The Beast And The Blessed

One Hundred Five: Killian

Killian's P.O.V

I should have been over the gut-wrenching feeling that settled in my stomach whenever I approached my family crypt where my father lay.

The more time that passed, the more secrets I learned about my parents. Every secret I learned about them made me hate them a bit more.

Joselin stood before the doors to the crypt, holding my father's crown in her hands. She had been stalling on doing this, and I knew it would be hard for anyone, even her.

Disturbing one's rest in the afterlife was frowned upon, not that she hadn't done it before. But my father was different.

Not only had he taken her in as family, but we already knew he was still wandering between realms. He hadn't made contact since before the war, and I was almost positive he had moved on. Yet, disturbing his body could anger his spirit; if he was still here, that could mean trouble for her.

"I can do this if you would like, Joselin." I offered, moving to stand at her side, our shoulders only inches apart. "He's my father."

Joselin looked away from the building before us, her hands tightening around the crown. ’That won't be necessary. I need to reseal the vault anyway since someone was able to get it. It shouldn't take long, but if his spirit is angered, his wrath should not be targeted at you. You have more important things to deal with."

Only five steps led down into the crypt beneath the church where my family was buried, and we stood at the top, surrounded by beautiful flower arrangements to honor our people's fallen leaders. If only the people knew just how awful the ones before me had actually been...

If they didn't before, then after my mother's speech on the battlefield, they probably were getting an idea. My mother hadn't been laid to rest here. After what she did, I refused to let her lay with the rest of our blood. She was cremated and released into the wind so no one could ever find her remains.

"Do you want me to go in with you?’ I offered, curling my top lip in disgust at the idea of seeing my father's preserved body.

Joselin snorted as she smiled, but I could see the tension on her face. "I don't need an escort." "Then what's stopping you?” I raised my eyebrow at her, amused when her face turned pink with anger. I was taunting her, and I knew getting her worked up was the only way to give her the push she needed to go in there. Over time I learned that the easiest way to get Joselin to do something was to challenge her.

I watched, amused, as she stormed down the steps and into the crypt. Joselin was in there only a few minutes

were all scared of something. Joselin, in particular, hated being around corpses even though she could cut any creature down faster than anyone I had ever seen. She was lethal, but

the only sure sign that she had been affected by going in

as she stopped at my side, looking back at the castle. ’I don't know

was proud that Natalie had been tied to me instead of someone else. Before her, I never thought I could be loved the way she loves

on my future, on the entrance to the crypt holding my

present, on the castle where our loved ones

to be happy even if I didn't

eyes widened in surprise as I turned and

but his feelings for her were obvious since we all grew up together. His rejecting her was the last

one. You've never been one to give

over her shoulders supportively. She had also never been one to need comfort, at least not from me. She used to go to Tobias, and I was glad about it. It saved me from having to have uncomfortable conversations. But if he was the issue, maybe it was time for me to step up... or encourage her to

me, I have made dozens at this point. I did everything except strip down and crawl into his bed to get his attention. I may not act like it, Ian, but I do feel it. It hurts each time he turns away from me

chest, and I tightened my hold on her. "Sometimes it takes people a long

cared for by Natalie." "Yes," Joselin agreed, but she looked at me with a sad smile. 'But it has been over a decade, Ian. I don't think this situation is the same. He doesn't feel the same way, and it's time to stop humiliating myself." "I'm sure other men would fall to your feet to get your attention if Tobias is too stubborn to grab a good thing when it's

off as my gorgeous mate

instinctively as she drew closer. Her toned legs, wide hips, tapered waist,

throwing her hair over her shoulder as she stood up straight. Any sign of emotion was gone, and for the first time, I saw the emptiness she displayed to be what it

bring Natalie here because she had wanted a friend. With Tobias, she had wanted to love and be

she was staring at Joselin with the same look. Curiosity and confusion. She knew something was wrong too, and with any luck, my mate could help Joselin. ’Everything okay?" Natalie

My gaze darted past my mate to land on her guard, seeing his eyes sweeping over Joselin like I had Natalie, confirming her