A Court of Sunflowers and Stardust

•chapter 27•

"She's a wolf who refuses to live like a dog."

Preparations

~

I stirred in my sleep, shifting closer to the warm body beside me. A strong arm snaked around my shoulders and I leaned my head against the soft bit of skin between his collarbone and shoulder.

Nothing seemed to matter then, but I remembered I had to arrange a meeting between Alakai and The Night Court. I sighed through my nose, opening my eyes fully and sitting up, pressing the bedsheet against my bare chest.

"Where are you going?" Kaleb's voice was raw and sleep-filled as he wrapped his arms around my torso to try and urge me back beside him.

I turned to look at him, his eyes still closed. His face was so peaceful- so exquisite. A part of me was excited to wake up beside him every morning, for the rest of my messed up life.

"Don't you want to meet my brother?" I asked, my own voice slightly hoarse from the noises I was making all day yesterday and last night.

Kaleb stirred slightly, pursing his lips, "not really."

I snorted, unwinding his arms from my body, despite how much the feel of his hands made me want to pounce on him once again. But I was worn out, near on exhausted, and this world was dying.

I felt so selfish, for enjoying myself like this whilst the world constantly begged for my help.

His hands squeezed my hips, sending heat down my spine and into my core, "you're not selfish."

Right, our thoughts are near enough on the same wave now. I sent a cheeky image through the bond and he jolted, his eyes opening instantly and I burst out laughing.

"As much as I'd love to stay here, we really need to sort some things out." I clarified, and he nodded. I knew how much he was trying to push down the primal, male part of him down.

It was hard, even I felt it bubbling inside of me and the urge to join with him once again was suffocating. I shook my head, rubbing my face with my hands as I slipped out from under the covers and stood.

I felt his eyes on me as I opened his closet, quickly grabbing a shirt to slip on my bare body so I was appropriate enough to run to my own room and get dressed.

"We need to get dressed." I said, spinning around to find him sprawled on top of the covers. The very sight of his body had my throat closing and constricting with desire.

I took a deep breathe, steadying the pounding in my core and chest. "I'll- I will meet you at breakfast."

I turned and ran out of the room, opening and shutting the door rapidly and accidentally running into a figure that was innocently passing by. I yelped, and strong hands steadied my arms, violet eyes mischievous.

"Sorry." I stated, quickly pulling away and noticing as The High Lord of Night took in my scent, and who it was intertwined with.

"Welcome to our family." Rhysand said, and the words almost brought tears to my eyes. A family.

"I-" I cleared my throat, hugging the shirt tighter to my form, "thank you."

My cheeks flushed in embarrassment and I turned and darted into my own bedroom, slamming the door shut and taking a deep breath. I tried focusing my thoughts on the task at hand, not the thought of Kaleb in the room beside mine bathing.

Kaleb sent a picture down the bond of his body in the bath, I hissed through my teeth and clenched my fingers, urging myself to shake the arousal out of my body as I charged to the bathroom and got into the ice cold bath that was already waiting for me.

~

Kaleb was already at the dining table by the time I finished, dressed and made myself presentable. To my surprise, the entire Inner Circle was at the table, including Lucien, Elain and Nesta.

I pursed my lips, bowing my head in greeting and making my way to a spare seat, opposite Kaleb who's eyes never left me, and in between Nesta and Feyre.

Nesta sipped on her tea, "I suppose you're my family now."

I blushed, hugely embarrassed with the whole situation as everyone was contently looking at me. Lucien reached over across the table and clasped my hand in his, Kaleb stiffened and I watched as Feyre put a calming hand on his arm.

"You deserve to be happy." The red headed male said, the one who'd watched me grow up and become the female I am today.

Kaleb shifted in his chair, his jaw clenched, and I completely forgot how protective males are after the mating period. I quickly let go of Lucien's hand, "lets-"

I didn't finish my sentence.

I felt as if two hands grabbed my shoulders and pulled me back. I gasped as suddenly an image was in front of my eyes, blurry but definitely there.

Alakai smiled and reached for me, "sister, tell your friends if they wish to speak to me then I will be in the mountains beside their city."

"Alakai-" I called out, but my voice felt distant as the image before me faded and I was back at the dining table.

I blinked, not noticing that my head rested against it, and there were warm, large hands on my face and turning me. Kaleb's worries gaze met mine, "did he visit you?"

I nodded, feeling dazed as I lifted my head and noticed everyone's eyes on me. "He said he'll be in the mountains beside the city."

"How does he know about Velaris?" Mor suddenly questioned, eyes sharp. "Didn't he get in that one time to push you into the Sidra?"

I shrugged, "I don't know, he keeps a lot of secrets."

"That's quite obvious." Amren sipped her drink, silver eyes watching mine.

"We still need to meet with him. If he's in the mountains now then everyone get ready." Feyre ordered, a troublesome expression on her face.

"How can we trust him?" Nesta blurted.

"We can't." I admitted before Rhys could speak. "But if you're all coming, then there's only one of him."

"And his in my Court." Rhysand pointed out, clapping his hands and rubbing them. "Time to get to business then, yes?"