Riley POV
He was the last person I had expected to see in the morning, but as I headed into the kitchen, I couldn't deny I was happy to see his face again. It had been far too long. I practically flung myself into his arms as he looked me up and down. "Thomas" I shrieked, "how are you, how is your family?" I began to ask.
He laughed "My family is fine, just fine" he commented with a chuckle "and I hear tale that you are expecting another addition of your own?" he raised a brow.
I flushed and then laughed "Yeah, I am. Did Bailey tell you?" I asked as my mate came walking in, looking sheepish.
"I may have told him," Bailey said evasively, bending down to kiss me on the cheek "Sorry, I was already working when you got up" he apologized, looking over at Thomas who gave a subtle nod.
Damien came walking in and stopped short seeing Thomas. "Whoa, who is this?" he demanded, crossing his arms and glowering at the newcomer.
"This is Thomas, the Beta of the pack," I said sharply as I introduced him "and watch your tongue, Damien. Be polite" I scolded as the two men looked each other over.
Thomas smiled, offering his hand "You must be the infamous brother" his tone was slightly cold "Riley's siren brother Damien?" he asked, shaking Damien's hand as Damien looked at him in the eyes.
"I didn't know I was so famous," Damien said lightly, even as Thomas grinned at him "Where have you been this entire time?"
"Visiting family" Thomas's voice was nonchalant.
There was an edge to his voice, as he glanced at Bailey. There was something he wasn't telling us, I could sense it instinctively.
"Well we're glad to have you back," I said a little uncertainly, puzzled by the undercurrents in the air "What are your plans now? Do you need help with something?" I asked.
"Where are Callum and Cody?" asked Bailey "Have you seen them this morning?"
"I came straight to the kitchen..." I began sheepishly, aware of how much of a mess I must look.
"They are outside training" Damien interrupted "I just came from there myself."
"Were you training with them?" I asked, as he tensed "Because you know you have an unfair advantage being part siren."
He flushed "Not as much as you do" he grumbled "and the boys wanted to see what I could do" he added with a grin "Who am I to deny them that opportunity?"
"What about your plans Riley?" Bailey's voice was teasing "What do you have planned?"
I thought about it "Trying my dress on for the mating ball, and checking over the work that's been done. The omegas are doing a fantastic job with the decorations, and the cook is up to speed with all the food and refreshments" I shrugged feeling at ease "To be honest I'm hardly needed in the way of organizing things other than to check a few things."
"I appreciate your help," Bailey told me sincerely "it's important that the ball goes ahead without a hitch if possible. What does your dress look like?" he asked, his eyes darkening slightly.
Uh oh. I hadn't specified to Bailey how I intended to dress. Perhaps that was a mistake but he was oblivious to the other men in the room as he stared at me and I could see Damien looking at me with interest and even Thomas. I swallowed hard.
"It's a surprise," I said quickly.
"A surprise?" Bailey repeated "Since when do we hide things from each other" he growled, looking put out.
"Since now" I teased "Besides, I don't want you to be able to picture me in it. I want you to be shocked when you see me."
His eyes narrowed and a faint smile appeared on his lips. "You look beautiful in anything you wear," he said with a sigh "so I'll trust your judgment. I'll just have to have fun picturing you in all manner of dresses" he blurted out.
I blushed bright red. I saw Damien choke and Thomas let out a burst of laughter. Bailey shot his Beta a look and Thomas quickly adopted a solemn look while my brother looked off into the distance, pretending he hadn't heard Bailey say that.
"About this mating ball," I said slowly "how many have accepted the invitations?"
Bailey looked surprised "Almost everyone has. It's common knowledge that it's hosted every year and while some don't appreciate being near a Lycan King, they go to see if they can find their mate."
I felt slightly sick "So does that mean that..."
Understanding flared in Bailey's eyes, along with anger "Your previous mate" he said tightly, his jaw clenching "has not responded either way. But if he does come to the ball, he will not get within one foot of you without his hand being chopped off" he snarled, his eyes going even darker, so dark they were pitch black as his lycan came dangerously close to the surface.
"I can take care of myself," I said quietly but Bailey stepped close and took my face in his hand, raising my chin so I was forced to look up at him.
"I know you can," he told me gruffly "but that doesn't mean I can't protect you, or your brother" he shot Damien a scathing glance "or Thomas or Callum and Cody."
"Callum and Cody. If Jaxon comes to the ball, he's going to see them" I gasped, putting a hand to my mouth "They could be in danger" I said with my voice rising.
"Shh" Bailey murmured "I've already thought of that. Jaxon can't do anything to them now that they are on my territory. Both men have pledged their allegiance to me and turned their back on their old pack. They no longer belong to Alpha Jaxon. They belong to me" he explained "If Jaxon tries to hurt them or do anything to them, he will automatically be placed in the dungeon. You have my word" he repeated softly.
I let out a large exhale. Bailey smiled at me. "Calm yourself, love. It's not good for the baby when you stress" he repeated "We have our first ultrasound tomorrow and we can see how our child is developing then. The doctor wanted to make sure you were a good few weeks along first before she conducted one, just to see the progression properly."
"I know," I said with a groan "It's been pure hell waiting."
"I know" he soothed, "it's driving me crazy too. But tomorrow we'll be able to hear the heartbeat and see the little image on the screen. As for today, just concentrate on everything you can do. Damien will stay with you and help" he shot my brother a dangerous look as my brother opened his mouth to protest, before glancing at a furious Lycan King and reluctantly closing it "With him you're in safe hands."
I bowed my head. "Fine, but once this mating ball is over and done with, we are going back to visit with Tiana" I said firmly, fixing my eyes on him "I miss her and I know you do too."
What was that strange look in his eyes and that expression on his face? I saw it flicker and then he smiled, a warm smile, causing me to relax. "Of course" he agreed "We will go and see Tiana. I know how much you've been missing her. She probably misses you just as much," he said tightly.
His voice was strained. Thomas quickly stepped forward. "King Bailey we were going to go over security protocols and the like for the mating ball. You were going to get me up to speed with everything that you've managed to organize and fill me in on what still needed to be done" he said hastily, attempting to distract my mate and gain his attention.
Bailey blinked at him. "Yes, yes of course" he muttered, dropping his hand and then leaning forward to kiss me on the cheek, a tingle running down my spine "I'll come and see you again later" he promised me, before nodding to Damien.
"Take good care of her, anything happens I'll have your head" he barked.
"Yes, Your Highness," Damien said sourly.
Bailey shot him a look and he shut up. It appeared my mate was not in the mood for games or to be teased today. Something had set him off and put him in this strange mood. He motioned to Thomas and the two of them disappeared out of the kitchen, making way towards the study as I stared at the back of him perplexed.
"Is it just me or is your mate grumpier than usual today?" Damien snarled.
"It's not just you" I mumbled, still looking at the empty doorway in surprise "Bailey is hiding something" I turned to Damien who raised a brow "I'm just not sure what it is. Tell me" I leaned in close "do you know what it could be?"
But Damien looked just as puzzled as I was. Whatever it was, it was clearly eating at my mate. Maybe when we went for the ultrasound, he would divulge what was wrong. Until then, I would have to trust that whatever it was, Bailey was keeping it to himself for a very good reason.