Warrior King New Worlds (Crystal Kingdom #6) - Milly Taiden Page 0,35
of a mound. He saw items inside that were of a personal nature. Was that where the fae slept as well as being a protective wall? Most impressive.
“Alpha,” the guard hollered, “your visitor is here for the humans.”
The tasks that were being done came to a sudden stop, and everybody stared at him.
“Ferrus!” He heard his name in his mate’s voice. His heart did a strange thump in his chest. He searched the crowd, needing to see her. He wanted to have her in his arms. He could not believe he felt like this. He would think about it later. Right now, he wanted his mate.
Lilah pushed her way through the fae staring at him. “Ferrus,” she called to him. And then she was there, right in front of him. She slowed, but he stepped forward, wrapped his arms around her, and lifted her off the ground. She squeaked, and he laughed. She was so adorable and felt so good against him.
He had not been hugged since he was a child. Her smell, her breasts, all of her pressed against him. Desire, like he had never known, set his body on fire. His dragon was happy. He wanted to take her in one of these mounds and mate her.
No. Mates were not allowed.
His animal breathed fire, ready to fight.
He set his mate on the ground but did not want to let go of her. Was what he was feeling true for all men with their mates? Demon’s hell. He could barely control himself.
“Hello, Ferrus.”
Ferrus looked up to see the male who occupied the holding cell not long ago. “I am Xenos, alpha, in name only, of the Gnoleon.”
If not for holding on to his mate, Ferrus would have fallen on his ass from surprise. He had the leader of their one-time enemy in his hands. How ironic. Well, two could play that game. He did not think the tree alpha knew who he really was.
“Yes,” Ferrus said with a smile, “I remember you. I am Ferrus, warrior of the Citogen.” Both men nodded once. “What do you mean by ‘alpha in name only’?”
Zee put his arm around a female that wasn’t his mate and brought her forward. “I am leaving with my mate. My sister, Iridia, is the true alpha of the fae.”
This time, Ferrus’s legs did weaken. He started to fall backward, but Lilah kept hold of him. His mate scrunched her face. “You’re thinking you can’t believe that a female is leading a people, aren’t you?”
He turned his eyes to her. How the demon’s hell did she know that? Did she have dark magic that let her into his mind?
“See, Ferrus,” she griped, “that right there is the root of your men’s issues. You don’t believe women are capable of doing the same thing men are. I got news for you, buddy, except for writing their name in the snow, women can do everything you can.”
Zee leaned to Wren’s ear. “What is snow, and how do men write their name in it?” Wren slapped his chest.
“Don’t ask because I’m not explaining it,” Wren said. “Let’s go and let these two negotiate.”
Iridia nodded to him. “I am happy to meet you, Ferrus. Hopefully, you will have time later to join us for the last meal of the day. You have our permission to wander the forest with no interference from us for privacy if you so want.”
Did he ever want. He glanced at his mate. They needed to talk about more than just the other females. His eyes were opening to a new life.
But could he hold onto it?
Chapter Eighteen
Lilah couldn’t believe Ferrus was the one to work with her. Maybe he asked to be the go-between. After Zee and Iridia walked away from meeting the red fae, the clan returned to their regular routines.
“Lilah, we need to talk in private, please.”
She nodded. “I agree. Let’s take a walk. I don’t want to be cooped up in a dome of dirt.” With his hand in hers, she led him through the village. “Ferrus, see how men and women work together. They talk and laugh and are quite productive.” They walked quietly for a moment, then he gasped, and the grip on her hand tightened.
He turned his face to her, shielding his eyes with his hand. “The females wear no tops. Only long pants.”
Lilah snorted. “You just noticed that? Seriously?”
He turned her chin toward him. “I have eyes for only one female. I see no one else.”