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He gives me an awkward look, whispering, “You’re embarrassing me!”

I stare at him, stunned. Embarrassing him? In front of whom?

Cedric gives him an approving look. “See? You don’t have to coddle the child. When I was his age, my mother didn’t hold my finger and walk me around. I could carry a sword like any other soldier.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “If I were you, I would shut up right now. My son isn’t going to pick up a sword or learn how to fight.” I’ve already noticed the glitter of interest in Finn’s eyes, and when he looks up at me, I can see the argument forming in his head. “Don’t even think about it.”

It’s annoying enough that ever since the night Cedric brought me home, Finn has been talking nonstop about him. Fortunately, Cedric did not tell him who he is. If he had, I would have my hands full with the little troublemaker that I gave birth to.

But my son is no fool. He’s going to find out, and when he does, it’s not going to be pretty.

I’m not happy with this turn of events. It seems that I’m losing control of the situation. I want minimum interaction between Finn and Cedric, but even I know that’s not going to be possible.

I glare at the man. “Why are you here?”

He shrugs. “Just waiting for you.”

“Well, next time, don’t,” I say tightly. “I’m here to see Erik.”

The way Cedric’s eyes darken in anger makes me want to sneer at him. It feels good to get some shots in. Because of him, everything is going haywire. My perfectly organized life is falling apart.

As Finn runs ahead of us, Cedric falls into step beside me. He still towers over me, and I hate that I have to look up at him. “You’re going to have to provide proper education to the boy.”

“First of all,” I say coolly, “his name is Finn. And second, he’s getting a good education in the human world.”

“Is he going to learn how to be an heir and how to rule a kingdom from the humans?” Cedric gives me a look, and the arrogance in his eyes makes me want to smack him.

“No, because he doesn’t need to learn any of those things,” I reply shortly. “He’s going to learn how to be a decent person and get a job away from the wolf society.”

Cedric scoffs. “If you think I’m going to let you provide my son with an inadequate education, you’re mistaken.”

I turn to face him abruptly. My voice is cold. “If you think you’re going to bring him back to the Northern Kingdom to educate him, you’d better kill me first. Because the only way you’re getting him there is over my dead body.”

He clenches his teeth, and I see the struggle of emotion behind his eyes. “I’m not going to kill you, Leanna. And I’m not going to hurt our child.”

“Oh, yes.” I begin walking again, my voice sarcastic. “I should believe that because you’re so trustworthy, right?”

I don’t care if my words are harsh. He doesn’t know a fraction of the pain that I’ve been through. Even now, being around him is hard. My wolf is conflicted. It can sense its mate, but it is also wary of the pain associated with him.

“You will come back with me, as well, Leanna,” Cedric says confidently. “The North is your home. But I want you to go willingly.”

“Sure.” I tilt my head back and search the sky. “Do you see pigs flying? Because I don’t.”

He frowns at me and follows my gaze. “What pigs?”

Irritation floods me, and I mutter, “Never mind. I’m here to work. I don’t have time to talk to you.”

He falls silent and accompanies me to the palace entrance, but every couple of steps, I see him looking around for the flying pigs I mentioned.

It would be funny if I weren’t so angry.

Willingly, my ass.

 

  

Erik looks resigned upon seeing Cedric beside me. There is a young man standing next to him. He looks to be in his mid-twenties, with soft golden curls and blue eyes concealed behind square, thick-rimmed glasses.

“Leanna, this is Cassian Vayne. He’s Jerry’s nephew. Cassian works in my intelligence division, and he will be the face of the task force.”

Cassian beams at me, a dimple showing in his right cheek. “Thrilled to meet you, Leanna. My uncle talks about you a lot.”

He reaches out to shake my hand, and Cedric growls, “Put that hand down.”

“Cedric!” I hiss.

He huffs and looks away, a scowl on his face.

Cassian appears alarmed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you, King Raine. I’ve just always admired Miss Avery—”

“Why don’t you keep your feelings to yourself and just do what you’re told.” Cedric bares his teeth at him, and I glare at Cedric, a warning growl building in my throat.

He glances at me and then looks away once again, muttering something under his breath.

I exchange a look with Erik. Cedric’s going to be a problem. There’s no doubt about it. He’s not going to make this easy.

Cassian excuses himself, leaving Cedric, Erik, and me alone.

Erik rubs his temples. “We agreed that you would be involved with this, Cedric, but if you start attacking every male just because they speak to Leanna, it’s going to cause issues.”

“I have no problem with anyone speaking to her,” Cedric retorts, “as long as they keep it professional. But I don’t understand why she even needs to work on this matter. Isn’t one attempt on her life enough? If I had it my way—”

“But you don’t have it your way, do you?” I decide to speak up, my eyes glittering with anger. “Why is he here, Erik?”

“He wants to be part of the process—”

“He has no business being in this meeting,” I argue.

“It is my business to watch over my mate,” Cedric states emphatically.

“I am not your mate!” I shoot back. “Your mate is Vivian!”

Cedric goes rigid but doesn’t respond. He has not once denied his link to her. How convenient.

“I have accepted Erik’s proposal,” I explain, staring at him. “Very soon, our fated mate bond will disappear. So, get over yourself. There is nothing between us.”

Cedric’s eyes dart toward Erik. “If that bastard even thinks of marking you—”

“If he doesn’t, I won’t lead this investigation.” I throw this out there, and Erik freezes.