36. Aru

Aru clenched his jaw as he watched Kian and Syssi make their excuses and exit the wedding reception. As a wave of anger washed over him, a muscle ticked in his cheek. He couldnt forgive Kian for betraying his trust and telling Syssi about the telepathic connection Aru shared with his twin sister.

Being a seer, Syssi had seen Aria in a vision and guessed the truth, but Kian shouldnt have confirmed it for her. Visions were often unreliable, and without confirmation, Syssi might have dismissed it.

The knowledge of Arias telepathic connection with Aru was supposed to be safeguarded at all costs, hidden away from the Eternal King and his numerous spies. Aru had stressed the importance of secrecy to Kian, and yet, his trust had been shattered. Part of him understood that the bond between mates made it difficult to keep things from each other, but this was a matter of life and death.

His sisters life depended on her ability to stay hidden from the ruthless dictator occupying the Anumati throne and, even more so, her part in assisting the queen, who was supporting the resistance.

The queen herself was in danger.

Queen Ani was too beloved by the citizens and too connected to the ruling families to dispose of outright. But the Eternal King was a master at orchestrating unfortunate accidents when it suited his purposes.

The king also had to remain oblivious to the fact that his son had sired a daughter on Earth before his untimely demise. If he ever learned of Annanis existence, the sole remaining legitimate heir to his throne, Aru shuddered to think what he would do.

Destroying Earth to eliminate Annani was a very real possibility.

The heir represented their best chance for a peaceful revolution. Her ascendancy to power could herald a new era for Anumati. Unlike her grandfather, Annani was no tyrant and had no greed for power. But like her grandfather, she was powerful and impressive. If the people of Anumati accepted her as their queen, she would rule them with a firm but kind hand and always look after their best interests.

Or so Aru hoped.

Power was corruptive, and once upon a time, the Eternal King hadnt been the monster he was today. Hed united Anumatis ruling families and brought prosperity to all, but hed become too attached to his throne, so much so that he eliminated his own flesh and blood, his only son by his official mate, just so there would be no suitable contender to replace him.

A warm hand settling over his clenched fist drew Arus attention back to the present. He blinked to find Gabi watching him with concern.

Whats wrong, my love? She leaned closer to him. You look troubled.

Aru forced his lips to curve in a reassuring smile as he turned his hand to lace their fingers together. I have something I need to do that will take about an hour, and I will have to do it every night at the same time from now on. I wish I could tell you what it is, but I cant.

Gabi worried her lower lip briefly between her teeth as she studied him. Does it have to do with Anumati?

He nodded. You dont have to leave with me. You can stay and enjoy the party.

Arus chest twinged with a pang of remorse. Keeping things from his mate didnt sit well with him, instilling a dull ache of guilt. But it was a necessity. His sisters life was more important than even his bond with his mate.

Gabi smiled. I know it must be important or you wouldnt keep it from me. I dont need to know the particulars.

The truth of her words was like a soothing balm gliding over the frayed edges of his nerves. He surged forward to capture her lips in a fierce kiss.

Thank you, he rasped when they finally broke apart, his forehead resting against hers. I dont know what I did to deserve such a perfect, understanding mate, but Im grateful to the Fates for you every day.

Gabis face glowed with pleasure at his words, smoky lashes sweeping low to veil her shining eyes. Im the lucky one, my love. Ill leave with you, she said with a teasing lilt. Ill just head back to our cabin and relax until you return. Ill be waiting for you in something skimpy and lacy. She waggled her brows.

Aru groaned low in his throat, capturing her mouth once more in a hungry kiss. When the need for air became too pressing to ignore, he finally tore his lips away with a shuddering inhale.

Youre deliciously wicked, my love, he growled hoarsely, drinking in the sight of her tousled curls and passion-glazed eyes. Now, I will have to conduct my business with a raging hard-on.

She laughed, smoothing her hands over the plackets of his tux jacket. Try to finish your business as soon as possible. Im not a patient woman.