Prologue

Almost Getting Killed Makes You Re-evaluate Things.

"We reptiles are a long-lived people, and Azure is the most powerful among us. I always assumed he would live forever, or eventually have his own children, and one day one of them would assume the throne. I would, unless I died in battle, serve him or her as I served their father. As merely the nephew to the King, I never dreamed I could be considered for the Kingdom of Venom's throne. Apparently, I should have dreamed bigger." ~Talbot

Link watched briefly from just outside the room as Talbot, Slick, and Myron packed up to move to a safer location. He focused on Talbot. Judging by the consternation in the man's face, his mind was struggling with his newfound responsibilities. Talbot was no youngling. He'd been a kid when they'd come through the portal, and he'd grown into a powerful male with integrity, despite having Azure as an uncle and ruler. Talbot had never shown any desire for power. But he was not a fool. He knew with Azure's crimes and desertion, the monarchy had to change hands. Since Azure had no children, there was no other in line for the throne. That meant Talbot, or a challenge amongst the males to choose a new ruler. A challenge would bring chaos the Kingdom of Venom didn't need, something Azure could take advantage of.

It would be better if Talbot had a mate so that he would have full access to his beast, but beggars couldn't be choosers. As the KOV Shaman, it was Link's duty to perform the coronation of a new king. He blew out a breath and then stepped into the room. The three males turned to look at him. "How are things going?"

"Fine," Talbot answered. "How goes the hunt for Azure and Zeena?"

Link shook his head. "Slow. The Kingdom of Claws has taken over the search."

Talbot frowned. "Why is that?"

"The girl Azure hexed is the best friend to Callon's mate," he explained. "They will keep us posted. I've already let the Shaman Council know that the Kingdom of Venom will have a new king in two days' time."

"And what about the declaration of Visata?" Slick asked. "The animi females are supposed to be going to their marked kingdoms. Is that still happening?"

Link nodded. "For now, we will house them in several of our homes throughout the French Quarter."

"Do we have any idea how many females are coming from the other kingdoms, Link?" Myron continued to pack the few things he kept in his suite in the KOV mansion. Like most of the warriors, he had other places he stayed when he needed to get away from the politics—AKA King Azure. Not to mention, their home had been damaged severely in an explosion, courtesy of the Kingdom of Claws, while Gage had been rescuing his female.

"Not a clue. As soon as I know more, Talbot, I'll let you know."

Talbot gave a slight bow of his head. "Thank you."

"The sooner we get you on that throne, the better. The minute it was confirmed by Gage that Azure was hurting females, Azure's crown was removed. Two days, Talbot, and you'll be King." Link headed back to the door. "I'm going to assist the others who are relocating. Myron, can you get in touch with the construction agency KOV has used in the past?"

"Will do."

"I've called a meeting in thirty minutes to announce your coming kingship. After that, the next time I'll see you, Talbot, will be in the binding garden when the moon has reached its pinnacle in the sky. Between now and then, I need to notify all the other kingdoms."

"Thank you, Link. We will see you in two days."

Talbot stared at the empty doorway for at least a minute after Link had left. The thought of assuming the throne was still a shock. He was plenty old enough, but with the longevity of their kind, he never considered that he'd actually ever be king.

"You nervous?"

Talbot hesitated a moment before answering Myron. "A little, but not just about becoming king. I don't know how many in our kingdom were aware of what my uncle was doing or how many are still loyal to him."

"They'll show their true colors soon enough. I am more concerned about all the females that are on their way. I don't want them to feel unsafe or regret choosing to stay in our world."

With raised eyebrows, Myron nodded at Slick. "Good point."

Talbot had been friends with the two vipers since they were young, and they were mostly inseparable. But as of late, Azure had been keeping them all busy, and they'd been unable to hang out as they used to.

"Do you think any of them might be our mates?" There was a glimmer of hope in Myron's voice. Talbot sometimes wished he had the younger male's optimism, but he'd been around too long. He'd watched females come and go, none giving him more than a second glance.

