Kieran
"I didn't want to overwhelm you."
The words leave my mouth carefully, measured the same way I measure every step around her. She's standing in front of me, framed by the open dining room doors, and for a split second I forget how to breathe.
Her hand is warm in mine.
Not just warm, grounding, it fits there perfectly. Real. Like an anchor dropped straight into my chest. The moment our fingers interlace, Cade surges forward inside me, a low rumble vibrating through my bones.
'Mate.'
'Easy', I warn him silently, though I feel the same pull. The same need to pull her closer, to press my face into the soft place where her neck meets her jaw and breathe her in until the rest of the world disappears.
She smells like warmth and something wild beneath it, fuck its clean, sharp, intoxicating. Like fresh snow and fire trapped under skin.
Cade isn't subtle.
'She belongs here. Beside us.'
I swallow, keeping my expression calm even as my wolf prowls restlessly, driven half mad by the nearness of her. "I just wanted to check in," I add quietly. "Make sure you slept well."
She nods, a little stiff, but her thumb brushes over my knuckle unconsciously. The smallest touch and my control tightens like a drawn bow. I resist the urge to throw her over the table and take her right there.
'You feel that,' Cade murmurs, smug. 'She wants us.'
Horny bastard.
I guide her forward, hand still in mine, closer to the dining table.
The space is already alive with movement. Long and grand, built of pale stone and dark polished wood, the dining table stretches nearly the length of the room, carved with old sigils of unity and rule. Tall arched windows let in filtered daylight, casting gold across silverware and crystal goblets as staff move quietly, efficiently, setting the last of the place settings.
They shouldn't be here for lunch.
Normally, they aren't.
But today, trays are still being set down, tea poured, plates arranged as a quiet consequence of skipping breakfast.
And they notice us.
I feel it immediately the subtle shift, the glances that linger too long, especially from the female staff. Curiosity. Appraisal. Something sharper underneath. Most of those females I had… indulged in, but none matters now with Samantha.
Samantha feels it too. Her shoulders tense just slightly.
My jaw tightens.
'They're staring,' Cade growls. 'Remind them.'
I don't look at the staff. Not once.
Instead, I led her straight to the head of the table.
I take my seat first, the weight of the crown heavy and familiar as it settles on my head, not the physical one, but the invisible weight that never leaves me. The thing that makes everyone else straighten, lower their gaze, remember their place.
Samantha moves to take a seat further down, instinctively choosing space instead of proximity.
I don't allow it.
My hand tightens gently around hers, stopping her. She looks up, startled, eyes wide.
"Kieran, I can't…" she started.
I lean closer, "You belong here."
"This one," I say quietly, pulling out the chair beside me, the Queen's seat. There's an audible intake of breath from somewhere behind us.
A few of the female servants exchange looks. One of them smirks.
I ignore them all.
Cade preens.
Good.
Samantha hesitates only a second before sitting, her knee brushing mine. The contact sends a jolt through me, sharp, electric, barely contained. Fuck, controll yourself, Kieran, I thought.
She fits here.
Too perfectly.
Conversation slowly resumes around the table.
Callen leans back in his chair, watching us with a knowing look. "Elders want to see you today," he says, tone casual, but eyes sharp. "Didn't say why. Just that it's 'urgent.'"
I nod once, "I'll meet with them after we eat."
Mayla sets her teacup down with a soft clink. "Also," she adds, "the twin Alphas from Silver Flame are back as well as their Luna. They've formally requested a visit."
Samantha's head snaps up at the name.
"Silver Flame?"
I feel the shift in her immediately, the flicker of something deep and unreadable passing behind her eyes.
I make a mental note, but don't press.
Yet.
Enoch clears his throat. "I'd like to volunteer as the Queen's personal guard."
Cameran nearly chokes on her drink. "Oh absolutely not," she pauses, then grins wickedly. "Actually yes. That's perfect. You guard her, you stay with me. Win win.."
Enoch rolls his eyes, but there's fondness there.
Callen taps the table once, bringing us back. "We also need to start pack visits. There are rumors circulating… unrest. Some of the larger packs are acting… off. We need eyes on the ground. Make sure our wolves are safe."
The room quiets.
Politics always does that.
Mayla turns to Samantha then, her expression softening. "While Kieran's tied up with the Elders, Cam and I were thinking we'd take you shopping. Get you settled."
I turn to Samantha before answering for her. "Is that alright with you?"
Her eyes widened, genuinely shocked.
I lift her hand again, thumb brushing her skin. "I'll always involve you," I say calmly. "In my personal life and my responsibilities. You're part of both."
Color floods her cheeks.
Cade purrs.
'She likes that.'
So do I.
Brunch finishes quietly after that.
Chairs scrape back. Callen and Enoch rise, already shifting into work mode. I stand as well, pressing a brief kiss to Samantha's knuckles before stepping away.
"I'll see you later," I murmur.
She nods, still flushed.
As I walk toward the doors, I glance back once, just once.
She's laughing softly with Mayla and Cameran, tea in front of her, sunlight catching in her hair.
For the first time in a long time, the weight of the crown feels… lighter.
And Cade agrees.