Ken glared at the prince, his fists clenched at his sides. A dangerous growl reverberated from Ken's throat as he pulled Beth close to him. "Beth is mine," he growled fiercely. "My mate. And no one is going to take her from me." His eyes blazed with determination as he stared down Theo, warning him against trying to come between him and the one he loved.
Warmth stirred in Beth's stomach, and between her legs, at Ken's fierce show of possession and loyalty. She would have to pay him back later for defending her like this.
Lily glared at Beth. She could feel the heat of her stare, even though Beth didn't turn to look at her.
Theo laughed dismissively. "Oh, my bad. I didn't realize she was taken. I trust, then, that you'll provide me with a suitable bride, assuming you intend to accept my offer."
"We'll need time to discuss this—" Ryel began, but he was interrupted by Lily coming forward.
"I volunteer to be your bride," Lily said, presenting herself before the prince. "Assuming you approve."
Rick grabbed Lily's arm and yanked her back. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
She pulled out of his grip. "Securing the future for our pack. What do you think?"
"You're up to something. What are you trying to do?"
Beth saw the slightly deranged look in Lily's eyes. Rick was right: shewasup to something, but what was her plan here? It didn't make sense for her to volunteer herself.
"What does it matter to you? I'll make sure this is done right." She turned to Theo again, pushing forward. This time no one stopped her. "Well?"
Theo's eyes raked over Lily's slender body and beautiful face, approval glinting in his eyes. "Absolutely, beautiful one. What shall I call you?"
"Lily."
"Then should there be no more objections, we will plan our wedding for the eve of the new moon. The day will mark the evolution of our species."
There was a look of determination on Lily's face, and Beth wasn't sure whether to be in awe of Lily for offering herself up to the prince without hesitating, or if she should be worried. Did she have another goal that the others were none the wiser to? Ken said she liked to cause trouble—would she try to sabotage the new, hopeful relationship between the goblins and the wolves?
Beth hoped not, because if she did, she would feel guilty for being glad that if Lily was to be married to Theo, then she wouldn't interfere with Beth and Ken's relationship anymore.
Theo offered Lily his hand, and she took it. "You will be my bride?"
"Yes," Lily said. "For the sake of my pack, I offer myself to you."
He bent down and kissed the top of her hand, and from the spot where his lips touched, a green mark spread across the pale skin. It was like a tattoo, a spread of green leaves, intricately painted.
"This mark will prove to all others that you belong to me. Once we are wed, it will disappear, and the alliance between goblins and wolves will be forged with magic and unbreakable, unless malicious forces should act against us."
Lily withdrew her hand. "I will return with my pack to Silvercoast to relay the news of our alliance, and to prepare for the wedding."
"Of course. I would not take you from your family without giving you adequate time to prepare."
Ryel grabbed Lily by the arm. "Thank you for your hospitality, Prince Theo. We have much to discuss amongst ourselves. We bid you a good day, and we will return before the new moon to prepare for the ceremony."
With that, he yanked Lily out of the tree and into the quiet forest beyond. Finn, Rick, Ken, and Beth followed. Their hands were intertwined as they went along, safe and secure so long as they had each other.
Chapter 13 - Ken
Ryel had already dragged Lily off into the woods, away from the goblins' tree houses. Ken only caught a glimpse of them disappearing into the trees beyond, but he, Beth, Rick, and Finn all hurried after them.
He should have expected that Lily was up to something when she was silent the whole conversation with the prince. While he'd been thinking she was scared of what the goblins were going to do with them, Lily had actually been scheming the whole time.
But what the hell could she get out of promising herself as the bride to the goblin prince, Theo?
They caught up to Ryel and Lily, who were already arguing amongst the trees.
"What the hell were you thinking?" Ryel roared. "You had no right to offer yourself up like that!"