The Half-Breed Who Found His Other Half (3 page)

“And you?” Chantay insisted. “How do you withstand that? I just…I’ve tried to be what King Sterling wants me to be. But I just can’t seem to get it right. And the emotions…They’re all so very confusing.”

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“I can understand that.” He might not be an incubus, but he knew all about confusing emotions. Sometimes, growing up, his body had needed meat as food, but his mind had rebelled. Other times, it had been the other way around. He’d needed greens, and he hadn’t been able to hold it down. The hardest moments had been when his wolf had yearned for the hunt, something his ram hated with a passion.

“It’s just the way things are with us.”

“I wasn’t so sure about that. Morgan and Layton seem so…focused.” Chantay squeezed Isaac’s hand. “But me? I’m all over the place. While I was in the Alps with my family, I tried to ignore the part of me that craved sexual contact, but now, it’s getting increasingly hard. And my other part doesn’t want to have sex to feed.”

If Chantay’s previous comments had reached out to Isaac’s heart, this time, it was Isaac’s body that instantly responded. Just hearing the word
sex
on Chantay’s lips made forbidden images pop in Isaac’s mind. He could already see the two of them writhing in bed together, their sweat-slick bodies moving against each other in an act as old as time itself. He could picture how beautiful Chantay would be under him, begging and pleading for Isaac to take him, and how delicious he would taste.

All of a sudden, Chantay released Isaac’s palm. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be telling you these things.”

Isaac cursed himself when he realized Chantay must have sensed his arousal. “No, it’s fine,” he rushed to say. “I’m the one who’s sorry. I admit I’m very attracted to you, and I am a shifter, so my impulses to couple are strong. But if you just want to talk, that’s what we’ll do.”

He knew he sounded desperate, but he couldn’t help it. Holding his breath, he waited to see what Chantay would reply. One thing was certain, though. Even if Chantay refused him today, Isaac had no intention of giving up. They were right for each other. He just knew it. He only had to figure out a way to convince Chantay of it, too.

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* * * *

Chantay watched the elder werewolf’s son, trying to figure out what to say or do. When King Sterling had told him there was someone he should meet, Chantay had just felt tired. It had lasted until he’d realized the person in question was the man he’d heard so much about, Elder Kevin Wade’s son with his ewe mate.

Many things were said about Isaac Wade, some good, some not so much. Since helping the Sidhe king to remove the shadow curse, Chantay had been welcomed both within the Sidhe court and in the Cunninghams’ home. As such, he’d learned a couple of things about the people who mostly frequented the shifters’ mansion. Isaac was one of the most intriguing ones, and ever since Chantay had heard of him, he’d known he might experience some kinship with the man.

But he’d been completely unprepared for what Isaac made him feel. He’d practically blurted out his most shameful secret and accidentally flirted with Isaac in the process. Could they really be friends and nothing more?

Chantay sighed, knowing he had no other choice but to try. “All right,” he told Isaac. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not upset that you’re attracted to me. But now is a bad time for me to try to pursue something like that.”

Not that he didn’t want to. Perhaps that was exactly the problem, that he wanted it too much. He still didn’t have things clear in his head, and he couldn’t separate his incubus impulses from what his Sidhe heart wanted. He needed to slow down a bit, especially since he realized all too well that he could have something special with Isaac.

The half werewolf seemed relieved. “There’s no rush. I mean, we just met tonight. Even if we have chemistry, we don’t have to jump in bed hours after introducing ourselves to each other.”

Chantay fidgeted, the answer making his own arousal spike. He struggled to control himself, but he sensed Isaac’s body responding.

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The other man’s nostrils flared, his pupils dilated, and the flame of passion was just itching to get out. Chantay’s incubus part greedily reached out for that delicious lust, and Chantay barely managed to restrain it in time.

“Right,” he answered, his voice trembling. “No rush.”

In spite of his resolve, he didn’t know what he’d have done had a man he didn’t know not suddenly entered the balcony. Isaac turned toward the new arrival, his eyebrows shooting up at the sight of the stranger. “Anson? What are you doing here?”

