Page 94 of Final Shift
Not only did he say yes, he thought it was a good idea. I tucked my phone into my pocket and walked back over.
“How would you feel about serving in a queen’s court?”
Ben stiffened. “Evie. You cannot be serious.”
“I assure you, I am completely serious. Will you let him go if he wishes?”
He sighed and nodded. “Godsdammit. Yes. I will. This is going to make my entire Pack jealous as hell. Why is it that with every visit, you throw everything into upheaval?”
I grinned. “Guess I just have a way about me.”
“Yes,” Pax said immediately. “As long as you are the queen I will serve.”
“I do not require service. Not in the way you are thinking. I only hold my court members to one oath. Protect each other and protect the court. We are family, and we always stick together. Can you agree to such?”
Pax’s eyes widened. “Truly?”
I nodded. “That’s all, Pax. I promise. You will be bound to me, and as such, to Rowan by virtue of our relationship, and the rest of my court.”
He dropped to one knee, the clippers discarded at his feet. “Yes. I swear it.”
Ben shook his head. “Are you sure, Evie?”
I liked Pax. He gardened like a damn fairy. He was pretty to look at. And Ben didn’t appreciate him. What the hell was there to think about?
“Come here, Pax.”
The shifter rose and walked toward me. Even knowing he was a wolf, Pax reminded me of a panther. Once again, he went down on one knee.
“Give me your hand.” I made a small cut in his palm and did the same to mine. Now that I was a Lord’s Lady, I used blood in addition to the binding oath. Everyone, including Moira, had undergone a second binding once I mated with Rowan.
Magic sizzled in the air between us as I clasped our palms together and said the words of binding. Pax’s eyes swirled with gold and…
Hmmm.
“What’s going on with his eyes?” Ben demanded.
Watermelon tourmaline swirled alongside the gold. Had something gone wrong? Power sizzled between us, sealing Pax into our court.
My phone started buzzing less than thirty seconds later.
“Rise,” I said hoarsely.
Pax rose, swaying slightly, his eyes wide and glowing. He bowed his head. “I—is it supposed to feel that way?”
I smiled, a little unnerved. Our binding felt fine, but something had happened. “Like champagne fizzling in your veins?”
He nodded.
“It will fade.”
Pax took his place beside me. “Thank you, Lord Ben.”
Ben looked a little put out, but he was still gracious. “You’re welcome.”
“Mind if I use your plot of flowers?” I asked Pax.
“It is yours, my lady.” He bowed deeply, making Ben let out an incredulous laugh.
