Page 43 of Ruling in Flames (Reborn 5)
“Where did you go,mon lapin?”
“I was worried if my parents were going to bring anyone back with them from the Dreki realm, you know, for the coronation later.”
Az hummed in understanding. “I know I don’t know the dynamics of the group very well, but that bothers you?”
I turned into him, tilting my head back, trying to find the words to explain how I felt about it without revealing too much about my mates’ own stories. I didn’t want them to feel a betrayal of trust, especially since I hoped they would eventually open up to him. “Not everyone has a great connection to their families, and I don’t want that pressure brought here.”
“Well, let’s hope that doesn’t happen,” Az rumbled. “But if someone needs to be the bad guy and kick some asshole out, I’ll take the blame.”
I smiled at his words and laid my hand against his chest, loving that he would do that. I was finding I was loving a lot of things aboutMr. I Put Kittens In Danger.
“Angel!” Atlas called out. “We need to get back—you have to get ready for tonight.”
My brow furrowed in confusion as I looked down at myself. I was sporting a light pink sundress with sandals, but I was guessing that wasn’t appropriate for a coronation ceremony?
I had a feeling this was going to be way more elaborate than anything I would’ve planned for myself.
* * *
The early eveningsunset lit the property in a golden hue as I watched out the bedroom window, my gaze on the sparkling sea. The back yard was in absolute chaos, and while that was somewhat distracting, I was trying to not focus on the upcoming event. I had found myself growing more anxious throughout the day, so much so that I’d retreated to my bedroom where my nest was, something I’d started adding to throughout the day, not even trying to stop the impulse.
Bella seemed thrilled with my creation, as she was curled up right in the center of it, clearly exhausted from keeping watch on so many little ones. The same little ones I could see playing in the back yard, giggling and running around. Most of the people from the mountain village and Ry’s compound were here, but my parents hadn’t returned yet, so we were waiting to start.
The wait wasn’t helping the nerves that had started to intensify. I hadn’t even bothered to get dressed yet, wrapped up in a robe and sitting on a large comfortable chair near the window. I could hear the twins’ voices from where they stood in the hallway, laughing about something, but my other mates were spread throughout the complex, even Az helping out.
I wanted to be helpful, but apparently there wasn’t much for me to do. I totally didn’t believe them since they were so busy—I think it was their attempt to get me to relax. Something I would normally be a huge fan of…but the prospect of leading felt very heavy. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone, and this type of situation left a lot of risk for me to do exactly that.
“Maya.” Anani’s voice had me sitting upright as he offered me a concerned look. “What’s wrong?”
“All this waiting around is making me nervous,” I admitted. It totally didn’t help that Anani looked so dang handsome in his dark suit. I hadn’t originally expected it to be such a formal event, but considering the gown hanging in my closet, I wasn’t completely opposed to it. It was freakin’ beautiful.
“We got word that your parents are expected shortly,” he explained, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. “I’ll be here to walk you down, I promise.”
Inhaling, I nodded and put on a brave face as I walked into the bathroom and examined my face and hair, both of which had already been styled by a professional. I didn’t speak a word of French, but the woman didn’t seem to care, talking to me for nearly an hour as she worked. She seemed super sweet; I just wished there hadn’t been as much of a language barrier.
I really needed to learn a few other languages.
Slipping out of my robe, I freshened up my lipstick and then pulled on the undergarments that had been left for me—a pair of panties and a sleek tan bra that was strapless. I smiled as Anani walked in, holding the gown before hooking it on the bathroom door, his eyes running over my frame as he let out a low rumble. I shivered as he approached and kissed my shoulder gently.
Without a word, he helped me into my dress—one that seemed hand-tailored to me, and not only because of the fit. The A-line ball gown had a top that was tight like a corset, and it had these short, fluttering sleeves that capped my shoulders and emphasized the heart-shaped neckline. The material of the bodice was soft pink with a chiffon overlay that was nearly transparent except for the crystals that were hand-sewn onto every inch of it. That gorgeous technique was continued down into the skirt, the color shifting from a light pink to an ombre effect of lavender near the hem.
It created a stunning effect, and my face lit up as Anani gently zipped it up the back before smoothing a hand over my waist, his voice a bit rough. “Peanut, you look absolutely gorgeous.”
I turned into him and offered my lips, Anani brushing a kiss over them. I let out a hum of pleasure, attempting to deepen the touch, but the clearing of a throat had me pausing. We both looked to the door where Ledger stood, a cocky grin on his face.
“As much as I hate to interrupt…” he teased.
“Bullshit.” Anani barked out a laugh. “You’re just jealous.”
Ledger shrugged. “Accurate. I always want to kiss Maya.”
“I’m never opposed to you kissing me,” I pointed out, my heart beating rapidly as I thought about being between the two of them—especially knowing how dominant Ledger could be after what happened on Halloween.
“We can do all the kissing later,” Anani mused, pressing his lips to my temple as I tried to not pout.Was it obvious I was looking for a bit of a distraction?“Are they good to go?”
“They just arrived a second ago, and they brought a fair amount of people.” Ledger’s jaw clenched.
“Ishehere?”
