Chapter 14

14

CHARLOTTE

K illian stands, and we all scramble to our feet, still getting used to royal etiquette. He doesn't expect it and looks at us puzzled for a moment. He doesn't seem to appreciate the raw power he exudes. Yet, everyone around him feels this constant need to submit and impress.

Except for my wolf, she's still eager to claw his eyes out for allowing my sister to touch him. She's definitely holding a grudge.

"I think it makes sense to keep Elodie in the loop on our social engagements. Not only does she know everyone connected to this place, but she can be our eyes and ears when we're gone."

Zane looks at me, as if I'm my sister's keeper.

"I'm sure she's keeping herself well appraised of your movements anyway, but yes. It makes sense. She can tell us if anyone is asking too many questions about our movements."

"I don't want her to come with us."

That makes me feel a bit better.

He's taking my feelings into consideration, but then Zane ruins it by adding, "It might not be safe."

Killian looks at Zane as he speaks, but I can feel his focus drift to me, waiting for a reaction.

Well, fuck you.

My sister's too precious to risk, but it's fine for me? Even though rationally, I know it's because I'm able to take care of myself, there's nothing rational about the mating bond. Any hint that he's paying more attention to Elodie's welfare than mine feels like a hammer blow.

I make sure my heartbeat stays steady and not a flicker of emotion passes my features, not only because Killian's looking to see what I say or do, but because Theo's picking up on something going on here.

"Maybe you should bring her," I suggest. "It will make more sense later on when I leave, and she steps in as your future princess."

Killian turns slowly, and in the oppressive silence, the blood rushing through my ears blocks out every other sound. His jaw twitches, and he moves, only a few inches in my direction, before catching himself.

"You want me to bring your sister? So that later on, people will believe I chose her over you." His eyes blaze, and for a moment, I think I see a hint of his sharp white teeth peeking out from behind his top lip. "You think I want her to become princess?"

Green with jealousy is not a good colour for me, but I can't help it.

"Want is probably too strong a word." The tension between us amplifies, and once again, we're in a stand-off. I regret opening my big mouth to antagonise him, as his dominant aura wraps itself around me, and my wolf squirms, wanting to roll over and submit.

Any mention of my sister brings out my bad side, but I need to do better.

"How about we just focus on the job at hand? My relationship status, now, or in the future, is the least of my concerns right now."

Ouch.

Narrowing my eyes, I bite back the retort that's on my lips.

Zane won't tolerate outright disrespect to the prince, and until we get the chance to make our separation official, I need to keep this job.

Dropping my gaze to the floor, I swallow my pride and concede defeat.

His role and his dominance give him the upper hand, and I hate it.

As I fixate on his shoes, I'm willing the flush in my cheeks to disappear before I have to look at Theo or Zane.

"Theo, can you read in the others, and we'll meet again later today to plan our first pack visit?" Zane suggests. "I'm going to suggest we go to mine, as a dry run for some trip further afield."

I ignore their conversation, and instead, focus on gathering myself, but frustration gets the better of me. It's not fair that he's so in control, when I'm turning into an emotional wreck.

As the boys drone on, I can feel Killian staring at me, and it feels like he can see every inch of my soul. I feel exposed and vulnerable, two things I hate to be.

Shit. I slide my eyes closed, taking every ounce of willpower I possess not to fidget. Humiliation burns in my gut, and I can't bring myself to lift my head and let him see.

"Zane, Theo, can you get some research materials from the library? I'd like to see the map of where we're going, and Theo, you can start your investigation." Killian's voice is deep and authoritative, and his Irish accent makes it sound silky smooth.

I shiver as it slides over my skin like a soft caress.

He's suggesting that for my benefit, but neither man thinks anything of his request, and immediately agrees.

Gritting my teeth, I'm grateful for the distraction he's creating, but also pissed off that he needs to do it. And that he knows how upset I am by our bickering. I sense rather than see Theo and Zane leave the room.

The atmosphere immediately shifts, heavy with pent up sexual tension. The bond pulses between us like a living thing, and I remain riveted to the spot, head down, unable to move or breathe, while I wait for Killian to leave, taking his oppressive aura with him.

He doesn't leave. Instead, he steps closer, his tempting scent surrounding me and making it hard to think about anything other than him. "I didn't mean that. I just… you just…" His voice is gruff, and I can't tell if he's annoyed with me for getting upset at his shitty comment or genuinely apologetic.

Stubbornly, I refuse to look up until his finger touches my chin and tips my head up, forcing me to. Tingles spread down my neck and chest, and my nipples tighten from just that tiny touch.

"I didn't mean it," he repeats, his expression serious as he searches my face for my reaction. "You just drive me crazy. Being around you is so hard."

The way he says it, it doesn't sound like a bad thing. Like he's enjoying this torturous position we've found ourselves in. Well, I'm not.

"You did mean it, because you have no intention of claiming me. But that's fine." My flippant tone isn't fooling anyone, and to emphasise how ridiculous it is to even pretend I don't care, he runs a hand down my arm, and I dumbly allow him to entangle his fingers with mine.

"Do you want to join us in the library?" he asks, and I can't answer, my mind stalling on the fact I'm standing here holding hands with the prince.

I do want to go with them. So badly. Not only because of the desire to be close to him that now consumes me, but because strategizing and planning an operation are my favourite parts of the job. I don't want to miss out just because I can't control my feelings.

He eases in closer, his sheer size overwhelming my senses, and I'm like a deer caught in the headlights when his gaze falls to my mouth, and I get the chance to stare at his handsome face, so close to mine.

Somehow, I summon the strength to do what I need to do. Put distance between us.

"No." But I have to stay away because I can't risk anyone finding out about us. Mainly, Mother. The shit storm it would create doesn't bear thinking about.

I won't let myself become a pawn in her games.

Killian clenches his jaw and growls, low and pissed off, letting his hand drop away. "Fine."

"Fine."

That's a lot of fines we've said in the last twenty-four hours, none of which are remotely true.

Zane reappears in the doorway and looks at Killian, puzzled.

I step back, putting a more appropriate distance between us, and Killian's eyes blaze, his wolf right there, ready to cause a scene.

"I was just reassuring His Majesty that I'm here to do my job, and that's it. I'm loyal to this team, first and foremost."

I don't go as far as to say I'm loyal to him. The words hang in the air, and Killian hesitates before turning to Zane, expression deathly serious.

"On second thought, I need a run. Would you two escort me? I have a feeling I'm not going to get many opportunities over the next week to let my wolf out. He's feeling frustrated ."

"Of course."

Zane ducks back outside, and I go to walk past Killian, tipping my head in respect, but before I can reach the exit, Killian grabs me from behind. He has one big hand flat against my stomach as he yanks me back against his hard body.

"Tonight. You sit by me at dinner and smile. And afterward, we're going to talk, properly talk, like adults."

I nod, because what else can I do?

His cheek pressed against mine feels so good, it's easy to forget he's planning to break our bond.

After what feels like an eternity, he releases me and strides out the door without looking back, and I blow out a deep breath.

He's not the only one feeling frustrated.