Lane, David Ray, and Nova approached, and I was curious about why Abby was with them. I had never seen them communicate in school, and I wondered how much she knew.
"King Able," Lane offered me a smile.
I nodded. "How may we assist you?"
"It's Abby; she needs protection," he explained.
"From Devin?"
"Yup," he said, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"I don't see how we can offer more protection than you," I replied. Abby was watching me, and I could tell she was scared, which I hated. But with Annette's safety to worry about, I felt torn.
"Because you have an easier time destroying our kind than we do. Plus, we answer to Devin if he says to hand her over; I have no choice."
I frowned. "Okay, you're right."
"Hopefully, you can handle Devin soon," David Ray told me.
I swallowed hard. " It's unclear to me what the plan is."
Shortly after that, I watched as the clan left. Abby sat on the long bench, entertained by Finn's guitar playing. I rubbed some healing ointment around Annette's eye as she sat on the picnic table, looking up at me with a smile that made me feel like I could easily be wrapped around her finger. She was so beautiful.
"You don't get in between those boys fighting again, you hear me?"
She smiled and wrapped her arms around my neck. Her beautiful green eyes looked into mine. "Yes, my King." I saw the sarcasm in her tone.
My hand gently brushed against her cheek.
"Kiss me, Able, please." I could hear the longing in her voice; it was like she was begging. She shouldn't have to beg because I wanted to kiss her too.
"You know Elias would be pissed."
"Since when does a King care what his subjects think?"
"You guys are not my subjects, Annette."
She inched her face closer to mine, and I felt her breath on my skin. It made me crave her lips.
It happened quicker than I anticipated but sweeter than I imagined. I kissed her passionately, loving the way her tongue felt against mine. I seriously wished I could lay her down right there, but I needed to keep my desires under control.
Pulling my lips away, I saw disappointment in her eyes. Her frown made me feel like an ass. That's when I noticed Elias marching toward us, his fists already shaking. This was exactly what I didn't want to happen; drama was the last thing I needed.
"What the hell is that?" he yelled. Annette's gaze fell to the ground; I could tell she was upset. I wasn't sure if it was shame or guilt, but I saw tears in her eyes.
"Chill, Elias. This is the reason I said she was off-limits."
"So you can have her?" He took off his cowboy hat and tossed it onto the ground, a clear indication that he was ready to fight.
"No, this just happened; it wasn't my intention at all. But I don't answer to Elias. I'll do whatever I damn please."
He nodded, and within moments, strong hands were pushing me backward, but luckily, Annette was out of the way.
"Stop," Annette cried.
I raised my fist and punched Elias in the face. The warm blood on my knuckles indicated that I had probably busted his lip.Then he tackled me to the ground, and after that, I lost track of who landed the most hits.
"Damn it, boys, enough!" yelled Finn, pulling me away from the fight and getting me back on my feet.
I glanced at Annette; she looked terrified. Her mouth dropped open, and her eyes were red and puffy from crying.
"Elias, you need to leave the Steak; you are officially kicked out." The words hissed out of my mouth.
"What? Able, that's not fair," Annette cried.
"Quiet, Annette." I turned away, trying to calm myself.
Honestly, I felt like I messed up as king. I should have avoided the confrontation with Elias somehow. Still, that kiss with Annette lingered in my mind. Just thinking about it sent shivers down my spine.
Eventually, I arrived at the river and took a seat on a nearby log. The sound of the waterfall was beautiful, and the birds chirped happily.
Grabbing a handful of stones, I tossed them into the water. I sensed someone approaching from behind and was pretty sure it was Annette.
"Abel." My suspicions were confirmed when I heard her sweet voice, which trembled with emotion.
I turned to her, trying to analyze the look on her face.
"Come here, baby." I smiled as she sat down next to me.
"Are you going to make Elias leave?"
I sighed deeply, letting the breath I had been holding escape. "I don't know, Annette."
"Then I'm going with him." She looked at me with those innocent eyes.
"You're not going anywhere; I won't allow it." I brushed the hair from her face.
"You have Abby here now." I saw sadness wash over her face. She was worried this would jeopardize her relationship with me.
"Oh shit! I forgot about her." I jumped up from the log.
"Don't worry; Finn is entertaining her." She rolled her eyes.
I chuckled at her jealousy, feeling relieved.