’t help myself. I’m so proud of what we’ve done here—together.I just want them to see it. Really see what we’ve accomplished in such a short time.”
He cups my cheeks gently, brushing his lips against mine like a whispered vow. “If they can’t, that’s their problem. It’s no reflection of the incredible queen you’ve always been and still are.”
“Why are you so sweet to me?” I tug on his beard, loving the wild edge he’s kept since his time in the cave. “I feel like I don’t do enough for you.”
He leans in again, voice a soft rumble that slides through me like velvet. “You just being here, breathing, letting me stand beside you as your mate…that’s more than reason enough and all I’ll ever need. I promise you that.”
Gods, every single day I’m reminded how lucky I am tohave been practically forced into that castle, thinking I was going to find a life sentence and instead finding this extraordinary man. My mate. My king.
“Okay,” I say, stepping back with a breath of finality. “I’m done. Officially. I won’t touch another thing in this house.”
“Good,” he says, grinning like the smug Alpha he is. “Because they got here two minutes before I walked in.”
I give him a shove. “You’re…”
“The perfect mate for taking this moment to calm you down?” His deep chuckle sends shivers down my spine, but he’s not forgiven. Yet.
“Where are they?”
He takes my hand again, holding tighter this time. “I’ll show you, my darling.”
I let him lead the way. Mostly because I don’t think I have a choice in the matter. He’s fallen into his Alpha King role like a seasoned pro, and while I’m powerful in my own right, this man owns me, body, mind, and soul.
There’s nothing he can’t command out of me.
Thankfully, he doesn’t abuse that power.
We reach the foyer to the sound of Estee’s squeal. Julian lets go of my hand, and I barely have time to breathe before our bodies collide in a tight, joyful embrace.
“It’s been too long,” I murmur into her shoulder.
“Iknow,” she says, just as breathless.
“Um, hello?” Isla’s voice cuts through the moment, dry and dramatic as ever. “Am I invisible over here?”
I glance around Estee to find Isla absolutely glowing as she sits in the nearest chair, hand over her protruding stomach.
“Of course not,” I promise as I go to her. “I just wanted to make sure I got my energy under control and didn’t hurt my soon-to-be nieces or nephews.”
Yes, that’s right. It took Isla longer to get pregnant, much to Asher’s melodramatic dismay, but the moment she did, the gods gave her two pups. And Asher? He’s been unbearable ever since. Beaming and boasting and brooding every time she so much as groans.
I hug her gently around the shoulders. “I’ve missed you.”
“Yeah, yeah. Missed you too.” She gives me a look. “So, are you knocked up yet?”
“Not yet.” Though it’s been discussed, we’ve decided spending the next decade with only each other when we’re not playing alpha sounds rather nice. We’re going to have plenty of babies to play with. That will be enough. For now.
“You’re lucky,” Isla groans as she tries—and fails—to stand. “These two have learned how to kick ribs like it’s a sport.”
Estee turns toward where Landon sleeps in Theo’s arms and sighs. “You won’t think that once they’re born. It gets better. I promise.”
“I waspromisedlunch,” Isla interjects, reminding everyone that a pregnant queen requires regular offerings or we risk her declaring war.
“Right this way,” I say, and wink at Asher as he mouths a silent apology.
Theo whistles as we make our way down the hall. “I still can’t believe how much you two have done with this place. It’s gorgeous.”
