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."

his seat and placed my hand on

of angry witches running free through the castle." Killian moved until his chest was pressed against my back, and he wrapped his arms around my

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 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

just demons. We can use it to trap anyone who has been working with the other side." Joselin muttered, and I could see the wheels spinning

apply 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 it is

council coming for their visit. As she

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

but don't think I am blind to

time, but her hand did visibly tighten around the door handle. I could feel the mortification coming from her. Her posture was rigid and uncomfortable as she

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 of my thigh, sending a shiver of pleasure

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

her around, but she went a little mad after everything that happened with my parents. I didn't think she was in the right mindset to continue in her current role." His hand stopped moving, and I reached for it, squeezing it gently before pulling

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

and I picked his hand

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

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

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