Page 52 of Zar

“Garra, her heat signature is beautiful,” Kade murmured as his gaze traveled the length of her. “She glows.”

Therius stepped closer to Callie’s right side. “I see it too,” he groaned. “That’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever witnessed. Fuck.”

“Are all earth-born like that?” Venn asked, his voice low. “If so, I want one too.”

On instinct, Zar slammed his fist into Therius’ chest, shoving him backward several feet. He hissed at Kade and Venn. “Do not look at her!”

Beyond a few grumbled curses, Kade and Venn stayed silent. Smart of them considering Zar itched to punch them both in the face for daring to look at Callie.

Therius wasn’t concerned with the storm brewing inside Zar, however. He glared at him and rubbed at the spot on his chest where Zar had punched him. “All I said was that she looked sexy. Damn, what was that about?”

Zar pushed Callie behind him. She sucked in a breath when she stumbled and caught herself. He would tend to her later. For now, he wanted to kick his brothers’ collective asses for daring to look at Callie’s glow. His talons extended and he stepped closer to Therius, intent on teaching him a quick lesson in manners, but Flare was suddenly between him and his prey. “I think our king is feeling rather territorial towards Ms. Wilson and does not wish for others to view her when she’s in an aroused state.”

Venn, rarely a jokester, chuckled and slapped Therius on the back. “That’s a very delicate way of saying back the fuck off the king’s ofelia, boys.”

“Message received loud and clear,” Kade muttered. Therius nodded, his gaze straying to Callie then swiftly away again.

Zar studied Zadoc a moment since he’d been quiet throughout the exchange. His youngest brother stood with his arms crossed over his chest watching him with quiet intensity. Zar broke the silence stretching between them as he asked, “Something you want to say, brother?”

Zadoc shrugged his shoulders. “I’ve never seen you this way, that’s all.”

Callie tried to step around him, but he hissed at her and she stayed still. He didn’t miss the way she swatted his ass though. He kept his gaze on his youngest sibling. “What way?”

He pointed to Callie. “She brings out your creature’s possessive nature, does she not?”

“Yes,” Zar grumbled. And it was uncomfortable to realize one small earth-born female had his creature wrapped around her dainty pinky finger. “I request patience from you all until I can find a balance.”

Zadoc smiled at him, but Zar could see it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Enjoy the journey, Zar. Every moment is precious.” He glanced over at Venn. “And yes, all earth-born have a glow that would send any male Zenarian to his knees in worship. I miss it greatly.”

All the anger in Zar simply vanished in the face of Zadoc’s sadness. “She is precious to me and I will take your advice, Zadoc, and enjoy every second,” he solemnly vowed as he allowed Callie to move around him. She pinned him with an angry glare when he attempted to sweep her into the cradle of his wings. He kept them to himself and tried to formulate a plan to get back into her good graces.

Venn cleared his throat. “Back to Naxon,” he said, getting them all back on track. “We have the advantage of knowing ahead of time that he’s planning something during the festival.” He clasped Zar’s shoulder. “Your Callie will be safe, my king.”

Several offered up their vow to protect Callie. Zar’s heart filled with warmth. Four hours from now the Festival of the Wings would begin. For the first time Zar would have his ofelia by his side. Naxon would not take that pleasure away from him.

Callie sighed and walked over to the couch and sat down. “I need coffee. That’s the only thing that’s going to fix my frazzled nerves right now.”

“I’ll brew a pot,” Zar offered as he headed towards the kitchen.

“I’ll help. I’m better at it than you are,” Zadoc said as he followed him.

Perhaps Zar could make Callie smile at him again if he brought her a plate of the chocolate chip cookies too. It’d been her favorite she’d said. He’d give her anything she wanted if only she would smile. He hated the worry and fear on her face. Naxon would pay for that as well.

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