Page 64 of The Wolf's Prince
He had been expecting as much but hadn’t planned out what to say. After all, he’d thought Andrey was going to be the one delivering the news of his new lifemate status.
He hoped they could brush over that part. They were probably more concerned with Andrey’s state anyway.
Nikolai was proven right when he was not led to his parent’s quarters, but to Andrey’s room where the whole family was gathered, looking worried.
“What has happened?” his father demanded, the moment he entered the room.
“I already told them,” Andrey said, smiling, “but they seem to need you to validate it.”
Grimacing, Nikolai went to his side, pleased to see that he was awake enough to chat a little bit.
“One of the other shifters,Kamon, was jealous of the bond between me and Soren and, well he attacked Andrey, right in front of everyone. Soren fought him off but not before Andrey was bitten. He is now being held in their—I’m not sure what to call it—prison, I guess.”
“He bit him,” the king spat. “Like what your fellow did to you, onlyby force? I will not welcome a savage like that into the family. He is in no way good enough for my son.”
Nikolai found himself smiling. The fact thatthatwas his father’s main concern was rather sweet.
“Don’t worry Father,” he said. “It’s not the same kind of bite. I was promised that.”
“But you were bitten too, and then you had to be carried out of here days later,” his eldest brother argued.
“For it to be a mating bite you have to be—well,matingwhen it happens.”
He shrugged, trying not to blush at the looks he was now getting.
Finally, his father let out a heavy sigh.
“In that case, the doctor said that the work done on Andrey’s wound was meticulous and he shall heal promptly.”
Nikolai sighed in relief.
“Good,” he whispered and again, he was swamped with sadness. It was a surprising feeling to have at such good news, but now that the imminent fear over Andrey’s health was passing, he was left with a longing to be at Soren’s side once more.
“You look much better,” his mother said, coming to hug him.
Nikolai returned the embrace.
“Much better,” he said, making her frown.
“Well, then why do you look so down?”
He shrugged helplessly.
“You miss Soren, don’t you?” Andrey asked quietly and Nikolai chuckled.
“I am far too transparent,” he said, instead of agreeing.
“You both look like you need a good rest,” his father said. “Go sleep and we will expect the full story in the morning.”
Nikolai nodded, bidding them all sweet dreams before going back into his room.
Even curled up under all the warm covers, he still felt cold.
* * *
Nikolai wokeup just before the morning sun, feeling cold and hollow.
Was this how it felt to be separated from his bond mate? He would even prefer fighting Soren to this clawing emptiness.
