The Leopard King (8 page)

Beren had the answer. “Alastor is the youngest prince, old King Theno’s get. I don’t think he’s set foot outside Golgoth lands before.”

“Personality?” Dom glanced between Beren and Raff, but both men shrugged.

Past precedent suggested this Golgoth prince would be brutal and bad-tempered; otherwise, he wouldn’t have survived the abattoir he called home. Now and then, captives broke free and crawled back to their clans, but they were never the same afterward, scarred in every conceivable way. Ash Valley had one such survivor, and he never left his apartment. Both Magda and Arran had visited Eamon often, as of three years ago. On a surge of guilt, Dom wondered how he was faring.

I let so much shit slip, like I’m the only one who matters.

“I have some news about the Eldritch.” Dom offered a concise version of the Noxblade attack at the retreat.

Beren scowled, standard for the old bear, and Raff rubbed at his beard like he wasn’t used to it. “No disrespect to Slay,” said the wolf lord, “but I’m glad as hell to see you.”

“I’ll have some hard questions for the Eldritch when their party arrives.”

“They’ll deny it to the death,” Raff muttered.

That sounded about right. While he could probably smell a lie under normal circumstances, the Eldritch had witchy ways and dark magic. Everyone in Ash Valley would be on edge until the two emissary groups departed, and it fell to him to avoid mortal insults and an escalation to bloodshed on their home ground. The prospect made him tired.

“Unless either of you have pressing business, I’d like to defer more detailed discussion for when we’re all fresh in the morning. It’s been a hell of a day.”

Since he’d told them about the sabotaged Rover and running from the retreat, he got understanding nods from both Beren and Raff. A few more formalities, clasps on the back, and Dom made his escape. By this point he was sweating, and he really fucking wanted a drink.
Talk about being thrown into the deep end.
The Golgoth threat swam in his head like carnivorous fish, devouring all other thoughts.

Which was why he didn’t see Slay coming. When his second grabbed his lapels, the murderous expression he’d noted before hadn’t faded any. If anything, Slay seemed like he planned to pull Dom’s head off and punt it.

“You backstabbing sack of shit. How could you take her from me?”

Despite knowing honesty was probably the wrong move, Dom answered, “Look, you’ve got it the wrong way round. I didn’t steal her,
you
sent her to me. So… respect Pru’s wishes. I promise I’ll look after her from now on.”

“Tell that to Dalena,” Slay snarled, before punching Dom in the face.

W
hen Pru tracked
Dom down between the admin center and the residential annex, he had a split lip that was already swelling. Her mouth compressed. “Slay?”

“I gave him one free shot.” He also carried a palpable air of fatigue, with lines bracketing his mouth and shadows beneath his eyes, but she didn’t think that weight came from his second.

“You shouldn’t have. I’m sorry he’s hurt, but we didn’t do anything wrong.” Stretching up on tiptoe, she inspected the damage. “Let’s get that iced down. The last thing we need is for the other leaders to carry tales about dissent in our ranks.”

“Beren wouldn’t do that.”

With a faint smile, she noticed he didn’t vouch for Raff in the same way. “It’s been a hell of a day, huh?”

Dom answered with a sigh that said he was burnt to a nub. “No arguments. But we haven’t talked about… much of anything. I should’ve asked your father first, made sure he has no objections. And I need to make a formal announcement—”

“He’ll be so happy I can shift—and I look so much like Mum when I do—that he won’t care about anything else. Don’t worry about acknowledging me right now. Save your energy for strategizing with Raff and Beren, and then the conclave, of course.”

“Why do I suddenly think that arguing with you will prove impossible?”

Pru grinned. “Just accept that I’m always working for your welfare, and there will be no need for troublesome independent thought.”

Delight spiraled through her when he laughed. “So I’m to become a puppet monarch?”

“It will only hurt a little when I attach the strings.” Teasing, she dug her fingers into his back, momentarily forgetting how much he liked being touched there.

“Mmm.” He arched, eyes drifting half shut. “Keep doing that, and I’d probably let you.”

For a moment, she worked her hand up and down his spine. “There
is
something we need to discuss, though.”

“Hm?”

