Page 33

Chapter

Thirty-Three

A ZALEA

As I awaken, the midday sun streams through the open drapes, casting a warm glow upon my eyelids and coaxing me to open them. Squinting against the brightness, I survey the room, my gaze drawn to the windows. The sun sits high in the sky, its rays illuminating the space and a cool draft gently caresses my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I notice the heavy drapes swaying in rhythm with the breeze.

Inhaling deeply, a sense of unease washes over me as I detect an unfamiliar scent in the air. It takes a moment for me to grasp the reason behind this disquiet, until it dawns on me that Kyson’s intoxicating aroma is absent. The silence enveloping my den, devoid of his presence, leaves me restless. With determination, I shove aside the blanket and force myself out of bed, rushing towards the window, slamming it shut with a low growl.

Why would he leave it open? I snarl inwardly, catching a glimpse of my disheveled reflection in the glass. My hair is tousled, and I stand naked, yet traces of Kyson’s scent linger faintly upon my skin. However, the den itself carries no hint of him, only my own fragrance permeating the space. An itch surfaces on my skin, amplifying my longing for my mate. With a sigh, I tear my gaze away from my reflection and startle when my eyes land on the grassy patch atop the hill.

Children are playing and rolling down the slope, having a rolling race to reach the bottom. A smile tugs at my lips as I observe Abbie and Clarice with the kids. Abbie sits at the top with Tyson nestled in her lap, while Clarice joins in the children, rolling down the hill along with them. Laughter rings loudly in the air, filling my heart with a longing to be down there with them.

Turning on my heel, I make my way to the closet, selecting a loose-fitting, long-sleeved dress from its hanger. Slipping into it, I relish the way the fabric cascades over me, concealing my growing bump. As I smooth my hand over my abdomen, I feel the firmness of my skin, evidence of the life flourishing within me.

Just as I finish dressing, the mindlink opens, Kyson’s voice filtering through my thoughts.

‘You’re awake. I can come back up,’ he offers.

‘No need. I’m planning to join the children outside. What are you up to?’ I inquire, tugging the dress down and ensuring its comfortable fit. My fingers instinctively caress my belly, I love the feel of it.

‘Reviewing some files with Gannon. Are you sure you don’t want me to come back?’ Kyson asks.

‘No, unless you need help? Shouldn’t I be there, ’ I ask, realizing that perhaps my presence is required. After all, Abbie and Clarice seem to have everything well in hand.

‘No, just take Trey with you. Also, don’t forget about your ultrasound appointment this afternoon. I’ll come fetch you beforehand, ’ Kyson reminds me.

‘Are you certain?’ I ask, slipping on a pair of comfortable sandals.

‘Positive. Enjoy yourself. I love you,’ Kyson says.

‘Love you too,’ I respond before severing the mindlink. Pulling my hair into a haphazard bun atop my head, I step out of the room and find Trey and Liam waiting outside my door.

“Afternoon, Azalea,” Trey greets me as he stands by.

“My Queen,” Liam acknowledges with a slight bow.

“Hey, Liam. Trey, I’m going to join Abbie and the children. Kyson wants you to accompany me,” I inform Trey, he nods, offering me his arm. Looping my arm through his, we proceed towards the staircase that leads to the ground floor. Halfway down, my attention is drawn to Peter, kneeling on the steps, meticulously scrubbing the wooden beams of the guardrail with a toothbrush.

“What mischief have you gotten into this time, Peter?” I inquire, noting that the boy seems to find himself in trouble quite frequently lately. Peter glances up at me, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, revealing his pearly white teeth.

“I was just fooling around with the gardener and accidentally lobbed a mud pie at him. It missed and hit Clarice instead, and her freshly washed sheets,” Peter chuckles.

“And why were you throwing mud pies in the first place?” I ask, attempting to stifle my own laughter.

“He threw one at me first! So he should be helping me clean these damn stairs! Honestly, I think Clarice punishes me just so she can avoid doing it herself,” Peter pouts.

Shaking my head at his antics, I continue descending the stairs when Liam calls out above us.

“My Queen?” he addresses me from the top landing. Pausing on the middle step, I turn to face him.

“I need to shower and have a meal. I’ve been on duty since last night. I’ve called Dustin to take over for an hour. Is that alright?” Liam asks.

“Just go. He won’t be long anyway. Besides, Peter will tell him if anyone comes up here,” I say looking at Peter, who nods.

“You’re fine. I will keep watch,” Peter says, and Liam’s eyes narrow at him on the stairs.

“It’s fine. I will wait for Dustin. I was just letting you know, My Queen,” he says.

“Seriously. Liam. Just go. Dustin will be here soon. What could happen?”

Liam for some reason, looks indecisive and is staring at Peter weirdly like it is the first time he is truly seeing him.

“Why did Clarice send you to clean these stairs?” Liam’s voice grows cold, his gaze fixed upon the steps.

“Huh?” Peter says, looking up from his scrubbing.

“Why were you up here yesterday?” Liam asks him while tilting his head to the side. I have no idea what he is talking about, but Peter’s brows furrow in confusion as he peers back at Liam.

“Pardon? I don’t understand? Clarice sent me to clean the stairs,” Peter says to him before glancing at me. He tosses his toothbrush into his cleaning bucket and his can of polish and rag while staring at Liam with fearful eyes. I walk back up the steps, wondering what has got into Liam because I don’t like the way he is watching Peter.

“There are plenty of other staircases in the castle,” he observes, tilting his head to the side. Trey shares my confusion, his brow furrowing as we exchange glances, questioning Liam’s sudden shift in demeanor. It is then that a chill runs down my spine as I sense Liam’s aura, distinct from Kyson’s but still potent, emanating with an intensity that far surpasses that of an ordinary Lycan. Peter whimpers under its weight, visibly cowering in response, making me wonder if Liam is drunk.

“I dirtied Clarice’s sheets,” Peter stutters.

“That wasn’t the question I asked,” Liam growls icily, his voice dripping with menace. I watch in concern as he descends a step closer to Peter. At that moment, I make my way back up the stairs, eager to understand what has come over Liam and why he is scrutinizing Peter so intensely.

“Why these stairs?” Liam demands, pointing accusatory at them. “There are numerous stairways throughout the castle,” he asserts, stepping down another level. Trey’s eyes widen with alarm beside me, mirroring my own growing unease. It becomes apparent that something is amiss. His aura intensifies further, causing Peter to whimper under the weight of its pressure.