Page 82 of Losing My Siren Luna
“They wish to have good relations, I believe,” I told him. It’s true enough, and the contract won’t allow for me to tell him more.
“Hmm,” Nilo rubs his chin, “Do you wish to have good relations with them, Alpha? I didn’t think you would allow a siren on our land this easily. You don’t trust them.”
I frown, guilt weighing on me again. No, I didn’t trust any race I couldn’t command in our first life, but that was before I saw my own wickedness in the way I treated Lira, my mate. The way I drove her away, losing her love and trust to my own heinous actions. I was far more monstrous than any siren I know of. If I'm to condemn an entire race, I would first have to condemn myself.
I, a noble Alpha Lycan, abused my power and hurt the person I should have been cherishing because of my own pride. I have no room to judge Cedric, or the sirens at all after everything I did.
“I don’t distrust them. I don’t know them, Nilo. Neither do you. Or any of us, for that matter. I do know it is wrong to judge an entire race who we have never had dealings with, so I ask that you all keep an open mind. Treat the siren man with respect. He will be staying with us for quite some time, and serving my wife. If she deems someone worthy, I will always hold her opinion over all others.”
Meldec settles back in his chair with a small smile playing on his lips, and Cherum slaps my shoulder, grinning approvingly.
“Wow, Alpha. Married life suits you. You are already acting a bit more tame and it's only been a day.” Nilo is staring at me like he's amazed.
I grin. “She’s an amazing woman. I would be a fool not to change to be the kind of man she deserves.”
“I agree,” Cherum says, “and it’s getting late. I think this groom should go find his bride and walk her back to her room to retire for the night. Maybe enjoy another cup of tea together.”
My smile is so broad it nearly hurts my face, my facial muscles are not used to being used this much. “I think you’re right.” I stood on my feet. “Don’t forget to send some men, Mel. I want to know.”
“I will assign the task right away. Enjoy your evening, Alpha.”
“Oh, I plan to.”
“Hair time,”Killian is leaping inside my head eagerly.
I chuckled back to him. “Let’s go ask.”
I know she isn’t ready for anything more than hand holding, but I’ll take anything I can get. Pampering her by brushing her hair before bed sounds amazing to me too.
Chapter 27
Cedric and I were walking back along the docks when Lachlan came out to meet us. After what Cedric and I talked about, it was hard to keep the heat out of my cheeks watching him walk towards us. He was very much an attractive man, with his strong physique and dark features set on a handsome tanned face, and now that I was trying to stay open to the bond for Val’s sake, it’s harder to bury down the natural reactions my body has to him.
“Lira,” he said my name with such affection that I lost the battle of trying to keep a blush off my face, “I was just coming to find you.”
“She’s been here with me,” Cedric smirks, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, making Val growl slightly in protest. “We were just enjoying a lovely stroll along the water’s edge if you would like to join us.”
Lachlan could barely hide his disapproval, because of both Cedric’s suggestion and of his arm around my shoulder. The pestering bond is making it impossible to feel at ease in this situation. I don’t want to displease Lachlan or make him uncomfortable, and between him and Val nagging in my head, I end up shrugging Cedric's arm off my shoulders and taking a tiny step forward.
“We were done with our stroll,” I looked at Cedric accusingly out of the corner of my eye, knowing he was trying to rile up Lachlan again, just like earlier today. “Cedric was just walking me back to my room.”
“I can do that,” Lachlan steps forward and holds his hand out towards me expectantly. I bite my lip and stare at it for a moment, but the nagging bond creates this undeniable urge inside of me to go to him; to feel the tingles against my skin that sates the burning need that the bond creates inside of me.
I closed the gap between us and took his hand, feeling shy all of a sudden when he threaded his fingers between mine and smiled brightly down at me. He truly is a handsome man, and when he smiles that way he is smiling at me right now, I can’t fight off the budding hope inside me that this truly will be okay.
“I guess that’s my sign to leave you two newlyweds for the evening. I will see you in the morning, princess. Have a wonderful night with yourhusband. If you need me,” he gave me a serious, pointed stare, referring to our conversation earlier, “Call for me, your strongest and most handsome tool.”
I grin, feeling grateful, not because I am worried about the night with Laclan. I truly feel Lachan will not try to harm me after this morning and my reaction to him last night. I’m grateful because I finally feel supported, and no longer alone. I have Cedric and others now willing to fight my battles with me.
“Thank you Cedric. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, my princess.”
Lachlan stares after Cedric as he walks off towards the warrior’s barracks and the training area. I guess that would be where Lachlan set up a room for the duration of his stay.
“Did you two have a nice talk?” Lachlan asks me once Cedric is out of sight, running his thumb over my knuckles. Tingles ran up my arms, making me shiver. Lachlan mistakes my shivering for being cold and quickly lets go of my hand to wrap an arm around my shoulders, pulling me towards him, making the tingles intensify.
“Yes,” I looked up at him through my lashes, my voice sounding soft and airy. “It was very informative. He told me a little about my father.”
