His bear growled softly as he glanced to the side, clearly irritated to be turned down. I felt my lips pinch, and I was seriously hoping he wasn’t planning to refuse my offer here at King Shadow because of this. A few moments hung in silence as other Mysticals passed us in line, seeing we weren’t moving even as they politely ignored our private discussion. Finn ran his hand through his black hair, brown eyes coming back to mine. “I have to admit this is a bit of a surprise.”
My cold persona melted some at his honesty, and I brushed my hand across his cheek. “We had fun together, but things have changed. I’m not that woman you knew at King Cave.” I smiled at him softly. “Besides, we were a bit on-again, off-again when we were together. You can find someone to treat you better than that here.”
He brushed my hair back from my face, reading me. “You’re taken, aren’t you?” He was always a quick study.
My lips pursed, and I stuffed my hands in my pockets. “Yes.” And that was the answer.
Finn’s lips lifted and he bent, laying a gentle kiss on my forehead, murmuring, “If it ends, since that doesn’t appear to be happiness on your face, my door’s still open.” He pulled back, putting space between us. “Felix sent me in here to tell you the other Shifters have also arrived. He’s showing everyone to their tents.”
I nodded once, letting the iciness enter my veins again with the work discussion. “I’ll meet everyone on the training field in an hour. Tell them to bring their Cizanos and guns and be prepared to shift.”
Finn started walking backward as a grin etched his features. “A little friendly competition?”
I shrugged a shoulder. “I gotta see what you five are made of.”
His lips twitched. “Queen Ruckler…don’t leave yourself open like that if you’re taken.”
I opened my mouth…then snapped it shut, giving a nod. “Right.”
He winked at me then turned on his heel, heading toward the exit. I stared at his retreating back, remembering some of the few memories I had of us at King Cave: that he was not only excellent in the sack, he was also a laid-back, good man…so unlike the King Vampire I had married, which I couldn’t remember doing. Running a hand through my hair, I sighed and turned to resume waiting in line, even further confused after seeing Finn with his easygoing personality, knowing I had chosen Ezra over him and locked myself into a situation I saw no end to.
After filling my plate, I debated heading back to my tent to eat and spend time with Isa, but after this morning’s event with John and Ezra, and add in the fact I was bringing in new alpha Shifters…well, I didn’t want the factions here to think Ezra and I were fighting. That could cause even more headaches later on, so I strode to their table, taking a seat next to Antonio.
Grinning happily, Antonio leaned over and kissed my temple. “Thank you for eating with us.”
Realizing this was one of the first meals I had deliberately eaten with him in a very long time, I squeezed his hand gently, murmuring, “You’re welcome.” I didn’t mention that the choice had been business related, not wanting to hurt his feelings after the hell I had put him through.
Elder Merrick’s lips twitched as he bit into his hamburger. “I haven’t seen Finn in some time. I take it he’s one of the Commanders you’ve brought in to King Shadow?”
I nodded once, placing my napkin in my lap. “Yes.” My stomach was beginning to churn, and oddly I was starting to feel unwell, which had to be from the multitude of confusing and stressful events that had pounced on my life within the past week.
“He looked good,” Elder Merrick stated happily, even though his eyes held an evil glint. “Healthy. Strong. Capable.” He nodded once, setting his burger down. “You chose well.”
“Yes.” It came out the barest breath, and I cleared my throat, swallowing hard against the sudden nausea. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to talk about something else.” Not to mention I hadn’t even chanced a glance at Ezra, who was sitting silently to my left and absolutely reeking of possessiveness, the smell so heady it was all I could scent. Honestly, I didn’t want to push his buttons right now, feeling as I did.
Elder Merrick nodded, leaning forward halfway across the table, his expression suddenly fierce and pissed. “All right.” Navy blue eyes glowed, and I felt a pulse of his power surround me, whispering against me like a warm blanket…and suddenly, I could breathe easier and my stomach stopped twisting in knots. I sighed, feeling peace within my Core I hadn’t felt in ages. “How about we talk about the fact,” another pulse of power hit me, soothing and heated, “you’re going through shift withdrawal and you’re fucking hiding it.”
Everyone at our table froze, including me.
Elder Jacobs snapped his fingers. “That’s why her hand was shaking.”
My gaze snapped to him, and I hissed, “Mind your own damn business.”
Elder Merrick’s hand snaked across the table, and he jerked my chin around to face him. “I saw it, too.” I jerked my chin away, but he continued. “Not to mention, your damn wolf is calling out to mine, you’re suffocating her so badly.” His head cocked, a completely animalistic motion, eyes still glowing. “How long has been?”