Strolling inside the full foyer with Mysticals milling everywhere, all talking quietly and respectfully, all here mourning Dominic, I stared with void eyes, my heart shriveling even further; I was seriously hoping they didn’t approach me right now.
Antonio lifted a golden ring, an Elder’s ring, from his pocket, slipping it on his finger before he placed a gentle arm over my shoulders, protective, keeping me close against him. He kissed my forehead softly as he murmured, “It’ll be alright, Lil. I promise you that.”
I nodded mechanically, staying in his strong, quickly familiar embrace, taking what comfort I could. I was so cold. Didn’t feel like I would ever be warm again.
The grievers were only beginning to notice me. My face hadn’t been flashed all over the news, even though my name had, but any of my classmates here would know who I was. While I was taking a deep, fortifying breath, all four Kings, their two mates, the three Prodigies, and their one mate came around the corner in a flurry, all scanning the packed foyer.
Antonio grumbled on a mere breath against my ear, “I think I hate this more than you.”
I didn’t get a chance to ask what he meant. As a whole, their group spotted us. Most stared at Antonio in awe. All of them definitely stared in shock when they saw me under his arm.
Dominic’s parents, King Kincaid and Fi, rushed forward, swooping in to hug me.
It was awkward, since Antonio wasn’t releasing me. His tone quiet, he asked, “Is there somewhere we can speak privately?”
King Kincaid kissed my temple, even while Fi brushed a soft hand over my hair, a few tears trickling down her cheeks. The King’s dark eyes examined where Antonio was holding me and he nodded. “In my study.” He hesitated, but finally tilted his head to the other Kings, asking, “With the others?”
“That’ll do.”
King Kincaid nodded once, gesturing for us to follow him.
Once inside the study with the door firmly locked, they again stared at Antonio and then at me. And back again. Still with those emotions of shock and awe flying over most of their faces.
Antonio cleared his throat. “Thank you for meeting with me.”
They nodded, no words.
Humor almost found me. I had seen the man in his underwear, eating cereal and his golden hair a rat’s nest, almost every Saturday morning of my life. There was really nothing awing about that. He was still Antonio to me, Elder or not.
King Kincaid recovered the swiftest. “It’s a pleasure to have you in our home, Elder Farrar. It’s been too many years since…” He cleared his throat. “It is a pleasure.”
“Thank you, King Kincaid.” Antonio dipped his head regally, a comical action to me, and again, amusement tickled my coldness. “I know I’ve been absent some years, and I’m sure my being here is a shock.” Wagering his “absence” had been to help take care of me wasn’t a long shot.
“I assure you, we’re honored,” Fi murmured, still wearing an air of wonder. “Where did you find our Lily?”
“Up a tree,” he stated bluntly. Most stared as if they weren’t sure if he was serious. He didn’t seem to notice. “My Lil, the wolf that loves to climb trees. She always does something to make me smile.” He did smile down at me, still tucked under his arm, squeezing my shoulder tenderly. He quickly peered up to King Kincaid and Fi, stating humbly, “I’m very sorry for your loss. Please, excuse me. I should have said that before.”
Fi teared up once more and I watched the salty droplets track down her cheeks, still not feeling much of anything unless Antonio was trying to make me laugh or shock me. I blankly observed King Kincaid wrap his arms around his mate, holding her close against his chest and hushing her quietly, while the others moved toward us, giving them a moment.
King Nelson was first, yammering his condolences for so long that Fi had stopped crying by the time he turned to Antonio, stating, “It’s truly an honor to meet you. I have many questions I would love to ask you when you have a moment.”
So it went, the Kings first.
King Fergus gave me his sympathies before eyeing Antonio and shaking his hand.
I stopped King Kincaid before he stepped back, pulling him close and whispering against his ear, “I don’t want to go back to my uncle’s.”
His wolf huffed quietly, resting his cheek against mine. “You’ll stay with Fi and me.”
I wasn’t through yet. “I don’t want him here at all.” My uncle might try now.
King Kincaid’s frame tensed. “Your reason?”
“Please, just make it happen?”
Ever so slowly, he nodded, pulling back as he stared into my eyes. “Done.”
My gaze flittered between his. “It’s that easy?”
King Venclaire was standing next to him, eyeing us closely, and he leaned in King Kincaid’s direction, muttering softly, “A bullet would rid you of a nuisance.” He shrugged, straightening when we cast him a glance. “Just a suggestion.”
King Kincaid’s dark orbs met mine, and he nodded once. “Yes, it is that easy when I’m King.” His smile was feral. “You’ll figure that out soon enough.” He stepped back, making room for the others.
King Venclaire gave me a warm hug but, since he already knew Antonio, he didn’t take long in the line. The two mates in the Kings’ group came next. The Prodigies after them.
Pearl gave me a bruising hug before Gideon wrapped me in his arms. It was a small blessing to see Pearl alive and well. And, my God, could she go on endlessly with Antonio. She truly knew all about him, even referencing a few monumental parts of the war he had apparently starred in, and also wanted time later to speak with him alone. Antonio took it better than I would have.
Jack kissed my cheek and yanked me out of Antonio’s embrace, practically crushing me against his solid chest. “I’m so sorry.” God, he was strong. “I’m just…so sorry.” He also surprised me with his level of remorse, since he was so nervous about mates.
Returning his hug, it felt as if I comforted him instead of the other way around, my voice mild. “Thank you.” The same answer I gave everyone.
Antonio gently, but firmly, pried me away from Jack’s embrace and greeted him.
I watched them but, after a few moments, I felt physical heat on my right side.
Ezra was there, staring quietly at Antonio. He didn’t wear the impressed mien the rest did. Instead, his expression was more of stunned wariness. Neither did he give his condolences. Instead, he dipped to my level, asking quietly, “How do you know him?”