Kiss of a Star Artemis Lupine Read Online Free PDF Page A

kind.”
    Matt smiled. “Thank you.”
    “Enough,” Ares barked. “Let’s go.”
    Achilles opened the door and walked out
first. Ares followed with me by his side and Matt and Koda brought
up the rear. Ares stayed silent as we walked through the town. I
looked around and noticed how deserted it was. “Where is everyone?”
I asked.
    “They’re all gathered at the dining hall,”
Ares said without looking at me.
    “Does everyone always go to the dining hall
together?” I asked.
    Achilles answered before Ares could. “No,
they’re all gathered to see the return of the Prince and to see his
mate. Ares had quite a reputation with the females so I’m sure
they’re all dying to see who he finally chose.”
    “Oh. So, I’m going to have to deal with
irate women? Again?” I asked quietly.
    Ares pulled my hand up and kissed the back
of it. “Just remember, that you’re the one that has my heart.”
    I looked down at the diamond necklace and
smiled. “Right.”
    Achilles stopped in front of a large
concrete building, the only concrete building in the entire town. I
could see the outer wall of a castle a mile or so away. “They have
a castle?”
    Ares nodded his head. “The King and Queen
live in the castle.”
    “Wow,” I said just before the doors were
pushed open. Achilles stepped to the side, allowing Ares and I to
walk inside. The room was filled with wooden tables and reminded me
of a medieval movie I’d watched where everyone had gathered in the
hall to eat, just before being slaughtered by a grotesque creature.
All eyes turned to me and the tension in the room quadrupled.
    Darius stood up from his seat at the front
of the room. “Greetings! Everyone, please welcome back your Prince,
Ares, and his mate, Artemis!”
    Most of the crowd clapped, but I could see
at least four women glaring at me. This was going to be wonderful,
I could tell. Ares walked up the center aisle and bowed to Darius.
I curtsied as low as I could, keeping my head down. Ares stood up
and I matched his movements. “Greetings, King Darius. It’s good to
be home. My pack brothers Matt and Koda have come with me as well,
but also my guest Prince Achilles of the Sidhe.” Ares was smiling
as he spoke, but as he said Achilles’ name, his lips thinned.
    Darius nodded his head. “Greetings, Prince
Achilles and welcome.” Why was he suddenly so nice? Was it just
because he was in front of the rest of the pack?
    Ares looked around. “Where is the Queen? I
was hoping she would be here.”
    Darius opened his mouth, but a woman spoke
from the farthest corner of the building. “I’m here, good Prince.
I’m here.”
    I watched the woman walk towards Darius. She
was older, she looked to be about forty, which made me wonder how
old she really was. Her gray hair was braided nicely against her
back and her face looked familiar. Of course! She was Ares, Koda
and Matt’s mother! The Queen kissed Darius’ cheek before walking
towards Ares and me. Her presence made me bow my head in
submission. She was definitely an alpha female.
    “Ares, my son,” she said just before
wrapping her arms around his shoulders. I released his hand and
took a step away from him to give her room.
    “Hello, Mother,” Ares said lovingly. “I’d
like you to meet my mate.”
    She gasped. “So, the rumors were true! You
did take a mate!” She stepped towards me and then started walking
around me. She stopped in front of me again. “Look at me. I will
not harm you, daughter-in-law.” I looked up slowly and smiled at
her. She stared at my face for a moment before gasping and turning
on Ares. “Ares! Why?! How?!”
    Ares frowned at her. “She’s my passt
genau .”
    The room was filled with gasps and loud
discussions. I hadn’t realized until then that while Ares and his
mother were talking no one else in the entire building had
been.
    Darius raised his arms and the talking
stopped. The Queen looked at me again. “Who are your parents?”
    “Darren is my