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?”
“Um…” Trying to think of the safest answer, I decided on the truth. “He helped raise me. I’ve always known him.” Just not exactly who he was.
Ezra stayed lowered at my side. “Curious.”
“Is it?” I turned to look at him better. He was acting peculiar.
Ezra shrugged, his nose crinkling a bit as he eyed Antonio, his spikes all sorts of crazy today, using more gel than normal. King Venclaire shot him a stern glance for seemingly taking too long, even though Jack was just finishing with Antonio.
Ezra snorted quietly, but pulled me in for a tight, but gentle, embrace.
Lifting on my tiptoes, I returned his hug.
He whispered quietly against my ear, “Welcome to Ruler’s purgatory. It’s the special club you love to hate.”
I actually snickered against his shoulder, appreciating that he wasn’t going to give me any generic line of comfort. That wasn’t what I needed right now. “Maybe I’ll actually kick your butt on the mats now.”
He chuckled quietly, leaning his head back with a black eyebrow cocked. “Never ever going to happen, but if that’s what it takes to make you feel all mushy at night, you can keep on fantasizing.” He was trying to lighten the mood. Much appreciated.
I merely rolled my eyes.
He gave me another quick squeeze before moving to stand in front of Antonio. Both of their heads were slightly cocked, and they studied one another. Ezra still looked slightly wary, but also thoughtful. Antonio appeared a smidge irritated, and amused, all at once.
Antonio was the first to break their silence, holding out his hand. “Antonio Farrar. Elder. It’s a pleasure to properly meet the elusive Ezra Zeller.”
Ezra’s lips twitched, shaking Antonio’s hand.
My thoughts wondered what the hell that was all about, especially when their handshake extended far too long and both of their eyes started glowing, their powers whispering in the air.
King Venclaire had already stepped forward at their greeting, but now he stood directly at Ezra’s back, hovering. More than a little protective. It appeared Antonio was respected, and feared, by all. Good to know.
“Yes,” Ezra purred, his eyebrow cocking, even though their knuckles were turning white and their eyes were glowing fiercely. “It’s a treat to officially meet you, Elder Farrar.”
Silence enveloped our group as they continued this.
Ultimately, I elbowed Antonio softly in his ribs, muttering, “You done yet?”
Antonio’s smile was wicked as he released Ezra’s hand, the flare of his golden eyes steadily quieting to normal and, gently, so did Ezra’s. Antonio asked softly, “You’re very good, but are you good enough?”
Ezra only stared back, unflinching in his silent regard, even while King Venclaire pulled him back to stand beside the others.
“Let’s see now,” Antonio muttered, breaking the hush and peering at King Kincaid as he swung his arm back over my shoulders. “Do you have another room here I can use? I’d like to stay close to Lil,” a squeeze of my shoulder, “just in case she decides she likes trees more than politics.”