Reign | Dark #1 (18+)

26. KNOW

Feigh

After I heard what happened to King Gridian's mate, my heart just went out for him. He had explained how his mate died in the hands of the cruel Immortals. I know it wasn't easy. It would never be easy. His mate wasn't just his mate, but his one true love.

It was rare, according to Candice, to come upon these species who know how to fall in love.

Well, I was one lucky bitch to have one.

Brilliana leveled her gaze at me, irritation slipping through her relaxed facade. What was her problem now? She narrowed her eyes, her irritation shifting into anger. She mused, "It is within the power of the Moon Goddess to create such bond, why would you Lycans defy it?"

She doesn't stop. Lucius however didn't hesitate to fill in, "Indeed. If she is really the Prince's mate then she would feel the pull and choose to become his. Surely, as the highly respected King, will never go against fate."

Okay, so we're back on that topic again.

Alexus suggested, "Why not leave the two of them alone to have a moment. Of course, she would always choose Draze as she had spent plenty of intimations with him. By doing this, we will know if she would feel the pull at some point with Austin."

Goosebumps raised along my arms. I wasn't sure if I heard them right, I turned my eyes to Draze, Kol and then Candice. Their expression told me I did.

"What if he force and marks her? And it would be too late for us to kill Austin." Candice argued.

Draze narrowed his eyes at her, it was a way of telling her to stop interfering with the discussion. She looked down and mumbled, "Okay... I'll stop."

"Against using force has not always in their nature, especially when it comes to their mate. We understand that Lycans are always possessive and territorial but they invariably have taken precautions by doing so, because they won't gain what they are most desire—their mate's love." Constantine said.

Austin's glance cut to me, "I would never hurt her, even if my Lycan is front and center, he would never hurt her."

I absentmindedly trembled. Remembering how he had pressed his canines in my neck, traumatized me. Draze might have heard my heartbeat increase or felt my sweaty hands clutching onto his arms in a death grip.

I saw Constantine and Latonia looking at me, worried.

Draze reiterated through his teeth, "What is it? Speak freely."

Lucius was clearly enjoying my distress, his smugness was very obvious. His eyes glinted while sizing me up.

However, Brilliana's face couldn't compare to Lucius. She was scoffing and rolling her eyes. She intended to do that, whenever the topic was about me. She and Sabrina were looking at me as if I was an earthworm that doesn't belong to this group. I felt useless. I was the only human here for God's sake! And whenever I would face danger, I always needed to be rescued. I hate it. I hate to feel that I do not belong to their World. In Draze's World.

I stopped trembling and let go of Draze's arm. I felt weak, and I didn't like it. I do not want to be under Draze or Candice's protection anymore. Dylan wouldn't be proud of me if he sees me. I have to face him...them. A muscle in my jaw ticked and my voice was thick with my own false bravado as I replied dryly, "He was ready to kill me."

There were gasps of shock from Candice, Kol, Constantine, and even Latonia, which turned into growls.

Draze bellowed at Austin, "You were saying?"

Austin stuttered, "Wh-when did I say that? I would never hurt you, I didn't even mark you yet even my Lycan was eager to do so, I fight him because I want it to be in a proper way, I had tried so hard to refuse and force you into submitting to me." His words made sense and confused the Royal Highnesses in this room.