Page 68 of The Wolf's Prince
His expression was somber as his gaze landed on Soren and Alpha Jin, but he didn't say a word as he approached.
He reached for Soren, taking him in his arms where he was still sitting on the chair next to the bed and holding him tightly.
Soren squeezed his eyes shut, pressing his face into Nikolai's chest. He still wore Soren's jacket, but he could smell Nikolai so clearly. Nothing in the universe could comfort him the way that Nikolai's scent could. So sweet and warm, like cinnamon candies.
With one arm, he pulled him in close. The other still held Alpha Jin's cold hand. That didn't stop him from, clinging to Nikolai, planning to never let him go.
Nikolai's fingers wove through his hair, and he kissed the top of his head.
Before Soren could remark on his return, or find any words at all, tears hit his hair.
“Soren,” Nikolai whispered. “I'm so, so sorry for your loss.”
It was the way he said it that let Soren know.
He took a breath, unable to look for a moment before finally forcing himself to.
Alpha Jin was still lying just as he had been, the peaceful expression serenely spread across his face. But his chest no longer rose and fell as it had been moments before.
Soren did not know how long he sat there, only that tears fell even as he felt numb inside.
Finally, he bent forward, kissing his grandfather's cheek for the last time.
“Goodbye,” he choked.
Nikolai stood at his side sniffling, his hand stroking over Soren's back.
“Take your time,” he whispered when Soren turned to leave, but he felt strange. Like he suddenly couldn't sit still.
As soon as he stepped into the afternoon light and the guards took one look at him, he could tell they knew.
“We will spread the word.”
Soren nodded gratefully and began to walk.
He didn't know where he was going and only noticed he was doing it when he realized that Nikolai was trailing after him, looking just as lost.
Stopping, he turned to look at Nikolai who immediately came forward, hugging him again.
His touch instantly grounded Soren.
“Come lie down,” he said.
Soren allowed himself to be gently steered toward his den. He didn't argue until he was laying on his side in the bed, Nikolai laying facing him, his big eyes watching him sadly.
“What happens next?” he asked quietly.
Soren swallowed, trying to remember.
“Preparations. I should be out there, making preparations for the removal.”
He tried to sit up, but Nikolai stopped him.
“Not yet,” he insisted. “You can rest here with me for a few minutes. Let the others learn that Alpha Jin is gone first.”
Soren swallowed as those words hit him.
“Oh goddess,” he whispered and buried his head against Nikolai's chest, seeking his comfort again.
