Chapter Forty-One
Saphyra
L ex’s arm was rigid under my hand, and the muscle in his jaw ticked. It wasn’t until he was guiding me through the steps of the dance that he spoke.
“I don’t trust him.”
A smile curled the corner of my lips. My alpha, so predictable. “You’re jealous that I was speaking to a man? You may have to get used to that at some point.”
“No.” His grip tightened on my hip. “I’m not jealous. He’ll tell you what you want to hear, but when you need him, he’s nowhere to be found. That’s why I don’t trust him.”
“I’ll take that into consideration.”
“Yes, you will, or I’ll have Valyx spank you until you can’t sit down.” He pulled me closer until his body warmed the front of my gown.
My cheeks heated, thinking about Shadow and his penchant for spanking. Not that I minded. “And if I refuse?”
“Despite what you may think, as soon as the doors close and that crown comes off, you’re ours to do with as we please.” His words were a quiet growl, so soft I felt them more than heard them.
Warmth pooled between my thighs, and if he didn’t stop, we might cause a riot right here in the middle of the dancefloor.
When I didn’t deny it, he purred under his breath. “That’s right, love. You know it’s true.”
For the rest of the song, I attempted to gather my scattered wits, but his sun warmed oak scent filled my lungs. More than anything, I wanted to take my mates back to Ghost’s quarters and make him prove his words.
Unfortunately, I had to stay and endure the curious stares and rumors whispered behind lace gloved hands. More and more people were noticing the iridescent mate mark adorning my neck like the finest jewel, and a debate spread like wildfire through the crowd. Half-heard assumptions and guesses as to who it might belong to reached me in hushed arguments, along with angry remarks about there not being a proper ceremony.
They’d have to get used to disappointment because I was not having that conversation now, or possibly ever.
Grey met us before we stepped off the dancefloor and took my hand from Lex, whose mouth turned down in a grumpy scowl when asked to relinquish my company. But he kept his mouth shut and didn’t complain.
I found comfort in Grey’s arms as he guided me through the steps of a more familiar dance. This might have been a bad idea, considering the speculation, but I didn’t care. No one would dare imagine that I’d seal a mate bond with a beta, anyway.
We didn’t speak. We didn’t need to. Just being in his quiet presence recharged me. I was at ease, spinning through the pattern in his arms. He was uncomplicated, straightforward, and soothing. The others could learn a thing or two from my sweet beta. I was content breathing in his mild citrus scent and leaning on his warm support.
When the song drifted to a close, Grey escorted me back to my other mates.
“I suppose it’s your turn?” I asked Shadow.
One of his rare smiles lit his face. “No, I don’t dance. I think someone else is looking for you, though.” He nudged his chin toward a bumbling Titus, who made his way toward us through the crowd.
“Your Majesty,” he called to me just as he arrived. “There you are. I’ve been trying to catch you between partners, but you’re understandably very popular. Would you do me the honor of the next dance?”
I looked around for rescue, but my mates just smiled and didn’t step in. I’d remember that. Grey bit his lip, looking like he was trying to hold back a chuckle.
“Yes, of course I’ll join you for a dance. You’ll have to excuse my clumsiness. I’m not terribly good at this, and I don’t know the steps.”
Titus patted the back of my hand. “Don’t worry, my dear. I won’t lead you astray.”
When we reached the center of the floor, he positioned my hands correctly and guided me into a formal frame. He was a much better dancer than I expected and led with an ease of long practice.
“How are you enjoying the ceremonies, my dear?” His voice was jovial and seemed sincere.
“Everything has been lovely. I’ll have to remember to thank your wife for organizing the festivities while I settled in.” I paused for a moment, considering my next words. “You mentioned your willingness to carry on with basic government functions while l take my honeymoon trip. I appreciate that offer and will be taking you up on it. We’ll leave first thing in the morning. The Royal Imperatrix ship I arrived here on has everything we’ll need to be comfortable. It’ll have to be provisioned for the extended journey, of course. Otherwise, it’s perfect.”
The plan was in motion.
“Oh, my dear, I’m so happy to hear it. That’s quite fast and unexpected. Is there a reason you’re in a rush? Perhaps you have other good news you’d like to share?” His hazel eyes twinkled in anticipation.
The heat of the packed dance floor was rising and when we rounded a corner, I was forced to step closer to the alpha to avoid another couple. Under the woody, oak-tree scent curled a thread of sweet anise. Blood drained from my face, and I cast a frantic look to the edge of the floor. My mates were watching the interaction with interest.
I did my best to keep my voice level, but the ringing in my ears wasn’t helping. “No other news, just looking forward to spending quiet time with my mates. Mate.” I corrected myself hastily, hoping he wouldn’t make anything of the slip. I didn’t need a lecture in the middle of the dance floor while panic was threatening to take over rational thought.
The anise scent grew stronger the warmer it got. Memories of bloody hands and smoke were flashing through my mind.
I pulled away, nearly bumping into another couple as they sailed past. “Please excuse me, I’m afraid the exertion has gotten the better of me.”
“Of course, my dear. You’re looking a little pale. Should I call for the medic? Here, let me help you.” He reached for my hand.
“I’m fine. I must have just overdone it.” Offering the best smile I could, I turned away only to come face to face with Shadow.
“Thanks, but I’ll take it from here.” He looped an arm around my waist and helped me back to where my mates stood. “You look terrible.”
I nearly laughed at his bluntness. “We should go. There’s still a lot to do before morning.”
We knew the vanguard would be arriving, and we had to be ready to react.