The Beast And The Blessed

Eighty-Nine: Natalie

Natalie's P.O.V.

My hands were warm as I woke. I had lasted until after Joselin had cleaned up all the equipment and blood. I had only then allowed myself to fall asleep in my chair while waiting for Killian and Charlie to gain consciousness.

It had been hard to hide the tears that silently fell down my cheeks as the weight of the day crushed me. But I would never truly know if the guards or any of the council had seen me crying as I fell asleep.

Sparks erupted along my skin, and I blinked to clear the blurriness from my vision as I came to. Killian was sitting before me on his knees. The pendant around his neck fell against my shin as he held my hands, pressing his face to them.

’rm so sorry, my love. I am so sorry." His lips pushed against my fingers, and I took a deep breath as I felt a drop of water hit my thigh.

I wanted to turn my hand to cup his face, but I felt frozen. He hadn't been himself, but that didn't mean his words hadn't ripped a hole in my heart. He continued to whisper an apology as he kneeled before me, and I glanced up, worried that he may be displeased with others seeing him cry. 1

But there wasn't a single eye on us. Everyone in the room, the guards, the healers, the council, my mother, and even Charlie and Damien, had dropped to their knees with their heads down in submission as my mate, their king, begged for forgiveness. 1

"Killian," I whispered, my hands moving in his hold as I leaned forward and cupped his cheek.

His wide hazel eyes looked up at me with water lining the lid, and I felt my chest tighten at the sight.

"It wasn't me, my love. What I said... it wasn't me. It wasn't true. I am so sorry." He whispered, and I could feel his torment in our mate bond. His hands were shaking as they tightened their hold on me, and he turned his head to kiss my palm. "I'm so sorry."

entire pack was mourning with him as he pleaded for forgiveness. I swallowed hard,

no matter how hard things would get between us and how many enemies rose against us, we

and I knew the man that I loved was, indeed,

and laced my fingers through his hair. Killian laughed against my lips before kissing me back with as much passion as possible. His

I memorized his face. The cold and cruel lines from the day before were gone, and his eyes had lightened. He was my

to go days without sleep, but mine can't. Since the meeting of the commanders was canceled yesterday, it would be great if we could do it now so I can go to bed." Joselin's tired voice matched the darkness under her eyes, and I cringed with guilt that I had been sleeping while she had

had any doubt. While Joselin was socially awkward and very blunt, she had proven herself time and

Killian agreed, nodding as his eyes turned black momentarily, but he never turned away from me. "We will meet now. It is

their way to the conference room. I stayed back with Killian, enjoying

my head telling me what to say, and I couldn't stop it." His hand ran over the back of my head soothingly, and I sniffled as a tear ran free

I whispered before opening my eyes when I felt

but somehow still

she approached us. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath of Killian's scent again before pulling away and

for an attack. But he still dipped his head

I promise that I am working on being better. Yesterday I was angry about my mother being missing. It wasn't at you, but it became consuming as soon as I felt it.

but just like

low growl, his hand landing on my hips

to her brother. Whatever she saw must have shaken her because she looked down immediately, and Damien stepped forward to guide her

are here," Killian said softly. "Do you want to attend the meeting or go