“You two are suited to each other,” his older brother said.
“Of course we are. The Crystal led me to him,” Kal huffed.
“Why do you think we’re well matched?” I asked.
“Kalvoxrencol has needed someone to fight with as well as defend for a long time,” Zoltil-something said.
“Hmm,” I said.
Kal glowered at his brother, who didn’t seem to care.
“Has he been honest about his past transgressions?” Zoltil-something asked.
“Bloom,” Kal growled.
I started at the nickname but answered, hooking an arm around Kal’s waist, “Yes, it doesn’t bother me in the slightest.”
“I’m glad for you, Pest.”
“Thank you,” Kal said with a tight smile.
Kal held himself back from his family, and I didn’t know why. His family clearly loved him.
Zoltil-something excused himself and went to the refreshment table, talking to Kal’s other brothers. Kal watched his retreat, his tail tightly wound around my ankle.
Cupping his cheeks, I asked, “What’s wrong, Babe?”
He pressed his forehead against mine. “My family has stood by me through everything, but they can’t see past my mistakes. I swear I’ve changed, but I’m afraid they’ll say something to scare you away.”
“Not going to happen. Not now. Not ever,” I said fiercely. Kal was mine. I’d never felt possessive of anyone in my life, but now I had someone I didn’t want to lose. Someone I wanted to protect. It didn’t matter what anyone said, I was going to stay with Kal for the rest of our lives.
Kal groaned. “I want to kiss you.”
I swallowed. “I’m not really comfortable doing that right now.”
“That’s why I said it instead of mauling you in front of my family.”
His words startled a laugh out of me, though it also sent my stomach swooping. I wouldn’t mind himmaulingme if we were alone.
Before I could say anything, an arm hooked around Kal’s neck, and he made a choking sound. “Serlotminden,” Kal said, smacking his third brother away.
“Stop hogging your mate.”
Kal growled, and his brother dragged him away toward the group of siblings. They all rubbed Kal’s head, and he snarled. All standing together, I saw the resemblances between them. They all shared the same long noses and strong features of their father, though everyone but Kal had their mother’s eyes. Their loud voices echoed around the room as they teased Kal, who crossed his arms.
“Seth Harris.” Kal’s father stood beside me, watching his gaggle of children. Hal had Kal in a headlock, rubbing his head.
“Your Majesty.” Was that even his title? I’d never spoken to royalty before. Well, I talked to Kal, but he was different.
“I would like to speak to you alone tomorrow.”
I swallowed, glancing at him, but he steadfastly watched his children. Kal and Hal were now wrestling while their brothers shouted. Their mother scolded them, but Hal’s mate started to take bets on the victor; it heavily swayed toward Kal.
“You distracted Kal so you could ask me that,” I said.
“He is exceedingly possessive of you.”
“He’s afraid you’ll take me away. I don't want to leave him. I love him.”
