Page 23 of Finding Love with the Fae King

“How was it where you used to live, then? Where did you live? I heard you lived among werewolves, and you didn’t even know it.” He chuckled. Thinking back on it made me cringe. How could I not see? I was so blind.

“I lived alone in a cabin on their territory after my parents left. The packhouse was not where I was all the time. I kept to myself, took care of myself, and lived off the money my parents left me until Tulip’s Alpha realized I was good at numbers. Now I am his accountant.” I smiled. I was a spreadsheet goddess and created the perfect point, click, type to watch all the spending.

“Your parents left you? Did they leave that world?” Osirus asked, concerned.

“It just wasn’t working out, so I told them to leave and give me money to live off, and I would be fine on my own near Tulip’s parents.” I waved my hand absentmindedly like it didn’t bother me.Joke’s on me, though.

It still bothered me.

“You can’t get rid of a child like that! Who do your parents think they are?” Osirus raised his voice.

The calm facade he radiated slowly dissipated, and a new side of the king was coming out. Everyone talked about how King Osirus was always calm and collected, having Alaneo speak for him in most cases because he lacked the drive to really give anyone the time of day. Now he was exhibiting something I hadn’t expected. Emotion. Anger.

“They made it perfectly clear they didn’t want me.” I picked up the glass of nectar. “I said it would be best for them to just go so I didn’t live with a fake family. Not that they were around much, anyway. Tulip became like a sister to me, and her mother and I got close. I even called her Mom sometimes. I owe them a lot. They were much more family than my own blood.” My voice became lower as I spoke to him. A few straggly tears left my eyes. I felt so vulnerable in front of him; I hadn’t cried openly in I didn’t know how long.

Osirus picked me up and put me on his lap, something I had seen a lot of supernaturals do with their mates, especially Elm and Rose. Osirus’s hand went to the side of my face and held me close to his chest. I didn’t fight it. I let him guide my face to his neck as I breathed deeply. There was a constant thrumming in his chest; if I didn’t know any better, I thought it was his heart.

“Is that your heart? Beating so fast?” I whispered. It was so fast it was inhuman.

“Yes,” he said huskily. “It is compared to a hummingbird. I believe Earth has those as well.” Hearing his voice made me shudder, and I pulled away from him and sat back down on my side of the couch. The disappointment was evident in his eyes.

“I’m sorry. I’m just not used to that much contact, I guess. Touching you, it’s just so overwhelming.” I blushed while fiddling with my dress. “I’m just not used to all the attention.” I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. Not that I didn’t want him touching me. It was the fear in the back of my mind he would leave, too.

Just like my parents.

Osirus grabbed my hand again, the constant touch was something he craved, and maybe I did too. “Don’t lie to me, darling.” His golden eyes grew to a dark amber. I gasped as they changed, and they quickly went back to their normal golden color. “I won’t lie to you, so don’t lie to me. I’ll bend you over and spank you myself to let you know it.” I blushed bright scarlet. I couldn’t look at him any longer. He wouldn’t dare, would he? He did smack me earlier, though!

Another knock was heard at the door, and it was opened with a small creek. Luna Clara came in with several wolves in tow with my bags. “Wait a minute. Why are you bringing my stuff here?” I said, agitated.

“I told you, this is our room.” Osirus got up and took the bags from the men carrying them.

“Don’t worry, Melina, I packed your things,” Clara said happily while Osirus found a place for them. “So”—she wiggled her eyebrows—“how is it going so far?”

“This is weird to me,” I whispered.

“It was to me too when I first met Kane. There was an undeniable attraction, and I’m sure you feel it too.” I looked to see if Osirus was listening, but he was talking to a few of the attendants.

“Yes, but what if he leaves me? I can’t get attached.” Clara gasped at my question.

“Not with a mate bond. He would never. He has waited for you a long time. He may have a different past, his culture might be different, but he has wanted you for so long.” She grabbed my hands. “Just tell him you want to take it slow. I promise he will. He’s a good friend of mine and means well. He must put up a strong wall there because of the difficulties in his kingdom, but he will show you his true self.” She squeezed my hand once more and got up to tell Osirus goodbye.

“Go slow with her, Osirus.” Clara pointed her finger at his chest. “I mean it.”

“Of course, Princess.” He bowed. “Nothing less for her.”

Clara waved and walked out the door as Alaneo walked in.

“Your Majesty.” He bowed.

A lot of bowing around here. Do I need to be bowing?

“The horses will be ready at dawn. Did you need anything else for the night?”

“That will be all. Thank you, Alaneo.” Before Alaneo was fully out the door, I spoke up.

“Oh, you are leaving tomorrow?” I questioned innocently.Will he come back?Both started laughing while I sat, confused.

“Darling, you are coming back with us to the Golden Light Kingdom. I can’t stay away for too long. I was just here to sign a treaty and return henceforth.”

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