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."

shoulders dropped, and I stood from his

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

she let her head fall back in contemplation. "We don't know if we can trust anyone. I was considering this for those that had been infected, but I would need to do more research." 'Can you be any more cryptic? Out with it already.' Charlie muttered as she slouched down into one

have to make some adjustments to the casting, so it applies to the living and not just demons. We can use it to trap anyone who has been working with the other

to everyone and won't target them specifically." Charlie agreed before 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

breath, seeming more relaxed with the council coming for their visit. As she began

next time you have a problem with how I am running my 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

door when Killian spoke again. "Oh, and Charlie? You have a lot to say about stupid decisions, but don't think I am blind to the bear

mortification coming from her. Her posture was rigid and uncomfortable

bit my tongue as he sat back in his chair, pulling me with him. We sat in comfortable silence as I gave him time to decompress. His hand slid up and down the side

took it as a bad sign that the sound of her name made him relax. Yes,

was livid and acted as if I had betrayed her by replacing her. I had intended to keep her around, but she went a little mad after everything

parents. I am so sorry you had to be a part of that." His eyes closed at my words, and I could see the pain flash 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 you to ever think for a moment that you have to hold yourself back from me. Our relationship will

shook his head, and I picked his hand up, placing a kiss

and yellow in

to visit Heath and 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 up as he ran the tip of his index finger when my neck

Killian looked amused, watching me