Chapter 3
So the fucker was right. Ciyrs was on his way home when he passed Pyra walking with the smallest woman he’d ever laid eyes on. She was at least a foot and a half shorter than him, and his eyes flared orange and a rage so deep and strong, one he’d never felt before took over when he heard her speak. She was with Pyra and even though rationally he knew Pyra was with Eden, a beast inside of him snapped. She wasn’t supposed to be around any other males.
Before he knew what he was doing he attacked the cocky warrior and slammed him to the ground, but even in a rage Pyra still out maneuvered him.
He kept his finger on her chin but she still couldn’t meet his eyes. “What’s your name beautiful?”
Her eyes widened and she licked her lips. His eyes followed the movement and he raged harder wanting her so badly.
“Eliana.”
Her voice came out as a mere whisper, and she stared at him in confusion.
He rubbed his thumb gently along her jaw before letting go. “I’m Ciyrs, and I apologize about that. I’m usually not so—violent.”
She laughed. “Isn’t that kind of a Denynso trait?”
“I have more control.” He let go of her chin and scrubbed his hand down his face and sighed. “Normally.”
“I see, so what’s changed?”
“We need to take you to see the leaders. They are watching right now—with amusement I might add.” He changed the subject. It wasn’t the right time to tell her. She had just gotten here, and he wanted to give her a moment to get used to the changes.
She glanced around him and her eyes widened. “Are you all giants?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I’m not going to fit in well then.”
He scanned her body. She was tiny, thin, and short. Her breasts were perfect and so was she. “You’ll fit in fine.”
He led her to the house and climbed the stairs not bothering to hide his apparent erection. He was in too much pain to care.
“What happened to Pyra?” the king asked.
“I sent him home to Eden.”
“I see.”
“Sorry about my—display.”
Criea laughed and clapped him on the back. “We’ve been there, son. It’s fine. Let’s meet our newest family member shall we.”
She didn’t say anything as she stood staring at them. She followed him inside and he felt her gaze burning into his back. All he wanted to do was strip the clothes from her body and make love to her. This was out of control. He had control. Losing it was unacceptable.
He pulled out a chair and gestured to Eliana to sit and she smiled timidly at him. Without a word she sat in the chair. He could already sense her. He could hear her heart race as if it was his own. He refrained from touching her and sat in the other free chair. The king and queen stared at him and then his lovely queen smiled. “I see.”
That’s all she needed to say. Everyone knew, and now maybe he wouldn’t have to be so apologetic. It was fucking unreal how much he wanted to hurt someone.
“It’s nice to meet you Mrs. Conner.”
She cleared her throat. “Oh it’s Miss actually, I’m not married, but I would prefer no formalities. I’m Eliana.”
“Very well, you may call me Criea if you wish. This is my mate Thiea.”
“It’s nice to meet you both. It’s an honor to be here really. I can’t wait to learn about your culture.”
“You know there are some things that must be left out correct?”
“Yes, every article will come to you first before I send it back. I won’t print anything without your approval.”
“Very good. Now you’ve met my son and our residential healer.” He gestured toward Ciyrs. There are many more, but you must be careful, and I’d like to assign you a guard. We’ve had some—security issues.”
“I’ll do it.” Ciyrs said.
“You’re not a warrior.”
He clenched his teeth. “But I can protect her. I have something the others don’t.”
She didn’t say a word, but her eyes stayed on his.
“If that is satisfactory to Eliana, then fine, but she will be assigned a warrior as well.”
He growled and slammed his hands on the table. “I don’t need anyone to fucking guard her.”
The king smirked and he paled.
“Oh dammit, I’m so sorry. This is getting out of control.”
“On a normal basis I would have thrown your ass to the ground Ciyrs, but because I understand what you are going through that’s your one and only free pass. Do not let it happen again.”
He nodded and licked his lips. “Yes sir, I apologize.”
“Very well. Take Eliana to her cabin so she can get settled.” He turned to her and smiled. “If you leave the cabin, you have to be accompanied until we fix our issue. I apologize for not giving you a fair warning throughout emails, but I was afraid you’d change your mind about coming.”
She smiled. “I understand and I have no problem with being guarded by Ciyrs.”
He nearly groaned with how she spoke his name. He couldn’t wait to hear her scream it.
“Even though he isn’t trained like the warriors?”
She shrugged. “He seems very capable of protecting me, and for some reason I trust him. So I’m good.”
The king leaned back satisfied, and Ciyrs wanted to beat his chest. She trusted him already. He smiled and nodded at her. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“I know,” she replied.
In that moment time stood still and the air thickened with her scent. She smelled sweet and spicy all at once. He could also sense her need to be accepted. She was like him. She held back too. His mate was strong and controlled.