Reign Of The King The Falcon Ridge Series Book 10

I’m happy. I nod to myself. Yep, my life is complete now. I have my Hope back and couldn’t be happier.

Ricky was right. What we had was fun, but it’s not what I needed. I need stability. Structure. A woman that reflects me as well as my throne. Hope does that. She’s regal, proper and cultured. A Queen meant for my side as King.

Ricky was not becoming of my crown. She’s rude, obnoxious and downright irritating. My kingdom couldn’t handle someone like Ricky.

I stare out the window of my office as I tinkle the ice in the bottom of my glass.

I’m glad she’s gone. I can finally breathe now and not have to worry about her and her crazy acts.

Nala growls from the floor as she lays down cleaning her paws.

“No. I’m not sleeping well, Nala. Not while Damon is still out there.” I say as I turn to my desk and rest my elbows on it. I rub the back of my neck.

She purrs.

“Yes. I’m sure I’m happy, Nala. Quit bugging.” I growl.

Nala chuffs and purrs.

“Of course, you miss her. She drove me crazy. Nala, honestly, she’s gone. Let it go.” I get up and get another drink.

I turn back and out of the corner of my eye, I catch an image on my couch. I turn to look and nothings there. I swear I saw her stretched out.

I shake my head and sit. I pick up my pen and start to write. I’m exhausted. I’m woken repeatedly by daredevil stunts, cocky attitudes and soft skin.

“Zander.”

I look up and Hope is there.

I smile. “Hello. What are you doing here? I wasn’t expecting you until later.”

She walks by Nala who let’s out a quiet growl.

I eye her. “Nala.”

She adjusts herself so her back is toward me and chuffs.

“Sorry. She’s…in a mood.” I smile as Hope sits in my lap.

“I’m sure it’s an adjustment. We were great friends before. I’m sure with time, she’ll forgive me.” She smiles and wraps her arms around my neck. She leans down and softly kisses me.

“So why are you here?” I ask again.

“I wanted to know if you were ready to take the blood.” She asks.

I heave a sigh and lay my head on her shoulder. “I’m still working on that. I want to be totally prepared for it. I’m not sure what it will do to me and I’m…apprehensive.” I look up into her eyes.

“I can understand that. Taking in the cosmos is a bit scary. I’ll give you a bit more time, but not too much.” She kisses my nose and blinks out.

I tap my fingers on my desk. I look at my hands for what feels like the millionth time. I don’t feel from Hopes skin what I feel when I touched Ricky. Why?

I lean on my desk. “Nala, leave me.” I order.

Nala shifts and puts on her robes and leaves my office.

I stare at my paperwork. I don’t know why I hesitate. I can legally have Hope all to myself and have unmatched power. So why do I second guess it?

“Zan…the…man.”

I look up and Destiny is walking toward my desk with his hands in his pockets. “What’s going on, buddy?” He flashes that cocky smile of his.

I look down to my work. “What do you want, Destiny?”

“Nothing.” He shrugs. “Just wanted to congratulate you on your smoking hook up. Plus, ask why you haven’t taken the blood yet?” He leans on my desk with his hands.

“I’m making sure everything is in order before I do. Forgive me, but I don’t fully trust it.” I look up at him.

He puts up his hands. “Hey. That’s totally fair, dude.” He sits on my desk in an obnoxious manner. “Just…you know your sexy angle? She’ll be in prison next to your old man if you don’t do it soon.”

“I’m aware, Destiny.” I rub my head again.

“I’m thinking about it, ok.” I flop my hand down.

“Zan…” He walks around to behind my chair and places his hands on my shoulders. He massages them a bit. “Zander, come on. It’s just us guys. What’s holding you back, buddy? You can tell me.” He leans down and smiles at me.

“Get off me.” I growl and shrug him off.

“Don’t get angry with me because your heads a mess.” He walks back around.

“My head is not a mess. I’m just making sure everything is perfect when I take Hopes blood.” I slam my drink back and stare into the bottom of my glass.

“Oh…Ok…you want this to be romantic thing. I get it. I hear Punta Cana is nice this time of year. A little drink. A little dance. Some romantic blood exchange. It’s perfect buddy.” He says.

“Go…away.” I growl.

“Ok. It’s your thing. You’re right you should plan it. Just do it soon.” He winks as he blinks out.

I lean on my desk and stare into the bottom of my glass. I know what the right choice is.

