Page 153 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

The priestess made a low sound in the back of her throat. I peeked out of the corner of my eye to find her still standing with her hands in the air as she gave us a disapproving look.

“This is the house of the Goddess, remember,” she murmured.

I laughed against Luka’s mouth before I removed my lips from his. He took my hand and we turned to face the crowd.

“No turning back now, Sweetheart.”

“I’m fine as long as I’m going forward with you.”

Several additional tables had been added to the dining room for the meal tonight, all decorated in finery. We’d all eat a grand feast together before moving to the ballroom for the wedding ball. Luka’s arm was around my waist and I had a glass of sparkling wine in my hand as we surveyed the room.

“Who’s that?” I gestured to the brunette female making her way toward us. I had never seen her before, but something about her felt familiar. Her coiled chestnut hair fell past her shoulders. Her eyes were dark, but her square jaw and the shape of her nose felt familiar.

She smiled when her eyes landed on Luka, sending a pang of jealousy straight to my gut.

Luka smiled big, causing the knot in my stomach to tighten. “That’s Zienna.”

“Luka!” Zienna exclaimed, throwing her arms around my husband.

“Zee.” The two stepped back from one another. “I’d like you to meet my wife, Lennox Adair.”

I smiled tightly at the female, still uneasy at her familiarity with Luka. “Lennox, this is Zienna, Nico’s sister.”

My chest lightened instantly—Nico’s sister.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

A wide smile broke out on the female’s face. “You too.” She embraced me in a hug before I could protest.

“I see where Nico gets his enthusiasm from,” I said into her hair. “It must run in the family.”

Zienna laughed as she released me. “What else has he toldyou about our family?” She asked, her eyes darting back and forth between me and Luka.

“Not much.” Zienna stared at Luka expectantly. “He hasn’t told me a word about why he left.” Zienna’s shoulders shrank.

“I tried to get him to talk at first, but he refused. And you know Nico. He will only talk when he’s ready.” Luka raked a hand through his hair. “But I didn’t think it would take him this long to say anything.”

Zienna opened her mouth, but Luka stopped her. “I don’t want to hear it from you.” Understanding flashing across Zienna’s features.

“Thank you for looking out for him.”

“Of course, you know he always has a place with me.” He pulled me into his side. “Even if I am married now.”

I nodded in agreement. “As much as I hate to admit it, Nico’s become one of my best friends. He will forever have a home with us if he needs it.”

“Thank you. Things haven’t been the same since he left. He left a large hole in the pack. I was glad for the opportunity to see him.”

“Have you spoken to him?” Luka asked.

She shook her head. “I’m not even sure if he knows I’m here.” She sighed deeply. “Anyways, congratulations, Luka. I’m glad to see you happy.” She placed a gentle hand on my arm and squeezed lightly. “I don’t know you Lennox, but I hope I can get to know you. If you’re important to my brother and Luka I know you must be a good one.”

Luka pulled me closer, placing a kiss on top of my head. “She is.”

“You must also be a saint for putting up with the three idiots. Although Declan’s not as much of an idiot as he is a mood killer.”

I laughed. “I like her,” I told Luka, which made her smile widen.

“Right, back at you Queenie,” she said with a wink.

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