Bell was so wrapped up in his bliss that he didn’t notice Alek had stopped talking… and moving. Bell stood in the same position—as if Alek wasn’t done with him—while he listened.
Alek freed Bell’s leg, letting it slide down his thigh until his boot was back on the ground, then released an irritated snarl. “Wolf says we’re being interrupted.”
“Huh?” Bell said. He was disoriented and still panting through the pleasure he’d been receiving.
Alek licked Bell’s slack mouth as he caressed one of his cheeks’. “Two of my brother’s officers are headed this way.” Alek slowly removed his hand from inside Bell’s pants while staring deep into his eyes. He didn’t speak, he couldn’t. Bell’s body was running a race his mind couldn’t keep up with. Just a moment ago, he’d been thinking it’d be hard to trust and bottom again after so long, then the next thing he knew he was almost about to beg for it.
Bell tamped down his lust enough to concentrate on the sounds around them and sure enough, he heard footsteps headed in their direction, and closing in fast. “Alek.” Bell sighed.
“I know.”
Did he know? Could he possibly understand how Bell was feeling? How confused he was for the first time in decades. Maybe he should go to his mate’s cabin. Toss duty and caution to the side and just go. Be wild and daring. Then, Bell remembered the words Wick had said to him when his beloved had first bitten him in front of everyone.
“Don’t be afraid of being mated to an alpha. He can take you on a ride you never thought possible.”
If his best friend could do it, so could he. He would let Alek take him and create a bond between them that would rival all matings before them. Alek continued to embrace him and Bell swore he could feel Alek’s animal relax as if he’d somehow felt his declaration. A moment later, a sense of peace settled over him, a feeling that everything would be okay.
The two shifters slowed their steps and approached them. It was as if they knew they’d been interrupting. Alek recognized his brother’s enforcers when they came into view.
They both tilted their heads and bared their throats respectfully before speaking, “Alpha, we’re sorry to impose but we’ve been sent to deliver a message.”
“No apologies, please. And there’s no imposition,” Bell responded faster than Alek. His mate was far politer and more understanding than him or Wolf.
“Go ahead, Warren.” Alek was so pissed he could feel dark heat coursing through him. He’d been so close. His brother knew how sensitive and special this time was with his new mate. He couldn’t fathom why Justice would disrupt that unless…
“There’s been a development. The AZ wants all his betas and officers for an emergency meeting.” The shifters turned towards Bell, lowering their gaze. “The king asks for you and his court to join them, also.”
“This can’t be good,” Bell said, more to himself.
Alek agreed but he hoped whatever development had arisen overnight could be dealt with swiftly. The shifters turned and started back towards the main compound, having fulfilled their duty. Alek waited until they were out of earshot before addressing his mate, “Tell me you’ll come away with me.”
Bell didn’t hesitate. “Yes. But first the meeting.”
“Okay,” Alek huffed.
“I have to go get changed. I can’t see the king like this, and my chamberlain lord is well into his sleep at this hour. I’ll have to make do.” Bell’s laugh was melodious. “This day-walking stuff will definitely take a while to get used to.”
When Bell went to move, Alek clutched his bicep. He couldn’t let him go.
Bell carefully pried Alek’s hand off him. “Soon,” Bell whispered, reaching up and stroking the coarse hairs on Alek’s face, reminding him he hadn’t shaved in a few days. That gesture gave him renewed hope. Hope of a different outcome for his life. His world had been turned upside down, but in the best possible way. Alek had never felt so alive than when he had Belleron Liatos in his arms. Alek finally had purpose. He had someone to live for. He couldn’t let the prophesy kill him off. He’d keep his separation from Wolf as long as it took until the animal accepted that Alek refused to admit their fate… he would not die along with him. He wasn’t going to fucking fulfill the prophesy… he was going to rewrite it. He’d make a way for them to come together.
Bell captured his chin, pulling him from his dismal thoughts. “I have to go. I’ll see you at the hall in a few minutes.”
Before Alek could object, Bell used his flash speed and was gone from his sight in the time it had taken him to part his lips. He wished he could tamp down the sinking feeling that he was making a grave mistake, and that he should heed to his other half’s warnings, maybe try to trust them for a change. But, no sooner had the thought come, Alek’s animals raced to the surface, one on the heels of the other.