his sister talking with Haml. He was probably informing her that he had returned. Oh, goddess. She was the queen, their alpha. What would she think about him taking all that away from her? She would hate him, want him to go. What about her people? No, he wasn’t here to take back power.
As he eyed her, her face paled and her knees bent. Haml grabbed onto her to keep her from falling. Dammit, he knew this was a bad idea. She hated him so badly, she could take it. He turned toward the forest and stepped away. Fortunately, or unfortunately, his mate still held his hand, yanking him back.
“Yeah, I don’t think so. Get your cute ass back here now.”
He froze. Did she just say he had a cute ass, here in front of everyone? His face suddenly never felt as hot as it did that moment.
She laughed. “Come here.” She wrapped her arms around him. “You can do this. You are the bravest man I know. How many people would’ve risked their lives to save me from a monster squid like you did?”
He ran his fingers along her jawline. “I would give my life for you, my mate.”
Her eyes became glassy. Were those tears? Happy or sad? She laid her hand on his heart. “I can easily say I love you now. I know.”
Unimaginable joy flowed through him. He squeezed her to him, never wanting to let her go. “I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you.”
“Then you can do this for me. Become who you were meant to be. I know how strong alphas are and how good they are to those they love. You deserve your own happy ending, Zee. I want that for you.”
Somebody stopped behind his mate. He was almost too afraid to lift his eyes and see the anger and hate directed at him. But for her, he would.
He looked up and into eyes that were identical to his, a nose that was daintier, and lips like their mother’s. “Iridia.” Wren stepped to the side.
“Hello, little sister,” he said. “You’re all grown up. You look just like Mom.” The mound of wall he had blocked all his emotions behind crumbled away. A sea of hurt, sorrow, grief, joy, and love hit him square in the heart. Never had he experienced so much at one time. It was overwhelming. This he did not expect.
Iridia stepped closer and hugged him. Shocked from her actions, he slowly put his arms around her. When he realized she didn’t hate and want him gone, at this moment anyway, he hugged her too. He felt his sister’s body-shaking sob and the tears on his chest.
He whispered to her, “I’m sorry I left you. I am so sorry I stayed away so long. I’ve missed you so much.” As he said those words, they registered in his soul. Yes, he missed his parents, his sister, and best friend fiercely.
Never had he thought they would want him around. He was sure their hearts were closed to him. He had been wrong. There was only one person he could thank for this.
Iridia pulled back and turned. Everyone in the village had stopped what they were doing and had gathered around them. “All in the village,” she shouted, “our king and alpha has returned.”
Fear shot through his body. This was not what he had in mind.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“Iridia,” he whispered, “I’ve not come back to take your place.”
She swung around to face him, a frown and confusion on her face. “Then why are you here? Your people have missed you. They need a true leader.”
He wanted to tell her he was not the person she thought he was. He was not a leader. He would not lead any others into death.
“We’ll discuss this later,” he whispered to her. “You are still the alpha.”
She hit his arm exactly where Wren had last night. He cringed and rubbed the sore spot.
“No, I’m not,” she whispered back. “You are the rightful heir.” She poked his chest with a strong finger. He heard his mate giggle beside him. This was not funny.
“You are an heir also. You will remain the alpha,” he answered.
His sister’s lit up. “Is that an order from the alpha?”
“Yes,” he growled, then immediately shook his head, “No.” He wanted her to be the alpha. “I mean, yes, but no.” Dammit.
Iridia winked and took his hand. “Everyone, continue with preparation for our meal. We have reason to rejoice and thank the goddess.” Cheers went