“I came with the Alpha,” the other man said. “Elder Wade wanted to speak to all three of his sons.”

Chantay could sense his companion’s confusion. “He didn’t mention anything to me,” Isaac murmured, obviously upset about being taken by surprise. On instinct, Chantay reached for the half werewolf’s hand again. “He must have wanted to discuss the issue with the three of you at the same time. If he’d told you in advance, it might not have felt fair to your brothers.”

Isaac seemed to relax a little. “You’re probably right.”

He got up, and Chantay followed his example. “But let me introduce you. This is Anson Wright, Soren’s beta. Anson, this is my friend, Chantay Arceneau.”

Friend. It wasn’t exactly what Chantay wanted to be to Isaac, but it was what he himself had asked for. He shook himself, knowing that at this rate, he’d be throwing mixed signals at Isaac like crazy.

“It’s a pleasure, Mr. Wright,” he said.

“The pleasure is all mine,” the werewolf replied. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Chantay was somewhat uncomfortable with the scrutiny of those dark green eyes. Usually, he could read other people—even King Sterling’s motivations and emotions—but Anson was a mystery. It was as if the werewolf were blocking him somehow.

Thankfully, the beta turned his attention toward Isaac. “Are you ready to go?”

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Isaac nodded. He kissed Chantay’s hand and whispered, “We’ll continue this conversation later, all right?”

Blushing, Chantay murmured a soft “yes.” With a soft smile, Isaac left the balcony, following Anson to wherever the werewolf was leading him. Sighing, Chantay decided there was no point in waiting here. He might as well go to see if his king needed him for anything.

In fact, it was likely that if Elder Wade had an important conversation with his sons, it could be something of interest for King Sterling. Chantay didn’t know if he should mention it or not. He considered his options as he headed back to the lower floor. Why did commenting to Sterling about what he’d randomly overheard feel so much like betrayal?

Chantay shrugged off his thoughts. In the end, the werewolf meeting was probably not even worth mentioning. Sterling had better sources than him, and there was no point on even dwelling on something so ridiculous.

Just as he reached this decision, he spotted Prince Winter stalking away from the ballroom, looking disgruntled. He tilted his head, watching the young Sidhe with interest. There was something different about the prince. Chantay couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but his aura and his magic had changed. It seemed very strange, but Chantay didn’t think it was the shadow curse making a comeback. In fact, it felt like a good thing. Still, this was definitely something worth mentioning to the king, and Winter himself, eventually.

As if summoned by Chantay’s thoughts, King Sterling left the ballroom as well, but instead of going after his nephew, he came to Chantay’s side. “Well?” he asked arching a brow. “What do you think?”

Chantay scrutinized Sterling’s handsome face. Sometimes, he wondered why Sterling had enlisted him as royal aid. The king always seemed to know things Chantay didn’t. “What do you mean, Your Majesty?” he asked cautiously. “What do I think about what?”

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Sterling chuckled. “I’d love to hear about your conversation with Isaac Wade, but I was actually referring to Winter’s behavior.”

“Ah.” Chantay felt relieved that it was Winter that the king wanted to discuss. “I sense something different about him, in his energy, in his magic. I can’t quite figure out what it is, though. It’s almost like there’s someone else inside him.”

He didn’t know where those words had come from, but indeed, that was exactly what he’d felt coming from Winter. To his surprise, Sterling chuckled. “Someone else, indeed.” He leaned in closer to Chantay, and whispered, “Can you keep a secret?”

“Of course, Majesty,” Chantay replied seriously.

Sterling smiled mysteriously. “Come. The walls have ears in this house. We need a more private spot. We can go to my room.”

Both the king and Chantay had received a guest bedroom for the duration of their stay here, and Sterling led Chantay there.

Apparently, he believed his quarters were the only place safe enough for them to have this conversation.

Chantay felt somewhat inadequate as he entered his king’s room, but he put that thought out of his mind and waited to see what Sterling wanted of him. His answer didn’t delay in coming. “My nephew is pregnant,” Sterling said. “He’s going to have his mate’s child.”

Chantay couldn’t believe his ears. “Truly? I thought Sidhe couldn’t give birth.”

