Page 89 of Blood Bearon
Rachel didn’t want to breathe. “Thank you, Gomez,” she replied, trying to sound casual.
There was a moment of awkward silence, neither of them quite sure how to proceed, unsure of what the newfound respect between them entailed.
“Well don’t just stand there, give him your name,” Khove barked, shoving the prisoner up against the glass. “Whatever the nice man behind the desk wants, you tell him, got it?”
“Got it!” the prisoner yelped, his chubby cheeks smashed flat against the thick window.
Rachel and Gomez shared a chuckle.
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“You look ready to faint.”
Khove stared straight ahead.
“Or vomit. Yeah, definitely vomit.”
“If this is your idea of a pep talk, might I suggest starting over?” he growled.
Rachel playfully swatted at his shoulder, then tugged his uniform into position. It was black, like that of the House Guards, but instead of red piping along the sides his was gold. Twin gold bears marked the sides of his stiff collar. He tugged on the edge, the damnable material itching and tugging at the beard he’d decided to grow.
“You’re going to do fine,” his mate reassured him, giving his butt a squeeze. “I know it. Your Queen knows it. Most of your House knows it. The only one who doesn’t is you, which just goes to reinforce the fact you’re going to be perfect for the job.”
Reaching out, Khove snagged Rachel’s hand, holding it tight. “That was much better,” he said. “Thank you. Though, next time, maybe lead with that?”
“Now where’s the fun in that?” she teased, pulling him down to her height to kiss his cheek. “Now go out there and be the best Knight you can be. Your House needs you right now, Khove.”
Turning to look at his mate square on, he held her by the shoulders. “I love you.”
Rachel blushed and reached up, squeezing both of his hands. “I love you too, Khove Ursa. I’ll still be here after, don’t worry about that.”
Now it was his turn to grin evilly.
“What?” she asked nervously. “Why are you looking at me like that, Khove? What’s going on?”
“Didn’t the Queen tell you about the change of plans?” he taunted as music began to swirl out from between the copper doors leading into the Throne Room.
“No.” Frowning, Rachel looked back at the doors, then at him. “What’s changed?”
Khove adjusted his feet, slipped an arm here…grab that, spin, and—
“Oh no,” Rachel said as she suddenly found herself at his side, arm linked, facing the double doors. “This is not happening, Khove. This is for you, not me.”
“Incorrect,” he chuckled, quite pleased with himself for pulling off the deception. “This is for us. To be appointed to a position of power, to become a Title Holder, it is mandated that a shifter must have a mate. It’s meant to ground us and give us someone who will slap us around if we’re being dumb.”
“I’m gonna slap you around right now,” Rachel muttered darkly, making a half-assed attempt to get away.
Holding her arm firmly, Khove continued as if he hadn’t heard a thing. “Most of House Ursa has not met you yet, my love. It is past time for that to happen, especially if I am to become their Knight, and one day their King.”
“How did I not see this coming?” Rachel complained. “I actually fell for the Queen’s line that I needed to be this dolled up for the afterparty. What an idiot!”
Khove’s laughter died as the doors opened and the full sound of the royal music swept over them. “You look beautiful, my dear,” he assured her and stepped forward, knowing full well that she was a sight to behold.
Walking beside him, Rachel immediately drew the majority of the attention to herself. She looked simply stunning. Her dress was of a deep royal blue, falling nearly to the floor. A golden sash hung from one shoulder, a sign of her being a member of the ruling party of House Ursa. Her hair was long and lustrous, shimmering under the sparkle of lights.
Rarely was the Throne Room this bright, but then, it was also rare that a new successor to the throne was appointed. Now, the giant rectangular room gleamed as light reflected off every surface, turning it from a serious place of business into a royal hall worthy of its name.
Keeping his steps measured and slow so Rachel could match his pace with ease, the two followed a red carpet to the steps of the raised dais at the rear of the room.
