The Beast And The Blessed

Forty-Eight: Natalie

Natalie's P.O.V.

The room spiraled into chaos as Joselin, Killian, and Charlie all began to talk over each other. I tried to keep up, but I was so amused by the fact that it was the first time I had seen Killian in this kind of situation. It was like they were kids again, and he was fighting with his siblings.

And he was. But even Joselin was loud and vocal about this mysterious woman... Talia.

A flash of unwarranted jealousy had spiked through me, and I pushed it down. My head shook as I tried to clear the thought from my brain. I heard one female name, and my mind jumped to the worst-case scenario. It was unreasonable and only encouraged me to want the mark even more. I wanted to know that he was mine and only mine, and I wanted to be only his.

"She was ready to tear the fucking castle down when she left!" Charlie shouted as Joselin jumped to her feet until all three of the 'siblings' were leaning in close to yell over the other. I sat back in Killian's chair as I watched them fight across the desk.

"If anyone is going to be drawing blood, it will be me. I still want to skin that bitch!" My eyes widened as Joselin slammed her palm down on the desk, her hair flying away from her face, and the black lines along her body vibrated rapidly.

"She was bitter and angry at the time, but I'm sure when she gets here, she will have moved past everything. It's been almost a decade!" Killian insisted, the tip of his large index finger pressing down on the desk where my hips had previously been. My eyes stayed locked on the digit against the hardwood as he tapped the surface again.

Maybe it was because of how badly I wanted my mark, to officially be Killian's mate. But I resented that he spoke with a fondness that hinted at an emotional connection to this mysterious woman.

"She was vindictive!" Joselin snapped before turning and walking to the open area of the room behind the chairs to pace back and forth. The three of them fell silent as they all stood up straight, the two siblings turning to watch the witch. "If anyone turned against us, it would be her."

from his seat and placed my

a plan. Some way to test their loyalty without letting on that we are suspicious of them. The last thing we need is a group of angry witches running free through the castle." Killian moved until his

need to make a few renovations to the entryway. I have never tried it this way before, but I have read about it." Joselin paused as she let her head fall back in contemplation. "We don't know if we can trust anyone. I was considering this for those

to use a trapping rune in the foyer. I will have to make some adjustments to the casting, so it applies to the living and not just demons. We can use

her eyebrows squeezed together. "Can you make the necessary adjustments and have it ready before the council arrives?" 'It's going to take some time to figure it out. I'm not even positive it

letting out a deep breath, seeming more relaxed with the council coming for their visit. As

kingdom, you can talk to me in private. I have put up with your public displays of disrespect long enough. It ends now." Killian's low and threatening growl had Charlie's eyes widening slightly before anger took over,

to say about stupid decisions, but don't think I am blind to the bear shifter that has been hiding in the forest just outside of the city. You've done a piss poor job of masking his scent on

around the door handle. I could feel the mortification coming from her. Her posture was rigid and uncomfortable as she yanked the door

with him. We sat in comfortable silence as I gave him time to

is Talia?" I took it as a bad sign that the sound of

by replacing her. I had intended to keep her around, but she went a little mad

over his face. "You are, smart, strong, and loving. I am proud of the man that you became despite what you had to witness. I don't want

his hand

will be great together. I didn't know it before, but I do know it now." He said as his fiery eyes met mine. The mixture of green, blue, and yellow in his hazel eyes swirled with emotion. "I was chasing you." "You were chasing me?" I repeated, knowing he wasn't talking about the beginning of our relationship or him escorting me to

Nolan, I was planning on throwing you over my shoulder and taking you right back to our bedroom where I was going to make love to you before placing my mark, right here." Our joined hands moved

clearing my throat. Killian looked amused, watching me while I took in