“I don’t want to move into your old apartment. It would be better to have a fresh start.”

Anxiety percolated because he might think she wanted him to forget Dalena, but it was only that she couldn’t stand living where her best friend died.
That’s not healthy for him either.
Scrubbing away the evidence of the most horrific crime in Ash Valley history? Pru had done it, sobbing so hard she almost threw up. It had been hell taking care of the place in his absence. Pru had boxed up all Dalena’s things because Dom was too mad with grief, then she secured them in storage. Afterward, she’d aired the flat, dusted, and polished once a week.

But I can’t live there.

“What do you have in mind?” Dom only hesitated slightly, making her think he was open to the idea.

“My place would be better. We can redecorate completely so it feels like ours, if that’s all right with you.”

“I don’t have the mental energy for lamps and cushions, but I appreciate the offer. What about your father, though?”

“He’s almost never home. Will you mind when he is?”

Dom shook his head. “It’ll be nice, I think.”

“What?”

“Being part of a family again.”

After Dalena’s murder, her family moved out of Ash Valley, leaving Dom alone. Pru understood why they’d want a fresh start, but maybe he wouldn’t have spent three years in seclusion if the pride had tried a little harder to support him. In retrospect, she squirmed over how she’d let him down.

“Well, I have two aunts and an uncle, plus like ten cousins. I can invite them all over regularly to pester you.”

“You’re threatening me with your extended family? I say bring it on since I’m not the one cooking all that food.”

“We’ll see how cocky you are when my little cousin is climbing you.” Smiling, she took his arm. “This way. Second floor, next building.”

“Why do you think I don’t know where you live?”

Color washed her cheeks. “Sorry. Force of habit. To be honest, I don’t expect anyone to remember anything about me.”

“I’m not just anyone, Pru. Not to mention, we’ve been friends forever. For instance, I remember how often Slay made you cry pulling your hair.”

“Good times,” she said wryly.

Dom looked like he wanted to say something else, but in the end, he swallowed it. “Will you help me pack?”

“Of course.”

Stepping into his old apartment sent a shiver through her.
How would Dalena feel about this? Does she think I’m stealing him?
But since it was for the pride, her friend would probably understand. Still, she couldn’t look long at the photo of Dom and Dalena, so perfect together, so in love. Her chest tightened as she went to the bedroom. Half an hour later, Pru carried two bags to the front door, and Dom caught up with a couple more.

“I think that’s everything I need in the short-term. Eventually I’ll give this place back to the pride and let admin assign a newlywed couple here or something.”

“Sounds good.”

They walked in companionable silence to her flat. At the door, she paused. “The pin is my mother’s birthday, 3105.”

“I’ll make a note.”

His eyes flickered, likely remembering that the code to his old apartment had been Dalena’s. But he only nodded as she punched in the numbers and ushered him in. Pru couldn’t remember the last time he’d been here, or if he’d seen the place since she rearranged the furniture. Done in earth tones, it was a cozy place with lots of pictures commemorating their happiest moments. Her mother smiled from the shelves beside the tan sofa.

“How is it?”

“I never want to leave.”

At first she thought he was kidding, but when he pulled off his jacket and fell onto the couch, loosening his shirt collar, it seemed he did feel at home. With a soft smile, she carried his belongings to her room in two trips. Since he’d closed his eyes, Dom didn’t appear to realize she was unpacking for him until she was half done.

Looking abashed, he hovered in the doorway. “That’s daunting efficiency, Pru. If you keep this up, you’ll spoil the shit out of me.”

“Somebody should,” she said.

“I feel like I ought to make some compelling arguments otherwise, but all I’ve got is this stupid smile.” Dom did look softer than she’d ever seen, except when he’d forgotten about pride business and played with Dalena. “How much longer will you be on vacation?” At her surprised look, he went on, “You must be on winter break, unless the school schedule has changed.”

“It hasn’t. I’ve got almost three weeks to help out with the conclave.” Pru couldn’t hold his gaze, as it felt strange to be the sole focus of his attention. Everything happened so fast that it didn’t sink in before, but now realization settled on her like a slow-falling snow. Guilt swept her in a suffocating wave, and for a moment, she couldn’t breathe, seeing only Dalena’s eyes and imagining how her friend would feel.

