The Beast And The Blessed

Sixty-Three: Natalie

Natalie's P.O.V.

The dining room was swarming with people, even though the sun had just barely started to hit the tree tops. It seemed everyone wanted to see me or talk to me.

It made me really uncomfortable, but it was something I would have to get used to. Every bite I took made me feel judged as I would meet another stranger’s stare.

I felt like a zoo animal.

Killian was settling a few things before we could leave, and I had figured eating here would be better than eating alone in the private dining room.

I was wrong.

Eating in front of everyone was like putting myself in a window display and praying to the Goddess that no one would stop to look.

They all did, and my stomach turned as it fought to keep the food down in my state of high anxiety.

’Your majesty," A deep and familiar voice called out from my side, and I turned to see Damien. Relief filled me, and I quickly swallowed my bite and gestured for him to join me, aware of the eyes and whispers on me and the bear-shifter.

’Damien! I am so glad that you chose to stay here! How are you?" I asked as he took the chair to my left, leaving the seat to my right open for my mate, should he join us.

But I could see the disgust in how his top lip

just been sleeping in the forest, a beautiful castle should have been an exciting experience. Instead, he looked like it was an inconvenience, and I knew he wanted to go back to

he was doing until Killian had hinted at the difference in treatment from

dug into his food. "Why do you do

an eyebrow at me, his mouth full of food as he waited for me to expand

it the other night as well. You waited for me to eat before you would touch your food, but you didn't wait for Killian. Why is that?" I placed my fork down on my plate and narrowed my eyes at him

shook my head as he smirked with amusement. "You

been following." I felt someone walk up, and I

is stronger. For you wolves, I would assume it would be similar to an Alpha's command, only you do it without realizing." Damien explained, and I let my

Why would he feel compelled

Damien. He leaned over and

room fell silent as Killian entered, walking with purpose as he looked from me to Damien where he held his glare. I quickly shoved the last

you ready?" I asked, cutting him off from whatever he was going to say to or about Damien. Today was going to be stressful enough without having my mate get into a fight

Damien a moment longer before turning to me

were bubbling in my stomach, and I was glad that I had been able to hold down what I did of my breakfast. The last thing I needed was to throw up in front of the pack. Killian looked irritated by it, but

as we traveled for the next few hours, filling the time with unimportant small talk. I was positive that my direct guards in

or did not, there was a lot of pressure

as we traveled through them until we reached the mountains. As soon as we arrived at the base and started to head

everywhere, but it didn't feel like Joselin's or even like the dark curse that was on Nolan and Heath. It was light and airy but felt even