Page 26 of Finding Love with the Fae King

“N-nothing, just wanted to tell me goodbye and all.” Osirus narrowed his eyes and led me back into the house.

“Whatcha got there?” Braxton asked with a smirk. Looking down at my wolf, I threw it behind my back. “Nothing! I’m going to freshen up a bit, all right? All right, bye!” Running up the stairs, I heard snickers and laughing, but Osirus quickly shut them up.

Chapter Thirteen

Osirus

“Aw,she’ssuchawee babe!” Finley cooed as he stuffed a large roll into his mouth. “Did ye see the way she hid it from us? The lass is adorable!”

I slammed my hand on the table, causing the dishes to rattle and a few cups to fall over. “You do not speak so casually about your future Queen!” I said furiously.

“What has gotten into you, Your Majesty? Your once emotionless expressions are now written all over you. Has your mate already broken your tough exterior?” Alaneo chided as I huffed and laid the napkin across my lap to finish my meal while straightening my back.

It was true. I never let people see my authentic emotion. Always the stoic face. That way, no one can see what true intentions I have up my sleeve. “Only when it comes to her,” I whispered. “Be sure you show her some respect. Don’t make her feel inferior, do you understand?” All four of them agreed instantly, and we finished our food in silence.

I found it heartwarming that she had something such as a child’s stuffed animal. It shows her innocence in the world. Hell, she didn’t have a childhood. Her own tough exterior would be tough to crumble, and maybe treating her or spoiling her like a child could break that. Get rid of her worries, get rid of the walls of untrust, and have her fall for me.

Melina came back down the stairs, wearing the tight black jeans and white off-the-shoulder top she had on earlier. Her hair was put up in a high ponytail, exposing her slender neck and collarbones. I’ve been with her for under twenty-four hours, and I already wanted to mark her with love bites to let everyone know she had an intended. Her body was certainly made for me; it was taking all of my strength not to slip my tongue into her mouth and claim it as mine.

“Would you like to go for a stroll, darling?”

Her shy demeanor had once again resurfaced as she nodded. I’d noticed in times of stress and uncertainty that her sass and battiness were clear. A coping mechanism I was hoping to destroy. I wanted her to be herself and see the smile she had the other day while her friend was introduced to the pack. Melina’s smile was held with pride for her sister, and soon my darling’s smile would captivate our entire kingdom. She had yet to smile at me, but I would be sure to change that today.

Melina reluctantly walked toward me. I lifted my arm for her to take. She gave me an uncertain glance and hooked her arm with mine.

Leaving the cabin, I had us stroll down the path to the small merchant area of the territory. I knew they had small shops for clothing, food, and other items. Her eyes grew wide in amazement as we walked through the town.

Melina

The small town looked like I had stepped back in time. Nothing was used in excess here. There were gardens behind everyone’s homes, and the buildings had exotic plants growing out of the roofs to be used as cover. Everything was so natural; everything was part of the scenery. Each home and store had its own unique design yet still blended in with the natural part of the forest.

I noticed women wearing a variety of different types of clothing. Some women who were shopping wore dresses one would see out of the Renaissance back on Earth. They weren’t extra fancy, exotic, or expensive—just enough to get them through the day. Then there were some women who had more yoga-like pants with a variety of different styled tops. The men were different and wore linen pants and open tunics.

“There are shifters. They wear what’s comfortable and easily removed in case of a need to shift,” Osirus commented.

I continued to watch as Osirus guided me through the small market. Fresh fruits, vegetables, loaves of bread, grains, and water were on display. No one was rendering any money or taking more than what they needed for food. The only thing costing some sort of coinage was clothing, baskets, and other knick-knacks one could buy. It was a small utopia for the pack members. I smiled, looking at how everyone was happy. No one was going hungry, and no one was trying to steal. They were in their own bliss.

“Is it like this in the Golden Light Kingdom?” I looked up at Osirus.

His lips were pressed into a line as he squeezed my arm tighter. “Not yet. We will get there, darling.”

Not saying anything, he led me to a shop that had a sign called Maxine’s Organic Materials.The opened door caused an invisible bell to ring as we walked in, Osirus going first and scanning the room.

“Welcome!” A tall woman came back from behind the counter. “Oh, Your Majesty.” She bowed, realizing who was in the room. Osirus did a silent nod in return.

“I’m afraid we just have ladies’ wear, not unless you are shopping for your mate that you have found! She was certainly a beauty. I saw her last night.” Her eyes continued to stay down, and I kept hidden behind Osirus, unsure of her true intentions. Too many supernatural beings around here for my liking. My social bar had already been exceeded for the day. My hands stayed fisted in his cape.

Osirus turned around and led me around from his cape. “Yes, it is for my destined,” his velvety smooth voice spoke as I continued to look into his eyes. Not only were his looks captivating, but so was his voice. He could read a phone book and put me right to sleep.

“She is certainly more beautiful up close! Come, miss! I have just the collection for you to try.” Maxine grabbed my hand, and I looked back for help, but Osirus just waved his hand for me to go. I was led behind an elaborate curtain, and she pulled at my clothes.

“Easy there!” I squealed.

Maxine looked at me, confused.

“I can undress, sorry.”

Maxine smiled, grabbing fabrics from the corner of a previous customer. “I keep forgetting you are human. I heard they appreciate their privacy.” She grinned. “You will have to get over that more quickly here, child. I heard the Fae Kingdom is freer with their bodies.” My face paled as she threw some dresses onto the chair next to me. “Come on, chop, chop! We want a show now! I have been blessed to have Luna Clara. You both look about the same size!” The one dress that was left in my hands was staring at me in the face as I grasped it tighter.

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