“I’m glad,” Dom said. “I’ll need you to get me up to speed.”

Pru nodded. “Why don’t you take a bath? I’ll finish up in here, find you some pajamas, and then get started on dinner.”

He shook his head, laughing quietly. “Shower, yes to clothes, and I’ll help you cook.”

God, this is strange.

But not in a bad way. It didn’t take long to clear out space in her drawers to put away the rest of his clothes. She left loose drawstring pants on the bed, along with briefs and a thin, comfortable shirt. For obvious reasons, she had no idea what Dom normally wore to bed. Pru could hardly believe he was here for good; they’d be sleeping together from this day forward.

When he came out of her room, dressed and drying his hair, she was slicing meat for a fry-up. At least that was what her mother had called it when she cut up whatever was in the fridge and sautéed it together. He took the knife from her and made short work of the few vegetables that were still good. It turned out fairly tasty, she thought, and he didn’t complain.

As they ate, he filled her in about the Golgoth activity in the north. “Hard not to worry about that,” she muttered, once he finished.

“Don’t. That’s my job.”

“Mine is to halve your burdens, however I can.”

His gaze locked on her, all citrine intensity. “When you say shit like that, it is impossible for me to fathom why Slay didn’t lock you down years ago.”

“Funny, huh.”

Though he doubtless intended his words as a compliment, they stabbed her in the squishy bits. Tears threatened, so she gathered their plates and retreated to the kitchen. Pru thought she’d have a minute to compose herself, but when she turned, Dom stood there with a penitent look.

“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No, I don’t want you to be guarded. Dalena and Slay were part of our lives for so long… it doesn’t make sense for us never to mention them. It’s critical that we stay honest, if we’re building something together.” That sounded wrong, but it was the path they’d both chosen.

He nodded. “Just know… if it was me, I’d have claimed you regardless.”

Dom cursed himself
inwardly. Throwing Slay under the bus was a shitty thing to do, and he’d hurt Pru with his careless tongue. His conscience might be technically clear, but he also felt like a backdoor man who crept around while the husband was away.
They weren’t bonded,
he told himself.
It’s not the worst thing anyone ever did.

His mouth smarted, reminding him that Slay felt otherwise.
Gonna be a while before he forgives me. If ever.

Pru studied him for a long moment, then her expression brightened to a willingness to tease. “Easy for you to say. I can shift, so you won’t be tested.”

“You have a point. Wash up if you like. I’ll clean the kitchen.”

Given what she’d said about helping him, Dom didn’t expect her to accede, but she smiled and thanked him. They hadn’t made a huge mess, so he made short work of the dishes. By this point, it was late enough that he felt like going to sleep, but it seemed wrong to retire without Pru on their first night together. So he got a random book from the shelf and was dozing with it on the sofa when she finally came out of the bathroom.

“Sorry I took so long. Ready for bed?”

“More than,” he answered.

She crossed to him and took his hand, tugging him to his feet. “Don’t be polite. This is home now.”

“I know.” He followed her to the bedroom, where they worked in tandem turning down the covers.

It’s been forever since I slept in a real bed.

As Pru eased under the blankets, she said, “I think it’s natural for it to be a little strange at first. But… we have a lot going for us. Friendship. Respect. And we’re definitely… compatible.” By the look she slid from beneath her lashes, Dom took her meaning.

Despite his general exhaustion, a flicker of heat shimmered through him. “True.”

“So as long as we communicate well and remember to ask for what we want and need, I’m sure we can make this work.” This sounded like a pep talk she had been giving herself, so he didn’t poke holes in it.

Besides, she made some fair points. “I can’t promise I’ll be good at any of that. Hell, I didn’t talk to anybody for quite a while.”

“I won’t expect immediate perfection,” she said, smiling.

“Thanks.” Dom pulled the covers over him and settled in.

When she rolled onto her side, facing him, he did the same, because it seemed like she had more to say. Hopefully the conversation wouldn’t run long, as he had no idea if he could stay awake, and it’d probably piss her off if he drifted while she was talking. At least that had been the case with Dalena.