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 before she came

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

so hard?’ I joked, eyeing the goosebumps on her arms, the only sure sign that she had been affected by

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

for them. I 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 me, nor did I think I could ever give my heart

we continued to face opposite directions. My eyes were locked on my future, on the entrance to the crypt holding my

on our present, on the castle where

happy even if I didn't know how to talk to her about it. "When Natalie first arrived, I told you to go for it and be happy, and

surprise as I turned and faced the castle

his feelings for her were obvious since we all grew up together. His rejecting her

one. You've never been one to give

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

attention. I may not act like it, Ian, but I do feel it. It hurts each time he turns away from

as she let the side of her head rest against my chest, and I tightened my hold on her.

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

Joselin's voice trailed off as my gorgeous mate came into view with her

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

her shoulder as she stood up straight. Any sign of emotion was gone, and for the first time, I saw the emptiness

a friend. With Tobias,

my woman, 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 asked with concern as she leaned up

land on her guard, seeing his eyes sweeping over Joselin like I had