Page 164 of The King's Man
Jann’s head snapped to the right as a shadow moved among the trees. He shifted to put himself between me and the hulking shape, but a moment later when the man stepped closer—another Nephilim, if his size was anything to go by—Jann’s shoulders relaxed and he straightened.
“Karyd!” he groaned, then started towards the man, one arm out to be clasped in greeting. “You scared the shit of out of me.”
The man trotted to him and they embraced, clapping each other on the back with those thumps hard enough to make mewince when I thought of how Jann’s sore muscles must feel under it. But he was giving no sign of his pain, or his exhaustion.
“What are you doing out here?”
“I carry messages. Planning to fly the traverse tomorrow—you’ve heard about the King? Well, of course, you’d know since you helped him.”
Jann nodded easily. “I’m glad that he’s made it safely.”
“He made it weeks ago—what happened to you?”
“Well,” Jann said, a jolt erupting in the bond though he gave no sign of it on his face as he turned towards me with a smug grin. “I was… distracted.”
I tried to smile, but felt myself shrinking as the massive Nephilim followed Jann’s gaze straight to me and his eyes widened, then a lascivious grin appeared on his ruggedly handsome face.
“You found abreeder?!”he asked, taking a step towards me.
It was the first tension I saw in Jann since he’d recognized the man. His hand shot out to plant on the fellow’s chest and a low growl rumbled out of his toes.
The visitor’s head snapped back and then he looked at Jann, brows high.
“More than a breeder. She’s amate,”Jann said darkly.
The man’s brows rose higher. He looked at me again, then back at Jann. Then his smile abruptly returned and he grabbed Jann’s arm again.
“You lucky bastard,” he said, his eyes gleaming. “Everyone in power is finding women these days. Seems like I need to pay a visit to the Fetch.”
Jann laughed, but I didn’t. But Jann’s smile faded quickly. “Wait, you said everyone—more than just the King?”
“Well, to hear the rumors, it’s not just Gall. But Melek and some of his men, and now you?”
Jann nodded slowly, but I could feel his unease in the bond. “Is that where you were going? To find a mate?”
“Fuck no. I’ve been sent with a message for Melek. By the time I traverse the peaks, he should reach Braventhall within a couple of days. I’ve been sent to meet him and warn him—but I’m glad I saw your signals, because I had a message for you as well if we crossed paths.”
“Oh?”
The man looked at me, then back at Jann.
“You don’t need to worry about her,” Jann said. “She won’t defy me.”
I bristled, but tried to make it look like fear.
‘Just breathe,’Jann said in my head.‘He isn’t one to fear—his heart is good. But he’ll always follow power.’
The male nodded and smiled, then shrugged. “I was told to tell you that your message was delivered, but couldn’t be acted upon,” he said casually.
I felt Jann tense. “Oh? Why not?”
The man glanced at me one more time, but then obviously decided to speak. “Caelan is… indisposed,” he said carefully.
I watched Jann pale and a tiny shriek of pain speared through my heart.
“Is she dead?” he breathed.
“No,” his friend said grimly. “But she’s in danger. She can’t leave the Palace.”
