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Only now an image is emblazoned on my mind, one I cannot entirely assimilate is real. Surely he would ruin any doe he tried to impale with that monster…

The door opens, admitting Nox and Eiden.

I nearly drop the damn book again.

“Time for your shift! I’ll take the book back to your nest while you’re out,” Gideon says, striding for me. I’m distracted by trying to catch a glimpse of the beast he is packing so I can verify if it is real. Only when he takes the arresting bulge out of my sight do I realize he has the book.

Nox stares after him.

“Are you ready for your run in the Royal Woodland?” Eiden beams at me, oblivious to my state of turmoil.

“What the fuck are you doing here, pup?” Nox growls when Gideon returns, minus the book.

Where has he put it?

“It is my new duty,” Gideon says, squaring his shoulders. There is a note of challenge in his voice. “Estelle sent me this morning. Our king approved it.”

Nox quirks one brow. “You are a highly trained soldier, not a fucking lap dog. What the fuck is wrong with her?”

Gideon’s cheeks darken. “It is not my place to question orders.”

“Yeah, I bet it’s not. Especially when they involve watching a hot pu?—”

“Nox!”

We all start at Eiden’s surprisingly sharp tone.

Nox smirks. “Fine. But don’t think I will go easy on her new courtier.”

“Courtier?” I squeak.

“That’s not what I am,” Gideon protests stringently.

“No? So you don’t want to fuck her?” Nox asks bluntly.

A low, strangled sound escapes Gideon.

“Gods,” Eiden mutters weakly. “Can we not do this now? You know talking about fucking her will set me off.”

“Everything sets you off,” Nox says dryly.

“That is true,” Gideon adds. “Everything does set you off.”

Nox growls.

Both men fall silent.

I am having trouble keeping up with everything, or more likely wallowing in denial.

“Wonderful,” Nox says, sarcasm dripping from his tone. “Now I have two whelps to deal with.”

I love the Royal Woodland. It is officially my favorite place. Also, shifting offers me an opportunity to not think about everything that was just said.

Today, gardeners are trimming lawns and manicuring hedges. I didn’t realize the effort that goes into keeping it so pretty. That I can come here and shift whenever I choose makes it even more special.

Eiden trots at my side. Further behind us are Nox and Gideon.

Nox, well, matters have been charged between us since the incident in my new nest. Last night, I slept between Seven and Wolf in Seven’s room again, which was a similarly charged encounter. I can only assume they know what happened.