Page 39 of King of Knights

“Is it not too soon? I don’t believe she knows anything about her own powers. She knows even less about me.”

“The old witch will serve her purpose as well. Don’t worry. This is not her time. She can’t remain forever. The stronger your mate becomes, the easier it will be for her to push her out.”

“What has changed? We feel it, but what has happened and how are the Riccis connected?”

“The Ricci family wanted to play and never bothered to learn the rules. Instead of rigging the game as they think they have, they offered an opportunity to your father.

“You don’t play with gods and expect not to get burned. The Ricci family is about to learn a lesson. As for the change… a veil has been lifted.

“An essence has been given to set things in motion. They are all coming. You will be ready when the time comes. For now, bond with your mate. You won’t be ready without her at full strength.”

I drop my gaze to the table in thought. There is a war within. I have to know the truth.

“Venus… did she truly betray me, or is it as I think? She used the temple for whatever this is with my child and my true mate.”

“The answer to that isn’t going to make this easier. You were in love with one woman. She’s now in the body of the woman you will love with your entire being for the rest of eternity.

“Her pain is her own doing. Now and then. You cannot allow this to hold you back. Bond with your mate.”

I nod and stand. With my power, I pull a few coins from our world and go to hand them over. She lifts a hand to halt me.

“This one is on the house. I have a vested interest here.”

“I think I’m starting to see that,” I mutter.

“Congratulations, my king. On your mate and your son.”

A grin comes to my face. I heard her say the child was a boy earlier. However, this time, it truly sets in. I am to have a son.

Escape

Iwake with my face in a pillow. I inhale and his scent fills my lungs. It sets my whole body on fire. My scalp tingles and it’s like I have lava rushing through my veins.

Groaning, I roll over. That doesn’t seem to help. He’s everywhere. Glancing around the room, I take in the dark colors and masculine vibe. This must be his room.

I groan again and sit up. My head spins with the motion. I palm my forehead and try to remember what happened.

“This is crazy,” I murmur to myself.

Pulling my knees into my chest, I then wrap my arms around my legs and wiggle my toes. There’s such a stillness about the space. Leaning my cheek on my knees, I close my eyes again.

I need to get back home. My father will be livid when he finds out who I was planning to go meet. I found out about Taylor, Billy, and Lee Ann by accident.

I did one of those ancestry kits, wanting to know more about my heritage. I know my father’s wife wasn’t my mother. I believe that’s the reason why she left.

I used to overhear them arguing about me, or at least I thought it was about me. Then the results came in and I learned of three others who shared my DNA. We connected online and became friends.

They are the only friends I have. I’ve been boiling with rage and questions about my sisters. Why keep me and separate us?

I shake the thought off. I need to get out of here and figure out a way home. I lost my purse with my phone in it when I was being chased.

“Screw this. I’m out of here before I lose my entire mind.”

I get up and look around for my shoes. Seeing them by the foot of the bed, I grab them and move to the door. Turning the knob, I sag in relief when the door pops open. Tugging it open a bit more, I then peek my head out.

There’s a long hallway before me. It doesn’t seem like anyone is around, but I hear music in the distance as if someone’s having a party. Opting to keep my shoes in my hands, I tiptoe from the room and start up the hall cautiously.

One of the doors to my right opens and out steps a tall blond. He’s bare-chested with a cut on. His abs are distracting and his face is too pretty to look at.

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