Page 121 of Family: Posy 4

Uh.Cole's mouth flapped a couple of times, but no other sounds came out.

That's what I thought. You and Wyatt take our mate back to the guest house. Ash, Jay, just to let you know, the king has Ikhlassi locked up in the dungeon. He's out of your wolves' reach, so make them understand that and get back to the guest house. I want you both there within the hour.

Yes, Papa Bear,I snickered, unable to help myself.

Is this how Wyatt felt all the time? What a glorious thrill! Pushing the iceman to the edge just to see if he'd crack!

Ash,Mase sighed,you have your entire life to be a jerk. It's been a long day, so take the rest of the night off, okay?

Dammit! Nothing shook him! He didn't even raise his voice!

Someday you will get him, Ashy, Sid giggled.

Oh, you're back! Yay!

But I didn't get to kill him,he pouted.Meanie King Julian stole my prey!

Well, look on the bright side, buddy. Now you're free to go home to our girl!

Yes, yes, yes!He hopped around like a psycho, and I was happy he was back to his normal self.When you fall asleep, Ashy, can I take over and be with my darling?

Sure, buddy. Once the adrenaline fades, I'll be out before you know it. Just make sure she wants to mate first. She's had a rough evening.

Mate? No, not tonight. Want to cuddle! Want to cuddle my tiny darling! Her little furry body is so small and soft and—

That's fine.You can cuddle her as much as you want.

Oh, I will, Ashy! I will!

17: Damage Control

King Julian

I waited until the alphas had their mate settled on Cole's lap before I sat down on the coffee table in front of them.

Studying Posy's face, I saw she was calm, but her eyes showed worry and a tiny bit of fear. All in all, it was a better reaction than I'd hoped for.

Start, Jul, Onyx demanded.Ask questions so Nyx can return to mate.

Yes, oh, mighty evil one.I rolled my eyes, then rolled them again when he preened, taking my sarcasm as a compliment.

"Posy, I need to ask Lark a couple of questions. It will be fast as I need to return to the reception before too many people notice my absence. We'll talk more tomorrow during tea, okay? For now, can Lark ascend, please?"

"On one condition." She held up her forefinger. "Don't spoil the queen's night with this. I don't want to be the one who messes up her big day."

My heart squeezed at her compassion and selflessness.

Posy always so careful with everyone's hearts, Onyx murmured.Posy as sweet as Posy is strong.

Yes. Yes, she is.

"That's easy enough. Right now, my father says she is busy telling Gisela, Beatrix and Ranger embarrassing stories about their mates as children." I grinned as Dad sent me a picture of Junia burying her bright red face in Ranger's shoulder as he laughed at something my queen said. "We have a few more minutes before she becomes suspicious."

"Very well, then." She looked at Wyatt on her left, then Mase on her right. "Boys, I'm really tired. I might fall asleep while Lark's ascendant. Before I do, I want you to know that I'm sorry for ruining the evening."

"Honey, you've ruined nothing," Cole reassured her and kissed her cheek. "These things happen."

"Look at it this way, cutie," Wyatt chimed in, "you're helping to catch a bad guy."

---