Chapter 295 - Addressing the Pack (1/2)

Russ awkwardly nodded. ”Ok... cool...” He tried to hide his surprise at the ease it had taken to get her to agree. He ran his hand through his hair. ”So, you should know, the council is trying to push someone else on me... Gigi, you met her the night we found you... She worked for my uncle.” He shook his head as his eyes met hers pleadingly. ”I cannot marry her. I wish I were a bigger man, a more forgiving person... but I just can't...”

Jaden arched a brow as she searched his face. ”You don't have to explain but thank you. I do believe we need to discuss what we will say once in front of everyone, don't you agree?”

He nodded again. ”Yeah...”

Twenty minutes later a light knock sounded at the main doors of the library before Ry came walking through them. ”You ready? Everyone's headed out.” He nodded toward the windows as his gaze moved away from Russ and Jaden still seated in the window seat. ”A crowd has already begun to gather. Dad is with your kitchen staff now organizing the distribution of the first round of supplies to be handed out.”

Jaden's eyes snapped back to Russ. ”Supplies?”

Russ nodded. ”Yeah, the people who were too poor to leave the island have been left with little more than the rags on their backs for clothes and the ruins of what is left of the city as shelter. Did you think I was joking when I said I've been selling shit around here to feed and clothe my people?”

Jaden shrugged. ”Honestly... yeah...”

Ry chuckled. ”Nah, he's been busting his ȧss... and tables making money for supplies. If you'd like to see for yourself, we can swing by and grab one as we head out.”

”Oh! Alright...” She said as her curious eyes moved over the prince with a new appreciation.

Russ stood up and held his hand out to her. ”Ready?”

She nodded accepting his hand but didn't say anything else as the two large men continued on in easy conversation. Her eyes moved to the hand still holding hers as they stepped into the crowded kitchen. When she tried to tug it free, his hand tightened.

Russ bent and whispered where only she could hear. ”If this will ever be believable, you'll have to get used to some public displays of affection.” He gave a light chuckle. ”Don't worry, it won't be as awkward as you think. This whole bunch is all very touchy-feely and highly inappropriate.” He sent her a wink as Poseidon made his way over to them, cupping them each on the shoulder.

”You made it! I was afraid I wouldn't have the chance to show you what we've managed to procure before giving out the bundles.” He tugged a metal wagon out from behind him. ”Rin's parents were able to provide several items along with Isha's kingdom. Look Fae silk.” He said lifting several yards of fabric.

Jaden's eyes widened as several expensive-looking items were lifted from the wagon. Her eyes moved to Russ in question. ”Who all do you have helping you with this?”

Poseidon gave her shoulder another affectionate squeeze. ”My dear, our prince here has made some very influential friends. Not only does he have my entire court at his ad but also the light fae court as his guarding of the past several years is their queen's one and only love.” His attention moved down to their entwined hands. ”So, you have agreed to ad our prince as well, dear?”

Jaden nodded. ”Yes... for now at least...”

He shrugged. ”We'll take what we can get.” With a mischievous smile and a flick of his wrist, the basic clothes she'd been wearing were changed into something more suitable. He rubbed his chin. ”There's one thing missing...” With a snap of his fingers, a beautiful ring appeared on her ring finger. His smile widened. ”There, finished! What do you think dear?”

Her cheeks reddened as she lifted her hand to study the large rock now resting there. ”I believe this could feed the entire kingdom for a week if sold...”

Russ and Ry both chuckled at Poseidon's flabbergasted huff.

Poseidon crossed his arms over his ċhėst. ”You two will do well together, you're both equally stubborn and ridiculous.” He waved them away. ”I can't wait to see the state of this town with the two of you restoring it.”

Ry laughed as he nudged Russ with his elbow. ”Better watch it, he may pull his support if you don't leave him some luxuries.

Russ rolled his eyes as he followed Ry toward the main doors leading outside, still holding Jaden's hand. ”Look who's talking. Has he ever been to that shake you own in the states or rode in that busted up heap you call a truck?”

Ry glared at him. ”Don't shit talk Bertha, she's seen way more than your pampered ȧss ever will!”

Russ rolled his eyes as he led toward Jaden. ”I'm positive there's more stucco on that thing than metal at this point.” He sent her a wink as Ry sent them both a glare.

Two guards held the doors open as they walked through. Russ noted the men's attention moving to his and Jaden's connected hands. Soon others awaiting them began noticing as well. Russ met Lamia's hateful glare as he nodded toward Gigi. ”You can ask her to step down now. As you can see the position is already taken.” He tilted his head as a sarcastic growl followed his next words. ”Unless you have a problem with Jaden as well?”

Lamia's face was stricken so much that it looked like the slightest tap against her skin would cause it to break into shards. ”Of course not, all we asked was that it was a wolf and not a cursed monster...”

Jaden forced her expression to stay stoic as Russ's grip tightened almost painfully on her hand and the tension continued to build around her.

”Ha, Prince Boosilis! Are you ready, my Child?” Prometheus asked stepping onto the platform. ”I believe everyone is gathered.” He nodded to the crowd and the familiar faces at the front of it.

Russ smiled warmly as he waved back to Shelly and Rin as their gazes met. ”That is my sister and her husband.” He whispered as he leaned down toward Jaden. ”And that-” His words cut off as his eyes widened in shock as the unfamiliar features of a very familiar silver head turned to face him. ”What the...” He murmured as he took an involuntary step back, bumping into Ry.

”What is it, kid?” Ry asked following his gaze. Ry's brows shot up in surprise as his lips curved into a grin. ”Well, that's I site I never thought I'd see.” He raised his hand to wave at Arei and the rest of the group surrounding him. He leaned toward Jaden. ”I'm sure you remember my brothers, the other two with them are Raven and Isha. The queen of the light fae and her wife. Raven was the one who raised Russ and Shelly after their parents' deaths.” He pointed toward the silver head hidden within his brother's arms. ”With that one's help.” He sent Russ a mischievous grin. ”I'll leave it to Russ to explain that one to you.”

”Are you ready, children?” Prometheus asked.

Russ ran his free hand over the back of his neck as he forced his attention away from Jos. ”Yeah... as ready as I'll ever be...”

Prometheus stepped aside as he nodded toward a small screen to the edge of the platform hidden by the railing. ”Just read from the prompter, and you'll be fine.”