HIS QUEEN novel Chapter 16

Few eyes turned to us in interest. I shuffled nervously on my feet. I tried to tug my arm but he held on firmly.

"You're hurting me" I said lowly knowing he heard me. He released his grip and pulled me into him, his arms around my waist. His breath mingled with mine. A low growl sounded behind us. He turned me so my back was against his chest. I looked up to see a furious Thane with his arm candy. I quickly looked at my feet.

"Brother" his deep voice sent shivers down my spine. It had been so long since I heard it. Wait a minute. Brother?

"It's been a while. Two or three centuries?"

"Four centuries"

"Ah.. that's right four centuries." The tension between these two could be cut with a knife. They stood for a while without saying anything. We had caught the attention of a better part of the guests. I reached to scratch my mark.

"The lady is uncomfortable" yes I am.

"She doesn't look uncomfortable. She feels comfortable. Soft and feminine."

"If you'll look closely she has a mark." Thane gritted.

"Her mate must be a fool to let her wander about." He sniffed my neck. "If you were mine, I'll never let you leave my sight. I'll lock you up in a tower where only I can see you." He trailed his fingers down my arms. "I bet you taste as good as you smell." I blushed and Thane growled loudly. The guests looked on at us. I detached myself from him and bowed.

"I beg to take my leave" I bowed and took my leave. I ran up the stairs and took off the hateful dress. I tossed it to the floor and entered the bathroom. I stripped and entered the tub. I lay there thinking of what my life had become.

I opened my eyes as hands lifted me. I shivered at the cold. He stood me gently on my feet and wiped me. He unbuttoned his shirt and placed it on my shoulders. I put my hands through the sleeves and he buttoned it. He lifted me and placed me on the bed. I turned on my side. I felt the bed dip and the covers over me. He pulled me into his chest. We lay in silence listening to each others heartbeats.

"Catalina died in that room." I listened intently. "Nothing has been moved from its place since she died. I didn't want her scent to leave the room. That night was the eve of the day she died. I wasn't thinking."

"I'm sorry."

"You shouldn't be. You did nothing wrong. I'm sorry I lost it." I nodded.

"How did she die?" he stiffened.

"Y-you don't have to answer that."

"She was poisoned. Silver."

"I thought silver doesn't kill lycans."

"It doesn't. She was a werewolf." Who would dare to poison the king's mate?

"Blithe. A cheerful woman with a dark soul. A half-breed. They were friends." That explains his hate for half-breeds.

"What happened to her?"

"I killed her. Ripped her heart out of her chest." He stayed silent after that.

"Stay away from Eridian."who is that?

"My brother." Oh... That was the name of the creepy man from downstairs. But if they were brothers why were they tense around each other?

I wanted to ask more questions but decided against it. He had shared a lot this night. I didn't want to push him too far. I snuggled into his chest and enjoyed his comfort. He might be cold tomorrow. I wanted to enjoy the moment while it lasted. I fell asleep to his steady heartbeat.