So why does it feel so wrong?

****

Walking up the sidewalk toward the council building in Falcon Ridge, I’m reading reports out of London. The uprisings have increased. My peoples doubt about me is rising.

Irritated, I put my phone back into my pocket.

I get to the steps and have to stop. My heart jumped to my throat.

Long, sun kissed brown hair, black pants and crop top.

I swallow as I stare. A lump forms in my throat and my body starts to sweat. Did she change her mind about Phoenix.

She turns and yells hi to a man walking up the steps. She runs to him and hugs him.

I blow out a breath. It’s not her.

I put my hands in my pockets and walk up the steps to the council room.

In the council room, I put on my Kings posture. “Good morning.” I bark.

“Your Majesty.” Bastian smiles.

I nod.

Luke approaches me. “Hey…um…I just…” I can tell he’s struggling with what he wants to say. “Thanks for saving my ass.” He looks at the floor.

I slap my hand on his shoulder. “Anytime.” I smile at him.

“About the other day…” He starts.

I shake my head. “Already forgotten, Sir Luke.” I smirk.

His brows shoot up and he grins. “You fucking serious?”

“Unofficially, of course.” I tilt my head to him.

“Hey, I’ll take that!” He laughs.

“God, no!” Jayson groans. “We’ll never hear the end of it now.”

I chuckle and take my seat.

Bastian turns the floor to River.

River stands. “So, there’s been no movement around the Alliance from either vamps or Nordic wolves. There have been scattered reports of animal attacks to the west, but that’s about it.”

Bastian looks to Mica. “Any reports of the humans finding out?”

“Miranda says the humans so far are unaware of the situation. She’s been missing for a few months. I’m not sure where she went. I’m trying to find out.” Mica informs.

Bastian nods. “Do that. We have enough background players. We don’t need humans getting into this.”

He looks to me. “How’s London?”

I lean back. “It’s in turmoil. I need to get back soon. If things are stable here for now, I’ll need to leave.” He eyes.

Bastian nods. “We’ll keep you informed when we’re sure.”

I nod back.

The meeting went on, but my mind was somewhere else. My eyes floated to the door. I half expected her to burst in with some smart ass comment. Sit down and try to make me angry.

When the meeting ended, I felt a tiny bit disappointed. I didn’t realize, until now, how much life she brought to these meetings.

I get up and walk to the hallway. My mind wanders to our first encounter. How close we got.

I pause for a moment and roll my head to where I almost kissed her.

I roll my head back and walk down the steps to my car.

Driving back to my office, I realize my thoughts are floating everywhere. She’s everywhere. I’m starting to feel things that are familiar.

Things I felt when Hope left me, but it’s impossible. Ricky’s the complete opposite of me. So why is she haunting me now?

****

A few more nights of haunting images, I’m laying awake on my stomach. Naked in bed.

I bite my lip as I stare at my balcony curtains. Another place where the images appear. Her form playing in the curtains as they sway.

Hope rolls over and lays on my back. I guess she felt I was awake. “Penny for your thoughts.” She whispers in my ear, kissing my neck.

I turn my head to her as she adjusts herself to match my position. “Have you ever been rock climbing?” I ask, burying the side of my head in my pillow.

She shakes her head. “Ugh…No. I hate it. Why climb when I can Teleport?” She smiles.

I lift my head slightly. “But…that’s cheating. You miss the experience when you cheat.” I say to her.

“Zander. I’m an entity. Hardly someone who needs to rock climb.” She chuckles.

“Oh…Ok.” I turn my head back around. My eyes turn back to the balcony as Ricky’s ghostly image gets whisked away by the wind.

I close my eyes hoping she’ll let me sleep tonight.

Around 3am, I woke again.

I snuck out as best I could with an entity in the room.

A couple hours later, I’m halfway up Caledon cliff.

My breaths grunt as I reach for holds.

I jump to the outcrop and pull myself up.

I stand on the ledge. Breathing heavy, my adrenaline pumping.

I walk behind the falls and outstretch my hand. The water pummels it as I walk.

I take careful steps to the back of the shallow cave and sit with my knees up. I fold my arms on my knees and rest my chin on them.

The sun crests the horizon. Creating amazing colors through the falls as its beams hit the water.

I watch the sunrise then lay my cheek on my arm.

I swallow my confusion as my rescue of Ricky plays in my head.

“What am I doing?” I bury my head in my arms.