Flawless by Evans, Gabrielle (icecream ebook reader TXT) 📗

If he refuses to relinquish his claim to Lynk, I ask permission from The Council to challenge him—as is my right.” There were several hisses and snarls that rolled through the crowd at his longwinded declaration. It was damn nice to see so many people on their side. Hell, he’d treated the new Moonlighter, Xander, like a freaking leper, and still the man was there to support him.

Surprisingly, it was his sister, Raina, who he felt most sorry for. It was her job as elder representative of the werewolves to be impartial and fair. When one of the members on trial happened to be her big brother, he imagined it wasn’t an easy task for her.

She looked resolute, though, and Kieran’s chest swelled with pride. Whatever happened, even if she ruled against him, he wouldn’t feel any differently toward her. He knew without a doubt that she would do what she felt was in the best interest of all parties involved, and he couldn’t ask for more than that.

Well, he could, but it wouldn’t be right of him. She might be his little sister, he might have practically raised her, but it wasn’t like he would bend her over his knee if she messed this up. The shrewd little she-were would never allow something so undignified. Just the thought of it had him fighting back his chuckles.

Unfortunately, he also realized that he was at a distinct disadvantage. While he knew every member on The Council and was friendly with most, it could actually hinder him in this situation.

Probably they would want to rule in his favor, but he wondered how Flawless 121

many would go against him, just to prove that they weren’t playing favorites or letting loyalties influence their decisions.

“Why a challenge?” Cortez asked. “Have you tried proving your right to Mr. Braddock?”

“No, sir. I was not given the chance.”

“Well, you have it now.” Elder Cortez looked out over the room and right to Lynk. “Mr. Braddock, come forward if you will.” Lynk started shaking again, but there wasn’t anything Kieran could do about it this time. “It’s okay, baby. Just let him have his test, and then everyone will know that you don’t belong to him. It’s the fastest way to get this over with.”

“Right. Okay. Sure. Got it,” Lynk babbled, his head bobbing up and down like it was on springs as he eased past Kieran and shuffled toward the front of the meeting hall.

It took every sliver of willpower that Kieran possessed not to fly across the room, snatch Lynk up, and rip out Zasha’s throat when Lynk stopped just beside the vampire. This was wrong. Lynk belonged to him, and everyone knew it. Why did they have to play these fucking games to prove it?

“State your name for the record,” Torren said quietly. It was beyond obvious that he wasn’t any more a fan of what was happening than Kieran. Still, they had to follow protocol, put on their shoes and tap dance so that everyone could see they were playing nice.

“Lynk Corrigan Braddock.”

“Lynk, you understand that you are not allowed to use any form of magic to resist Mr. Gershwin’s compulsion, correct?” Elder Layke Winters was probably the most softly spoken, benevolent man Kieran had ever met. Yet, there was something about him—an air of power and great wisdom that afforded him respect for nothing more than breathing.

“Yes, Layke…er, sir.” Lynk bit his lip and blushed at the slip of the tongue. Kieran found it endearing. According to the smile on Elder Winters’ face, he did as well.

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“Okay, Mr. Gershwin, you may proceed.” Kieran’s hands fisted on the top of his thighs, the short nails biting into his palms as he fought to remain in his seat when Zasha rested a hand on the side of Lynk’s neck, right over Kieran’s claiming mark.

He could do this. He could get through this. It would all be over in a minute.

Zasha leaned forward, staring into Lynk’s eyes, his lips only a breath away from Kieran’s mate’s. The tips of his fangs glistened in the overhead lights where they peeked out just below his upper lip.

Kieran sprang up out of his seat and growled viciously. “Stop!” No one looked startled at his outburst. It was almost as if they had been expecting it. “Yes, Mr. Delaney?” his sister asked with a smirk on her painted lips.

Feeling less than stable and unable to shake it off, it took Kieran a while before he felt he could speak without snarling at her. “Does he have to touch him?”

“No, I suppose not,” Elder Cortez answered instead. “Mr.

Gershwin, you will refrain from touching Mr. Braddock throughout the remainder of this hearing.”

Zasha didn’t look happy about it, but he let his hand fall away, and Kieran finally felt a little more in control of himself. He refused to sit down, though. If Zasha broke his word, Kieran was ready. He’d be across the room and on top of the asshole before he could even blink.

“Kiss me,” Zasha commanded Lynk, but loud enough for the whole room to hear him.

Lynk leaned away and snarled. It was a very human sound, but Kieran approved, and a satisfied rumble vibrated his chest.

Rubbing at the side of his neck, Zasha was actually grinning as he turned back to the elders. “I just needed to know his reaction without compulsion, so that I can tell if he’s faking it or not.” Then he refocused on Lynk, staring deep into his eyes.

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Kieran knew the exact moment that it worked because his bond with Lynk faded until it was just barely a whisper between them. He didn’t like it, didn’t appreciate being disconnected from his mate, but he did realize that it proved one very vital point. Lynk was not Zasha’s true mate.

“Undress,” Zasha ordered.

In a trance, Lynk’s fingers began fumbling with the buttons on his shirt. He looked straight ahead, though it was unclear if he was actually seeing anything.