Page 19 of A Mate for the King
“Why?”
“My clan, they are going to be furious with me. They’ll think I did this on purpose. They hate being among the other shifters and they’re going to make me pay for this. I have to go.”
Zehr’s nostrils flared at the words, his scent immediately taking on a spicier twinge that made Cora go still as a statute. She looked at her alpha to see him stalking toward her.
“No one is going to make you do anything.”
“But...”
Zehr put his hands on her shoulder; her once-injured shoulder, she noted distractedly. Such rapid healing was likely an added bonus of mating such a powerful alpha.
“You answer to no shifter. Not anymore.” His deep voice vibrated soothingly against her skin.
“Except you?”
“Yes, except me. You are my mate. Do you understand?”
“Yes, alpha.”
Zehr’s words served to calm her and he let out a pleased purr when Cora’s scent of distress disappeared. She was all cake batter and sprinkles again. She could sense he meant it and she knew enough of her world to know that the Fireheart Clan alpha’s word was as good as law. There would be no repercussions for prolonging the gathering for the coronation.
She would never have to look at the alphas who had made her life hard ever again.
As if reading her mind, Zehr spoke, his breath warm against her ear as he held her.
“I’ll have someone go for your things. You’re done with them.”
“There isn’t much,” Cora told him quietly.
Zehr shrugged and gave her an easy smile that warmed her through. “It’ll be quick then.”
Cora gave him a quick nod and then wrapped her arms around herself again and pulled back from him. She was suddenly self-conscious about her naked state and cleared her throat, eyes once more sweeping the room.
“My clothes?”
“Sent them out to be laundered.” Zehr took a slow sauntering step toward her and raised an eyebrow at her crossed arms.
“Are you...hiding yourself from your alpha, sweets?”
Cora swallowed hard and managed to just dart up to meet his gaze before she looked away again.
“Very different than when you’re in a heat.”
Cora blushed furiously and closed her eyes as she took in a steadying breath. Everything had moved so quickly in the span of a few days.
“What do you mean?”
Zehr smirked. “You’re just very...vivacious in a heat. Eager.”
“Eager?” The word came out sounding shrill, making him chuckle.
Moon above, his laugh alone was enough to sustain her for days. Nevermind the fact that he was her mate.
He pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I quite enjoyed your heat.”
“You bonded me.” Cora wrapped her arms around herself and shifted from foot to foot. “And you don’t know why.”
“I don’t.”
