Kindred Souls Complete Series: Books 1-4

Chapter Twenty-Three

Most of the guestshad already arrived when we walked through the doors, and every single one of those people turned to stare at us as we approached the throne.

Whist waited for us at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the dais and he took my breath away just like the others. He didn’t smile, but his eyes softened when he met mine through the crowd. I’d strangely missed him, even though I’d seen him at breakfast. He was dressed in a slick black suit covering a silver shirt the same exact shade of his starlight eyes.

Aster ducked his head to speak low in my ear. “You thinking about grabbing your last kindred and sprinting out of here?”

“Maybe.” Definitely.

He let out a quiet chuckle. “If you do, bring me with you.”

“Aren’t you used to these?”

Aster’s expression darkened a bit. “Not even close. They’re torture.”

“So, lots to look forward to as your kindred, huh?”

“Honestly? If I were you, I’d run and never look back.”

I actually believed him. For once, his face was barren of the charming and pleasant facade, stark with his pain and loneliness. He smiled sadly at me and pressed a kiss to my knuckles before joining his family at the thrones, depositing me beside Whist while Saber and Sky stepped up at our sides. Elora and Lysander were on the other side of the dais beside us.

The king rose and the murmurs and chatter from the guests died down. “Welcome, my friends, to our bi-annual gala. This year, we get to celebrate something special. I’m sure some of you have already heard whispers, but your prince has finally found his kindred soul.” He paused for the rising applause and cheers. “And three of our most elite soldiers are also joining them in their bond. We are preparing for the ceremony soon and are looking forward to celebrating their union with all of you.” Another pause to bathe in celebration and adoration. “But tonight, let us have a good time and enjoy the strength and prosperity of our kingdom.”

The king sat back on his throne and drank from his goblet. Aster left the dais and rejoined us, taking my hand and leading me out into the middle of the floor. The musicians started up a song and my breath caught when I recognized my work.

Tears burned my eyes as more and more musicians joined the song, adding their instruments and voices to the rising music. Never had I heard my songs like this and it shattered me.

I could barely pay attention to the dance, but Aster twirled me with confidence and calm. “You all right?”

I was too dazed to answer for a moment. “Yeah. It’s just... I didn’t know my song would be first.”

“It made sense so the ones who need to hear it would know which one to listen to. And I wanted our first dance to be to this song.” He looked away, but his fingers flexed against me.

“Why?” My breath caught in my throat as I waited for his reply.

“Because I have a feeling you’ll be gone soon. and I wanted this memory.”

The hopelessness in his voice broke my heart. “I haven’t decided yet, you know.”

“Have you not?”

“No.”

“What’s stopping you?” He spun me away and my hand was caught by someone else, spinning me into a familiar chest.

“Whistler.”

He growled low in his throat and drew me closer into his body. “Hello, gorgeous.”

“What’s going on?” I stretched my neck, searching for Aster.

“It’s part of the show. Just go with it.”

We were whirling so fast, I could take in nothing but his face, his starlight eyes. Aster and his sapphire gaze was forgotten for the moment.

“You all right, gorgeous?” Whist peered down at me in concern.

“Why does everyone keep asking me that?” I asked once he finished twirling me.

We were no longer alone on the dance floor, other couples joining us and swaying to the music. My music. It was still blowing my mind that I was dancing to one of my songs.

“Because this is a lot. And you’ve been through a lot. I know this isn’t even close to what you wanted.”

“No, but I stopped believing I’d get everything I wanted a long time ago. My whole life since my parents died has been me trying to change things.” Maybe I was here for a reason.

Whist lifted me into the air and another set of hands brought me back down to the floor. “It’s me, love.”

“Saber, where did you come from?” I didn’t notice him approach.

“You were too busy drowning in Whist’s eyes to see me.” His voice held gentle teasing.

I flushed. “Where’s Sky?”

“He’ll be stealing you away in a moment.”

“Why didn’t anyone warn me?” I squeaked as he lowered me in a dip.

He turned me and pulled my back against his chest. “It was a last minute change Aster decided on.”

Of course it was. Though, I liked the change, wanting to share my song with my kindreds. Even Aster. My eyes roved the milling dancers, searching for my other kindreds. I smiled at the sight of Indigo and Elora wrapped in each other’s arms, mouths tangling as they paid more attention to their kiss than their dance.

Saber swiveled me back around and yanked me into his hard body, smoldering at me before he spun me like Aster had, Sky there waiting for me.

Sky let out a satisfied sigh. “Finally, it’s my turn.”

“I’m surprised you agreed to go last.” I peered up at him through my lashes.

“You should always save the best things for last. And I know I’m your favorite.”

I threw my head back in a laugh. “You do, huh?”

He smiled proudly. “Of course. I am a fucking delight.”

I shook my head, fighting a grin. “I don’t know. Saber is so sweet and always on my side. He might be my favorite.”

Sky gasped dramatically. “How dare you? There’s no way you love him more than me.”

I couldn’t help but to continue teasing him. “And Whistler gives me those special smiles. You hand yours out to everyone.”

“Because I’m not a grumpy asshole. But if you want something special, do you not remember the special time we had just a couple hours ago?”

Bickering and joking with Sky made everything else seem like less of a big deal. I was so grateful he was part of my life. Someone who could make me laugh in the midst of chaos and horror, who could always tease a smile out of me.

I winked at him. “The memory is fading. I might need to be reminded.”

He laughed loud and hard, missing a couple steps. “I am loving this new side of you, doll. Very much.”

“You bring it out of me, I guess.”

“Because I’m your favorite.” He said it like it was a fact.

Before I could respond, I was back in Aster’s arms. I stared up at him in breathless surprise as the crescendo rose around us.

“I need to warn you.” He was so serious it made me nervous.

“About what?” My heart pounded in my ears.

“I am planning to kiss you.”

I startled in his arms. “What? When?”

“Now.”

The music swelled to its ending as he drew me into him, one of his hands cupping the side of my face. He gave me time to shove him away, to stop him, but I didn’t. I told myself it was so we didn’t make a scene, but the truth was, I wanted it. I wanted to know how he tasted, what he felt like.

His kiss was gentle, hesitant, like he was holding himself back. I didn’t want him to hold back. I scraped my teeth against his lip and pressed my breasts into his chest. He growled and his fingers tightened on me, his hand on my face turned possessive, sliding down until it was half of my neck, half on my jaw. He tasted like champagne, his scent of paper and candlelight teased my nose. My head spun, still dizzy from the dance, my song still echoing in my ears, pounding in time with my heartbeat.

It was the most perfect kiss of my life.