Page 81 of Royal Bite

Hegna chuckled and gave her a light shake. “Miere?”

Stormey moaned, and her eyes fluttered open. She sat up, a yawn taking over her. Hegna was captivated by her beauty. She hated she had to awaken her, but it was necessary.

“We’re home?” Stormey’s voice was husky, and it sent a wave of desire through Hegna.

“We are.” Hegna eyed Bijou who walked toward their parked vehicle.

Cezar left the driver’s seat and opened her door. Hegna exited and held out a hand to Stormey whose small hand slid into hers. Stormey stepped from the car and lifted the hood of her cloak over her head. She scowled as a hard wind blew. Stormey shivered and moved close to Hegna.

“General.” Hegna turned toward Bijou and glared at her. She escorted Stormey toward the building.

“I do apologize for interrupting your private time with your mate,” Bijou said.

She walked along with Hegna. From Bijou’s fierce expression, Hegna’s sense that something was wrong grew. They entered the building where the heat met them. Hegna entwined her fingers with Stormey’s.

“What is it?” Hegna asked.

“It’s the town of Sanlow. Our presence is needed immediately,” Bijou announced.

A muscle in her jaw tightened. If Bijou felt they were needed there, then Hegna would not second-guess her general.

Dread filled Hegna. It was the place they had been keeping an eye on that was now a lycan town. She eyed Stormey who must have sensed this was important. Hegna grew frustrated she would have to abandon her plans for now. Duty called, and this was one of those times she wanted to ignore all of her responsibility and focus on her mate.

But she couldn’t do that.

“When do we leave?”

“The helicopter is waiting for us. I’ve already sent troops from here and our Minnesota and Montana outposts ahead.”

Hegna cursed. This was not what she wanted to hear when arriving after a wonderful time with her intended.

“It’s okay. Go,” Stormey said. A small smile appeared on her lips. She leaned into Hegna and gave her hand a squeeze.

Hegna reached up and pushed back her hood so she could see her face. Her gaze dropped down to the new bruise and twin scabs from her bite.

“I’ll be here when you return.”

“Move your stuff to my quarters,” Hegna ordered.

Stormey’s eyes widened, and her smile grew. That ache in Hegna’s chest intensified, and she knew this had been a right decision. No longer did she want to sleep away from her. She wanted to feel her naked curves next to her while she slept. Waking up with her mate at her side every day would be a new experience, and she yearned for it. “Alert Edward so the servants can take care of this for you.”

“Okay,” Stormey whispered. Her eyes were full of tears that sat on the edges of her eyelids.

Hegna cupped her cheek, hating that she had put her through hell when all she wanted to do was be claimed by Hegna. She leaned up on her tiptoes and pressed a small kiss to Hegna’s lips before stepping back. Her guard, Desmond, came to stand behind her.

“Just make sure you come back to me, princess.”

“Don’t worry, mate. There is nothing that will keep me from you,” Hegna vowed. She turned to Desmond. “Have the healer send Stormey some kenaf weed.”

Ellanora would take care that Stormey would be started on the herb and tailor the drink to her taste. It could be bitter, and the healer would ensure Stormey would be on a daily regimen.

“Yes, Your Grace.” Desmond bowed his head. He spun around and tailed Stormey.

Hegna watched her until they turned the corner and disappeared from sight.

“Give me five minutes to get ready,” Hegna growled.

“Of course, Your Grace.” Bijou grinned, flashing her fangs.