Page 144 of Iris
These days cynical just might be spelledS-M-A-R-T.
Although not much has happened this week in Sabine, Iris has emerged and has been on a few dates with eligible Alphas.
Has she finally given up on her rebellious ways?
I don’t know about you, but with the newest ball announced in the Gardener’s name, this little bee will be flying close to the ground.
Stay tuned, Hivemind. I’ll be bringing you all the buzz.
- Queen Bee
CHAPTER
FORTY-ONE
Xavier
Iknow the signs of a girl not just frustrated, but on an erotic edge.
The Alpha she’s out with looks weak, his position in life only bolstered by his money and standing. In fact, as I watch the dapper blond man, something twists tight in my chest.
I’ll admit it.
As I sit in the shadows, finishing the thick, syrupy coffee, I’ve been spying.
Watching but not crossing lines.
Not physical ones.
Not like Killian.
But I can’t help but think how Mahmoud’s Coffee is an odd place for a date in the Season.
Then again, the blond comes from across the seas, where the Council reach is lax. Though, I’m sure they still stick to classes like they do in Sabine.
That isn’t the problem.
No. It’s being able to choose. Being able to be with someone you want rather than someone you’re told to be with. It’s about movement between classes.
It’s us wanting an end to oppression.
That’s the problem.
I sigh, sip my coffee. Iris moves in her seat, restless, her brother at the table next to her with her sister, Marigold. Iris crosses her legs, pushing her thighs together under the skirt as she tries not to look around.
She senses me.
A thrill tumbles down my bones. I sit back, letting the shadowy corner devour me.
If I close my eyes, breathe her in, I can smell her. Brat. Cupcake. She’s both. She likes to press buttons, dance differently. And she’s made of so many hues.
She’s also young enough that the claiming we made can be dismissed by the Monarch. Or we can reject it. I wonder if that’s part of Killian’s plan all along—use her and then dump her.
I want to think he’s not that cruel, but the years have hardened him. It’s obvious he cares about Iris, but whether or not he’ll admit that to himself? That’s the hard part.
I take a swallow of coffee and send a DM to her through the stolen mini. I time it to when the Alpha gets up with the brother to go and settle the bill.
Blond doesn’t suit you.
