Page 72 of Little Mate
In the blink of an eye, the niceties are gone. This is the man who’s taken so much from me and my family: our parents, our people, our security and peace. He’s evil, I see that clear as day now, but there’s something else behind his bitter eyes and when they meet mine, it’s all there.
Larue is afraid of something. Absolutely terrified.
“What have you done?” At my question, his eyes widen but he’s quick to school his features. Some might have missed it, those of fae heritage in the room, but those with me see it all. “Who are you trying to dissuade or appease?”
“Mind your tongue, woman. You’re before a king.”
“And you before a queen and the werewolves luna. Do not confuse us with the females of your kingdom.”
“Theodore, I suggest—”
“My mate asked you a question.”
“How can you accept such insolence?” He’s baiting us to react. “Women have no place in this negotiation. They are to be seen and not heard.”
“Is that why your mate left you?” Xadiel steps in beside me with my sister on his other side. Our family is mix-matched, but a united front. “Why you’re so bitter, old friend?”
“We’re not here to discuss my personal life, but that which you have that belongs to me.”
“And what is that?” Theo lifts my hand and kisses each knuckle. “Be specific.”
“My son,” Larue grits out. Those in his guard draw their weapons then, taking a step forward.
Are we surprised by this? No. Are we intimidated? Also, no.
Which is why Tero enters the room in his snake form a few minutes later dragging an unconscious royal with his mouth. His son has been kept dirty, unfed, and his wings were clipped.
“This is the only warning you’ll receive,” my husband growls out as Tero lifts his head over the son of a man not worthy of his crown. “Stand down, Larue. Do not come near our mates or their people unless you want a war on your hands you will never win. With your greed and idiocy, you’ve brought together three factions that want your head on a spike for the village dogs to pee on, and who will stop at nothing to do so.”
“I’m not afraid of you.”
“Want to test that theory as my trusted guard suffocates your son? Or while he swallows him, head first?”
“You wouldn’t dare.” Many inside gasp—his people—their eyes bouncing between their useless leader and Theo. They wait for orders that will never come. “That’s an act of war.”
“It is.”
“Is she worth it? The death of your people?”
Tero’s teeth scrape over the royal son’s forehead.
“Last chance.”
Larue is sweating, hands clenching at his sides as Tero unlocks his jaw. “Stop.”
“Smart man.” The python recedes, taking a stance in front of me, and the fae king’s eyes narrow.
“Can my son be removed and attended to?”
“Yes.” The fact I’m the one who answers, further angers him. “You may.”
For a few minutes, he doesn’t say anything. Just looks at me. “You have it, don’t you?” he asks, less acerbic and more understanding, which throws me for a loop. What is wrong with this man? “It’s why you’re so confident?”
“Have what?”
“Ask your sister. She knows.” My head turns to Isa who looks ahead, body showing no sign of outward deceit, yet I know he’s right. For someone so angered by this man’s greed, today she’s subdued, hiding behind the wall that is her mate. “Just know that I’m not the only one interested. Many will come for you both.”
“Isa?”