Kattlyn

 

When those males attacked, my heart plummeted. I just knew this was it. The end. And then we worked together, as a team. It was strange to know exactly what Alan expected, what he wanted me to do.

When Alan barreled toward Lottia, who was holding a blasted jagged knife, I held my breath even though I wanted to scream at him. How could he do such a dangerous thing? As they scrapped on the ground, I wrung my hands together. I had no idea how to help, and when they froze, I felt like my world had ended as I waited. When Alan threw Lottia to the side, my heart started to beat again. So many emotions flooded my body and I couldn’t decide which one to act upon.

Anger for running toward danger. Relief that he won the scuffle, and . . . and it was then I realized that I’d fallen in love with him. It was that moment when I thought he might die and I knew I didn’t want to live my life without him.

I wanted to scold Alan for doing such an idiotic thing but didn’t want to insult him by suggesting he was weak. Which he obviously was not. When he stood, I frantically scanned his body but didn’t find any puncture wounds. Wrapped in his arms, I relaxed into him.

When Takkeo arrived, I could see that Alan had earned his respect and admiration and we had at least one of my brothers on our side. That was a start.

As we rode toward the castle, I heard the two of them talking quietly, but I tuned them out. I thought about how to handle the situation when we returned. Father would be furious and Jakke would follow his lead. What about Dazz? Kollin? Would Krista be upset? I had so many what ifs but no definitive answers.

And Jussin, I knew what he would do. He wouldn’t want to give anyone time to think and would push for a speedy mating ceremony. Fat chance.

A storm was coming and I needed to be ready.

 

~~~~~

Dread pooled in my gut when I spotted the castle up ahead. This was it. The only thing that might save me . . .

“Does Father know that you were looking for us?”

“No.”

I blew out a slow, hopefully inaudible breath, not wanting Alan to know how worried I felt. Maybe no one would notice our return. But with each step closer, my hands trembled more. This was it.

“Hey”—Alan placed one hand on top of mine— “it’s going to be all right.”

Takkeo glanced our way but offered nothing.

As we rode by the front of the castle, everyone stopped and stared. I held my chin high in that regal, arrogant princess way even though my insides were a different story.

Inside the stable, Alan dismounted first and then lifted me from the kul.

Takkeo took the reins and stared at the two of us. “You need to see Rikker. Your eye is almost swollen shut.”

“It’ll be all right.” Alan took my hand and glanced over his shoulder at Takkeo. “Thanks for the lift.”

Hand in hand, we walked away from the stable. Finally, I admitted, “I’m nervous.” Which was a huge understatement. I wanted to run away and not have to face any of them.

He squeezed my hand. “Don’t be. It will be okay.”

“Do you really think so?” Because I didn’t.

When he glanced at me, I saw something that hadn’t been there before. A fierce determination. There was no fear. He looked ready for a fight.

“Yes. One way or another, it will be okay.”

His reassuring words made me feel better. They gave me courage. If he was willing to fight for us then I would be at his side, fighting beside him.

We neared the castle, and when Sydney spotted us, she jumped to her feet and came rushing over.

“Kattlyn, are you all right?”

“I am good. Thank you.”

Sydney nervously scanned the area before saying, “Everyone is searching—”

Stealing some of Alan’s confidence, I laid my hand on her shoulder. “I know.” And then I offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry.”

Sydney’s eyebrows shot up. “Don’t worry? King Mallik and Jakke are pissed. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen them this angry.”

“I am sure.” I maintained my façade even though Sydney’s worry weakened it a little. “Time to face Father’s wrath. I will see you later.”

“Good luck.”

This was it, time to face Father. I couldn’t even imagine how this would play out.

“What are you going to do?”

I looked over at Alan and swallowed hard. “No idea.” I blew out a long breath. Evading the situation a little longer, I suggested to Alan, “Why don’t we talk to Krista and Kollin first?”

“I don’t know why we have to explain anything. Let’s head to my room and get cleaned up. We’ll deal with everything else as it comes.”

I wanted to laugh. He just blew it all off and suggested we go to his room. As if it could be that simple. It couldn’t. Could it?

“All right.”

Heading toward Alan’s room, we passed a few people in the hallways. They threw awkward glances our way but never said anything. It was still enough to make me feel uncomfortable.

Once inside, he quietly closed and locked the door. “Stay here,” he said as he checked the rest of the rooms for his sister. At least I assumed that was what he was doing. When he came back, he closed and locked that door as well. “There’s nobody there.”

He pulled me into his arms.

“I was so worried about you,” I admitted as I threw my arms around his waist.

“I was afraid I’d lose you. When I saw that knife at your throat . . .”

“I am fine.”

He stared at me with his penetrating gaze, desire burning in his eyes. But there was also something else. Something I dared not let myself believe just yet.

He kissed me tenderly, his lips moving over mine with the gentlest caress. I didn’t want gentle. I wanted him. I wanted to feel his touch, feel him inside me. But that would be selfish. He was hurt and needed medical attention.

Breaking the kiss, I stroked his swollen cheek. “Maybe you should see Rikker.”

“Later,” he mumbled as he kissed me again with a little more aggression, more passion.

When I caught my breath, I pushed back just a little. “I am so dirty.”

Another little kiss, and he nibbled my lip saying, “I like dirty,” and then he kissed me again while walking me backward.

Should we be doing this? Now? But forgetting everyone and everything sounded like a great idea.

He was still kissing me when I heard the water turn on, felt his hands skim my hips and then draw my dress over my head. I heard the ziippp and knew that he was undressing.

His strong arms circled my waist, skin touching skin as he lifted me into the shower.

Holding my gaze, Alan took the shampoo and massaged it into my hair, his fingers creasing my scalp. When finished, he gently and carefully washed my body with tender strokes before moving on to his own.

I stood mesmerized by the sight of him. Slick and muscled with those dark lines dancing across his right shoulder. Those muscles had saved us after I had made an almost fatal mistake.

When he finished, he closed the distance. His hands cupped the sides of my face as he kissed me deeply, his tongue seeking mine. I freely offered everything to him.

With the water still cascading down, I opened my stance and felt him bump my entrance. When he thrust deep inside, I broke the kiss, my forehead falling to his shoulder.

With each quick thrust, my teeth elongated, and acting on instinct, I sunk them into his fleshy skin. Lost in a sea of pleasure, I felt his dull teeth piece my skin as he held himself deep inside, grunting with every pulse of his hardness.

Once out of the shower, we dried before heading to the bed. He held the covers back, letting me climb in first. I knew he had to be exhausted after not sleeping much the night before. With my back to his front, he spooned me until my eyes grew heavy. Just before I drifted off to sleep, I could’ve sworn I heard him say, “I love you.”