Page 40 of Lycan King's Claim
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Guilt gnaws at me after Sienna walks out on me. She has every right to hate me, I did exactly as she expected. Javier comes in moments later and I glance up at him. “Don't! I know. I'm an asshole,” I tell him, and he sighs heavily.
“She hates me,” I tell him, and that knowledge settles in my gut like a heavyweight.
“She loves you, but yes, she also hates you,” Javier tells me. I wait for him to lecture me, but when he doesn't, I watch him. “Wait, that's it? No Javier wisdom, no offering of a solution?” I ask him.
“I'm your Beta, not your counselor, though every so often I wonder if it's the same thing,” he chuckles.
“I'll add it to your job description,” I laugh, sitting back in my chair.
“As much as I want to hate Carina for calling off the wedding instead of me, I can't. We found out too much information,” I admit.
“Unfortunately, though now it looks to Sienna that she is the second choice,” Javier finishes my thoughts, and I nod my head in agreement.
“She'll come around. She is wary, and rightfully so, Xandros. The last couple of months have been a roller-coaster, and you haven't exactly been a saint,” Javier walks closer, falling heavily into the chair and flicking through the channels before putting on The Lion King. I raise an eyebrow at him.
“Watch whatever you want; Sienna isn't here,” I tell him.
“I don't mind her movie selections as much as I complain about the shit she watches. Half the time I want to watch them too. She now just gives the excuse too, and this one is a classic,” he leans back, eyes glued to the television.
“Seriously? It's a kid's cartoon.” I remind him. He ignores me and moves to go shower when he stops me.
“I booked you and Sienna in at that restaurant you like. Make it a quick shower,” he tells me, and I stop.
“Counselor, cupid, guard, chauffeur, a man of many talents, you should give me a parish,” he tells me, and I laugh.
“Maybe I should,” he huffs, and I move to shower quickly, so I can go find Sienna.
Once showered, I come out to find Javier sitting on the couch still, pillow tucked against his chest. His eyes are all glassy. “Javier?” I worry; he is not a man of emotions. “Don't judge me, you heartless bastard.” I raise an eyebrow at him. “His papa died,” I stare at the TV.
“Is this what Sienna and you do all day, cry over cartoons?”
“No, she cries; I got something in my eye,” he tells me with a sniffle.
“I've watched you skin people and bury loved ones, and you don't shed a tear, but you cry over a talking lion?” I state, unraveling my towel so that I can get dressed. He ignores me, watching his show. Once dressed, I leave Javier with his emotions and look for Sienna.
I stand at the entrance of the castle kitchens, the warm aroma of roasting meats and simmering sauces filling the air. My chest tightens as I spot her across the room, her hair pulled back into a loose bun as she stirs a pot with a wooden spoon.
“Sienna,” I call out, my voice firm but gentle. She stiffens, her back going straight before she turns to face me; her eyes narrow slightly as they meet mine before she glances nervously at the other cooks. “Come here,” I wave her over.
“Can't you see I'm busy?” she snaps, trying to hide the hurt in her eyes. But I can feel it through our bond, like a sharp dagger piercing my heart. Rarely do I feel anything from her, but when I do get flickers, they usually make my stomach sink.
“Please,” I ask, taking a step forward. “Let me make things right.” A sigh escapes her lips as she sets down the wooden spoon, wiping her hands on her apron. She would rather not come with me, however, she knows better than to make a scene, and she isn't one that likes to draw attention to herself. Reluctantly, she follows me out, her footsteps echoing against the stone floor.
As we enter the hall, the chatter of the other staff fixing the table in the dining room fills my ears. Sienna's gaze darts around, settling on the faces of those who stare at us with curiosity. Leaning over, I shut the door, forcing her attention back to me.
“Go get dressed, I'm taking you out,” I tell her. She rolls her eyes.
“It's not a choice,” I tell her.
“It never is with you, is it?” She snaps before stomping past me. Sighing heavily, I turn to follow her. Watching as her small body sways as she angrily marches to the room like she believes she can escape me. Once we are back in her room, I find Javier gone, and she moves to her dresser.
“You're not wearing jeans. You should have dresses in the closet,” I tell her, moving toward it. She had one on for the wedding. Walking in, I slide the coat hangers across, finding a blue silky one that will go nicely with her hair. Walking out, she eyes the dress but says nothing when I lay out on the bed. “Where are you taking me?” She demands.
“To dinner,” she mutters something, but I ignore her, instead finding her some shoes. Once she is dressed, I grab her hand, leading her downstairs. “Where's Javier?” She asks nervously, and I know she doesn't want to be alone with me, which pains me to think about it.
“He has something in his eye,” I tell her, opening her door. She looks at me oddly before looking at the castle. “Sienna, please get in the car.” She chews her lip before ducking her head and sliding into the passenger seat.
