Page 7 of The King's Man
Next to me, Melek watched on, every line in his body screaming stress. Not for Gall, though I knew that weighed heavily. But, no. Melek’s tension was for his mate.
“What’s it like?” I asked carefully, watching him watch her.
Melek frowned and tore his gaze from her to me. “What’s what like?”
“Having a mate.”
Melek huffed and looked at Yilan again, but his eyes—though still tight with stress—lit up. “It is heaven. And hell. At the same time.”
I squirmed, nodding. “It is a burden, I’m sure. I don’t think I would ever want—”
“No, no. Jann. That’s not what I meant. I wouldn’t give her up for anything. But… it’s like having your heart break out of your chest and walk around on its own. When she’s happy, I’m happier. But when she’s upset… I can feelher pain as well as my own. It’s hell.”
His mood was darkening. I tried to lighten it. “Must be awesome when she’s horny.”
Melek coughed, then shot me a disapproving look—but I didn’t miss the heat in his gaze.
“Shut up,” he muttered.
I grinned.
“You and your fucking mouth. No wonder Diadre’s spitting like a stood-on cat,” Melek grumbled.
“What are you talking about?” I said dryly. “I’m a fucking delight.”
Melek snorted, but the amusement left him quickly when his eyes fell back on Yilan. He sighed. “All I want to do is fix it for her. Forus.But I can’t, so…”
We were both silent for a moment.
Melek rubbed a hand over his face. “I fear for Gall. I fear for him a great deal.”
I didn’t want to add to his burden. But Melek and I had always sworn we’d only tell each other the truth. “I fear for him too. If he’s out there, I’ll find him.”
Melek’s expression went tight. “If he’s not…”
“I will avenge him, or find out who did it so you can.”
Melek nodded, jaw tight. “Thank you.”
“I’m here for you, Mel. You know that.”
“I do.”
“No matter what anyone says. Don’t listen. It’s just not true.”
He raised a brow and turned to me, a question in his eyes. “What wouldanyonebe saying?”
I grimaced. “Diadre thinks I’m a traitor.”
“What? Why?”
“Because of my eyes.”
Melek frowned. “Those have always been your eyes.”
“Yes, but the others changed—the ones who had yellow eyes. And mine didn’t. They all have green eyes now, Melek.”
“And none of them have full-Nephilim bloodlines. Who knows what difference that makes. I know you, Jann. If anyone questions your loyalty, send them to me.”