“The ability still exists, but it’s very rare.” Sterling’s expression sobered. “I need you to keep an eye on Winter, Chantay. He will need the help of another Sidhe, and you can understand him better than he understands himself.”

Chantay believed the king. It made so much sense given what he’d seen of Winter’s behavior. However, Chantay didn’t know if Winter would befriend him and he wasn’t comfortable with acting as Sterling’s spy, either.

“I would be honored to stand by his side.” Chantay hesitated.

“But, Majesty, I’m not really sure he trusts me to that extent.”

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“Maybe not now, but he will eventually.” Chantay must have looked as dismayed as he felt because the king grinned. “Stop worrying. You don’t have to ingratiate yourself in anyone’s favor.

You only need to be yourself. Winter is actually quite open-minded and friendly, and he likes you already. I’m merely thinking about his comfort.”

When Sterling made up his mind, it was useless to try to protest.

After all, the man was king. As such, Chantay nodded, even if he still had his doubts about the entire thing. Why would someone like Winter want to befriend him anyway?

To Chantay’s dismay, the king turned the conversation toward an even more uncomfortable topic. “Now, back to your recent conquest.

Stay close to Isaac Wade. I have reason to believe he will be instrumental in the success of my plans. I don’t think that will be too hard for you, right, my young friend?”

“No, Majesty,” Chantay replied between gritted teeth. He didn’t appreciate the knowing tone and the hint of teasing humor. Even if Sterling didn’t mean anything by it, Chantay always hated it when people assumed things because of his half-incubus nature. It was yet another reason why he’d held back and not taken a lover so far.

Everyone seemed to judge him by standards he couldn’t understand.

And yet, it was quite undeniable that this particular task given by Sterling would be no chore. Chantay hid a smile as he remembered his new friend. “It won’t be hard at all,” he finished.

There was just one more thing on his mind, though, something that had been troubling Chantay for a while now. If there was someone who could help him, it was King Sterling. Did he dare ask Sterling for this favor?

He remembered Isaac’s earlier words and encouragement. Time, perseverance, and bravery. Chantay had waited long enough. He needed to know. “My king, I have a question,” he began. “I would be much obliged if you could help me.”

The king looked amused, but urged him to continue. “Go on.”

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“My brother. Do you know where he is?”

Rhys had mysteriously vanished shortly after Layton had given birth to Shea. It wasn’t exactly unusual, since incubi were quite self-sufficient and incubus siblings often went a long time without seeing or talking to each other. But Chantay couldn’t help being unsettled.

Rhys hadn’t even been there for Winter Tomacelli’s wedding and hadn’t contacted them in months. It was the second reason why Chantay had decided to join Sterling here. He’d hoped he would find out something about his brother, but so far he’d had no luck.

Chantay’s father had no idea, and Mr. Whitaker refused to give him any information. He was beginning to get very concerned. “I haven’t heard from him in months. I’m worried.”

“Ah, yes. Rhys.” Just by looking at Sterling’s face, Chantay knew that the king did indeed have information about the incubus. “Rhys volunteered for an assignment,” the Sidhe said. “Don’t worry. He will be retrieved.”

Retrieved? Chantay didn’t like the sound of that. “But, Majesty—”

“I said don’t worry.” Sterling narrowed his eyes at Chantay. “You do your part, and I’ll do mine. Understood?”

Faced with an obvious order, Chantay didn’t have another choice.

“Yes, Majesty,” he said with a nod. “I understand.”

All of a sudden, he really wanted to talk to Isaac.

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“What did you want to talk about, Father?” Isaac crossed his arms over his chest. He felt somewhat irritated that he’d been pulled away from his conversation with Chantay, but he managed to remain calm and keep it from showing. His brothers were also there, and it wouldn’t do for him to look like a petulant child.

The elder werewolf gestured for them all to sit. “That’s a very good question,” he said. “The truth is we have a very big problem, and I’m not even sure if it’s safe to discuss it here.”

Brody released a groan. “Would you stop it with the cloak-and-dagger stuff, Father? We have better things to do than trying to guess your riddles.”