Page 72 of Redeeming the Angel

“I thought you’d be angry with me after being reminded of…all that.”

“I still am.”She scooted around, adjusting her position, igniting my body.“I’m just being selfish right now.”

“Oh.”And that was all I dared say, because if I said something wrong and she changed her mind, it would kill me.

She could be selfish all she liked.Even though the feel of her warmth against me was torture, this was the happiest I’d felt since the day before we were supposed to get married.

Eventually, her breathing slowed, and her body relaxed even more into mine.Gratitude filled me that I managed to make her feel safe enough to fall asleep.Not wanting to miss a second of this heaven, I forced myself to stay awake so I could savor the feel of her in my arms, the scent of her—lilacs, magic, and her unique femininity—and the soft sound of her breathing.

I managed to make it until the sky outside the window began to lighten, blessing me with one last look at the miraculous sight of Kerainne Leonine in my bed, in my arms, before sleep sucked me under.

But it was the best and most peaceful sleep I’d had since I could remember.

When I awoke, she was gone.I hugged her pillow, inhaling the scent of her, and managed to drowse for a few more minutes before it was time to shower.

At least I’d be seeing Kerainne again soon.We needed to prepare for tomorrow’s meeting with the matriarchs.

Just as I’d finished getting dressed, there was a knock at the door.Joyous anticipation built in my chest.Maybe Kerainne had returned!

When I opened the door, my heart lodged in my throat at the sight of the tiny cloaked figure—then dropped as she lifted her hood.

“Queen Xochitl.”I dropped down to one knee, even though such was not required of me, being that I wasn’t one of her subjects.However, aside from wanting to remain hers and King Zareth’s diplomatic guest, I’d wronged her too.Therefore, I was more than willing to bow and scrape.

“Prince Lucian.”Her wry smirk and amused amber eyes revealed that she knew my motives.“I have a favor to ask you.”

“Anything for an ally.”Anything for your mother.I opened the door further and took a step back.“Please, come in.I know you hate being cold.”

Her brow quirked, but she followed me inside.“How do you know that?”

“Because all luminites have a hard time with low temperatures,especiallythe Leonine clan.”I couldn’t help smiling as I told her what I told her mother many times.“But the Jagwolfe clan handles the cold the best.”

I expected Xochitl to frown at my boast, but instead she grinned.“That is fascinating.And goes with what I will ask of you.”

My curiosity piqued.“Would you like tea or wine?I’m afraid I don’t have any of that Earthen beverage you prefer.Bull of Red?”

“Red Bull,” she corrected, then settled herself on my overstuffed chair by the fire.“I’ll have tea.Black with sugar, please.You’re being much more courteous than I’d expected.”

“How so?”I asked, even though I was pretty certain I knew.

“You think I’m an abomination.”

“I never said that to you.”I put the kettle on.“Your grandmother did.”

“But you thought it.”I knew she’d be glaring at me even before I returned to the living room to see that she’d spun the chair around to face the kitchen.Sure enough, those amber eyes had darkened, though thankfully not to the red of her sire.

And she was partly right.It was true that I had thought her an abomination, but I didn’t anymore.

I replied honestly, but carefully.“My emotions were tied more with fury that the Evil One defiledmymate.”

Her glare deepened and her voice sharpened.“Then why did you look at me with such hatred when we met after my first death?”

“That wasn’t hatred,” I argued, my own voice heated.“That was anger.”

“Why?”

I slammed my fist into the doorframe.“Because you should have been mine!”

“Wait,” Xochitl’s eyes widened in shock.“You wanted me to be your kid?”

---