The Beast And The Blessed

Chapter 71

Seventy-Two: Killian

Killian’s P.O.V.

I smiled as I saw Natalie leaving the library up ahead, presumably to get ready for the pack dinner. She

looked around the corner in front of her before moving forward, and I laughed as I knew the paranoia

today was caused by her interaction with Rona this morning.

The witch was new to the council but not someone to be trifled with. It was common knowledge that

she had been the one to kill her own mother, Melinda, for her seat on the council. There had been no

proof, and no one dared to openly make a claim against the witch.

Like most of the council members, Rona and Joselin had personal conflicts. Only theirs were not magic

or title related. I knew Rona had stayed in her room the entire day, according to my guards. Joselin was

itching for a fight as she wandered the castle, hoping to run into our new arrival under the pretense of

working.

I was not looking forward to having them all here at once. Every time they had been called together, it

was nothing but drama and fighting all day and night. I remember as a kid that they had almost taken

down the castle’s north side when a fight between two council members resulted in a load-bearing

column of brick crumbling to the floor.

It would have been bad for all involved if they hadn't used their magic to hold the floor above them up

while the other fixed it.

They all seemed to hate each other but shared a love for their land and people.

It had been a relief when Rona walked over the casting in the foyer without any issue. Still, while she

may not have been against us, I wasn't positive that I could trust her entirely. I didn't trust anyone

besides Natalie, Joselin, and Charlie.

They were my people.

I stalked behind my mate, fascinated as she stopped at the next junction, took a deep breath before

lifting her chin, and turned the corner. Her eyes still glanced both ways as she turned, checking for her

newfound enemy.

’What are you doing?1' I whispered against her ear as I snuck up behind her.

Natalie jumped before spinning around with her hand on her chest. I glanced down at the small amount

of cleavage there as she breathed rapidly, looking up when she gently smacked my bicep. ’Don't do

that!’

I laughed, grabbing her hand and pulling her fingers to my lips, where I pressed a kiss. 'You seem a bit

jumpy."

My musing made her eyes narrow as she pulled her hand from mine and spun on her heels to stomp

toward our room.

’Don't be mad, my love," I said as I followed behind her, enjoying how she shuddered at my words.

Now that I knew she enjoyed hearing me say the word love, I would tease her with it as often as

possible. The blush on her cheeks alone was worth it.

’Then don't laugh at me!’ She responded as she pushed the bedroom door open and entered our

closet. I leaned against the door frame, admiring her body as she stripped off her jeans and shirt,

standing before me in her bra and underwear.

If we had the time, I would press her against the wall and take her right here and now. But tonight was

a big night.

Not only was our first council member here, but Nolan and Heath were finally given the all-clear that

they were okay. There was no sign of the curse still being at play, and the pack was ready to celebrate

that they made it through alive.

As hosts, we needed to ensure that we were on time and looked presentable.

When she finally slipped into a royal blue dress and pulled her heels on, she brushed past me in the

doorway. I didn't move, and she looked at me from beneath her eyelashes with a heated stare as her

body slid against mine.

She tried her best not to react, but I enjoyed watching as her eyes dilated and her breathing picked up.

It was glorious to see that she was just as affected by me as I was by her.

’You look beautiful,’ I whispered, and she ducked her head as her cheeks lit up and rushed toward the

bathroom to style her hair with a meek, 'Thank you' thrown over her shoulder. I had the feeling that she

knew exactly what was on my mind.

The way she glanced over her shoulder at me as I began to unbutton my shirt so I could change was

empowering. It didn't matter that I was the king. One look from her, and I knew I could be a beggar in

the streets and still feel powerful with her by my side.

I pushed everything to the back of my mind as we finished getting dressed. Natalie placed her hand in

the crook of my elbow as I guided her down the hallway and to the dining hall.

The pack was seated, talking loudly and animatedly with excitement as they welcomed Nolan and

Heath back.

They bowed and submitted respectfully as we were announced and made our way to our seats. Charlie

was sitting on the other side of me and looked away quickly when I pulled out Natalie’s chair for her.

I let out a deep breath, relieved that she had stayed. But I knew we still needed to talk about what had

happened.

The bear was next to her, and he stared at me for a moment as if he were contemplating speaking

before he settled with a single nod of acknowledgment.

Rona was sitting beside Joselin stiffly as Joselin smirked and lifted her glass to her lips. It seemed that

I had missed their reunion, and I was grateful to have not had to deal with it. From the looks of it,

Joselin came out with the upper hand, and Rona was not pleased.

I held back the amusement I felt at the witch pouting when she had come into my home so sure of

herself earlier this morning. She was quickly learning her place. I just hoped it was on our side of the

battlefield when the time came.

The room fell silent as I raised my right hand. "Tonight, we welcome back two of our own from the

clutches of darkness. They bravely risked their lives for our people and came out victorious. We are

honored to have them as a part of our pack. Heath, Nolan..." I glanced from one to the other as they Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

sat in the center of the room. Heath was next to his mate, and Nolan had both his mate and children on

his other side. "Welcome back, and may the Goddess be with you. I would also like to welcome the first

of many esteemed guests that will be joining us. Rona WiIla, it is a pleasure to have you here.’

She smirked as I turned to her, no longer seeming bothered by having to sit next to Joselin. I turned

away, not wanting to give her any more ideas than she already had.

’Tonight," I said as I grabbed the glass from in front of me and lifted it high, 'We celebrate!"

The pack stomped their feet as they cheered and howled. Several people clapped Heath and Nolan on

their shoulders as I took my seat.

The wait staff moved in synch as they began to bring out the first course, moving swiftly through the

rows of hungry Lycans.

’It's not right. It's too dark.” Natalie whispered.