A small snicker off to the side catches my attention, and I notice Devon. His green cat eyes watching me with a sly smirk on his lips.
I clench my jaw in frustration at my inability to compose myself around a beautiful female, I turn again to her and bow low. “Forgive my manners. It’s just that I’ve never seen someone as lovely as you before.”
Her soft, pink lips part beneath my gaze and curve up into a stunning smile. She blushes and lowers her eyes. “Thank you.”
I grin, glad to have given her a compliment that made her happy. It is true. She is the most beautiful female I’ve ever beheld. And I am glad I told her, even if nothing can ever come of it. In truth, she has already ruined me for all others. I will never want anyone else now that I have met her. I shall die celibate. For who could ever appeal to me now?
I will be her faithful guard for the remainder of my days. And when I die, it will be with her name upon my lips.
Kai arches a brow at me, and I give him an icy glare. “What?”
“Ella just asked you another question.” His voice fails to hide his mirth.
I’m known for getting lost in my head from time to time, and it seems being so enraptured with her has caused me to do it again. “Forgive me.” I stare deep into her lovely blue eyes. “What did you ask of me?”
“I asked how to spell your name.”
My brows go up in surprise, but I spell it for her anyway. “Why did you wish to know this?”
She looks at me as if my question is absurd. “Because if you are one of my guards, I should know how to spell your name, shouldn’t I? It’s important to me to get it right.”
My heart stops again. Ella is as thoughtful and caring as she is lovely; I am a lost male indeed.
As my gaze travels over the room, it seems that I am not the only one who is lost here either. Each of my brothers gaze at her longingly. After she has been married off to the prince, I suspect each of us will die old and alone. For who could ever find a mate to compare with this perfect creature before us?
My thoughts return to my nightmares of the Wolf Queen murdering her. As I look to Ella, I know for a fact that each and every one of us would die before we’d allow any harm to come to her. I care not if the Wolf Queen made herself the ruler of our kingdom. If she dares try to harm Ella, we will make certain she pays with her life.
Chapter 8
Devon
It is easy to see that Ella still has many questions for us, but she is exhausted. She makes us promise not to leave while she sleeps. As if we would ever even do such a thing. But then my heart clenches when she thanks us with tears in her eyes simply for being here.
She has only just met us, and already, she treats us as if we are treasured. In truth, we are the ones who should be treating her this way. Fate was generous indeed when it chose us to guard her.
Already, I can sense the tightening of the bonds between us now that we have found her. If it is already this powerful, I cannot imagine how much stronger it will be once she seals us to her. I can think of nothing I would rather do with my life than ensure she is always safe.
Well... actually, I can think of one other thing. I would love to take Ella as my mate. But that goes entirely against our mission. Besides, why would she want any of us when she will marry the prince?
More specifically, why would she ever want me? I am a cat shifter. Our kind is usually not wanted. Many females fear us because of how we mark our mates. The ones who are brave enough to be with us suffer the mark’s pain during the first mating.
But it does not matter because Ella will be queen once she marries the prince. She is not destined to be with any of us. It will have to be enough to know that a wonderful life will be hers after we help her catch his eye at the ball.
I have never laid eyes upon the male, but already I both hate and envy him. He is the most blessed of all males to be destined for her. Of this, I am certain.
As she lies nestled between Cash and Finn, Kai and Nyx each sleep at the top and the foot of the bed, respectively, leaving nowhere for me, of course.
I am always the odd one out. I do not think they do this on purpose; it is merely the way of things.
So, I lie down just inside the door to guard against any unwanted visitors. Ella assured us that her family never comes up here, but I will be waiting if they do. And I promise to make them pay for every mark and lash upon her back. I can hardly wait for morning to come. With it will come the justice my Ella rightfully deserves. My vow.
The first of the sun’s rays peeking over the horizon brings the sound of a carriage. It seems Ella’s family has only just returned from wherever they were last night. I get to my feet, ready to descend the stairs, when something nudges at my consciousness.
I turn, thinking it is one of my bond brothers but am surprised when I see Ella staring straight at me.
“Where are you going?” her soft voice asks across the bond.
I am her guard, which means I should hold nothing back from she whom I serve and protect. I meet her blue eyes evenly. “I am going to