Talbot leaned against the doorframe, watching his friends pack. "Hard to say. But if your mate is among them, you'll know it the moment you touch her."

Myron shot him a wry look. "Not all of us can be mind readers like you, Tal. It's the mark that reveals her to us."

It was true—Talbot's mental abilities were unique, even among their people. He could glimpse into minds and sense emotions when he touched a person. It was a gift from Visata, though lately it felt more like a burden. The darkness he'd glimpsed in his uncle's mind haunted him.

"Either way, you should prepare yourself," Slick cautioned. "It could be dangerous getting your hopes up."

Talbot understood Slick's warning all too well. For two centuries, he'd struggled not to wish for the one female destined for him alone. And with each disappointment, the beast within hissed in agony. Some days, only his faith in Visata kept Talbot from giving up completely on ever finding his mate. He had to believe she was out there. That despite Azure's crimes, their kingdom could still be redeemed.

"We all want the same happy outcome," Talbot said quietly. "But mating is bigger than just finding ‘the one.' It's about two souls who complement each other perfectly, who together are stronger and wiser than either could be alone."

Myron snorted. "When did you get so philosophical?"

Talbot grinned crookedly. "What can I say? Almost getting killed makes you reevaluate things."

Just days ago, he'd narrowly escaped the deadly inferno that engulfed their former stronghold. Talbot was still coming to terms with the fact that his uncle had brought the kingdom to the brink of ruin... and that the task of restoring it now fell to him. Not just restoring it physically but regaining their honor and respect from the other kingdoms. It was a challenge he both welcomed and resented.

As if sensing his dark thoughts, Slick clapped him on the back. "Hey, we're with you. KOV will rise again, and we'll make sure it's done the right way this time."

"And we won't be forced by Azure to abduct humans," Myron added.

Slick nodded. "Also a good point."

Talbot smiled gratefully. "I know. Just proves I can always count on you two troublemakers."

Myron threw a balled-up shirt at Talbot's head. "Who are you calling troublemaker, Mr. Goody Two-Shoes?"

Their laughter and banter eased some of the tension that had been coiled in Talbot's chest. With his closest friends at his side, perhaps he could lead their people back into the light. If anyone deserved a fresh start, a new beginning, it was the innocents of KOV.

An image of the Dire Wolf's brave mate flashed in his mind. Katy had shown true courage in the face of evil. Because of her selflessness, the entire supernatural world had been shaken awake. News of the sacrifice she'd agreed to make had traveled from one king to the next until all ten kingdoms had heard the story. And it was eye-opening, to say the least, that someone who'd been treated horribly by their kind would give up her life for others.

Things were changing. Talbot could feel it in the air as tangibly as an electrical current. The Creator was on the move, and woe to any who stood in the path of His justice. Visata was calling them all to walk the right path once more.

We will answer that call, Talbot vowed. The Kingdom of Venom would rise from the ashes. He only prayed that his mate, wherever she was, could sense that change was coming as well. That despite the darkness in their past, hope still lingered.

"We should get moving if we want to make that meeting." Slick's voice broke into Talbot's thoughts. "Ready to go be all official as the new heir apparent?"

Talbot took a deep breath and let it out. "I just want to help our people heal and move forward, not get mired in politics."

Myron grinned. "Gage told us to think of who would make a good king. You're the first one that popped into our minds. You care more about doing what's right than power or status. That's why you're the right reptile for the job. And of course it helps that you're related to the current king, next in line to the throne and all that."

Talbot hoped Myron was right. The burden of leadership weighed heavily, but he would bear it for the chance to show the supernatural world that KOV could become a force for good. They would no longer be bound by the sins of the past. The road ahead would not be easy, but Talbot would walk it with faith. And someday, he prayed, fate would finally lead him to the female meant to rule at his side.

His one true mate awaited him out there. And when they found each other at last, it would be the start of an epic love story generations would tell. A story of courage, sacrifice, and redemption. Visata had seen fit to give them a second chance. This time, they would get it right.