The beast and the blessed novel by Ashley Breanne novel Chapter 47

Forty-Eight: Natalie

Natalie's P.O.V.

The room spiraled into chaos as Joselin, Killian, and Charlie all began to talk over each other. I tried to keep up, but I was so amused by the fact that it was the first time I had seen Killian in this kind of situation. It was like they were kids again, and he was fighting with his siblings.

And he was. But even Joselin was loud and vocal about this mysterious woman... Talia.

A flash of unwarranted jealousy had spiked through me, and I pushed it down. My head shook as I tried to clear the thought from my brain. I heard one female name, and my mind jumped to the worst-case scenario. It was unreasonable and only encouraged me to want the mark even more. I wanted to know that he was mine and only mine, and I wanted to be only his.

"She was ready to tear the fucking castle down when she left!" Charlie shouted as Joselin jumped to her feet until all three of the 'siblings' were leaning in close to yell over the other. I sat back in Killian's chair as I watched them fight across the desk.

"If anyone is going to be drawing blood, it will be me. I still want to skin that bitch!" My eyes widened as Joselin slammed her palm down on the desk, her hair flying away from her face, and the black lines along her body vibrated rapidly.

"She was bitter and angry at the time, but I'm sure when she gets here, she will have moved past everything. It's been almost a decade!" Killian insisted, the tip of his large index finger pressing down on the desk where my hips had previously been. My eyes stayed locked on the digit against the hardwood as he tapped the surface again.

Maybe it was because of how badly I wanted my mark, to officially be Killian's mate. But I resented that he spoke with a fondness that hinted at an emotional connection to this mysterious woman.

"She was vindictive!" Joselin snapped before turning and walking to the open area of the room behind the chairs to pace back and forth. The three of them fell silent as they all stood up straight, the two siblings turning to watch the witch. "If anyone turned against us, it would be her."

Killian's shoulders dropped, and I stood from his seat and placed my hand on his back.

'We need a plan. Some way to test their loyalty without letting on that we are suspicious of them. The last thing we need is a group of angry witches running free through the castle." Killian moved until his chest was pressed against my back, and he wrapped his arms around my waist as he rested his chin on my head.

"I have an idea, but I would need to make a few renovations to the entryway. I have never tried it this way before, but I have read about it." Joselin paused as she let her head fall back in contemplation. "We don't know if we can trust anyone. I was considering this for those that had been infected, but I would need to do more research." 'Can you be any more cryptic? Out with it already.' Charlie muttered as she slouched down into one of the visitor's chairs.

"I want to use a trapping rune in the foyer. I will have to make some adjustments to the casting, so it applies to the living and not just demons. We can use it to trap anyone who has been working with the other side." Joselin muttered, and I could see the wheels spinning in her head.

"And the council won't take personal offense because it will apply to everyone and won't target them specifically." Charlie agreed before her eyebrows squeezed together. "Can you make the necessary adjustments and have it ready before the council arrives?" 'It's going to take some time to figure it out. I'm not even positive it is possible just yet. I need to do some research." Joselin said before flickering out of the room.

Charlie stood up, letting out a deep breath, seeming more relaxed with the council coming for their visit. As she began to walk away, Killian's voice rang out, making her freeze.

'The next time you have a problem with how I am running my kingdom, you can talk to me in private. I have put up with your public displays of disrespect long enough. It ends now." Killian's low and threatening growl had Charlie's eyes widening slightly before anger took over, and she glared at her older brother.

The woman turned on her heels, storming toward the door when Killian spoke again. "Oh, and Charlie? You have a lot to say about stupid decisions, but don't think I am blind to the bear shifter that has been hiding in the forest just outside of the city. You've done a piss poor job of masking his scent on you."

Charlotte didn't turn this time, but her hand did visibly tighten around the door handle. I could feel the mortification coming from her. Her posture was rigid and uncomfortable as she yanked the door open and let it slam shut behind her.