Read Online Brutish Lord of Thessaly (Halcyon Romance Series Book 4) by Rachael Slate - Free Book Online

relief. He had so many things to be grateful for. Two strapping lads, a loving family, and now Nysa.
    A centaur could not wish for more.
    Except, perhaps, a babe growing inside his mate.
    Soon.
    He quirked his lips at her impish, scrunched nose. “Aye, that I am. How do you plan to temper me, mate?” He hadn’t bothered to hide his bonding mark from anyone. This leather vest he wore flaunted it quite nicely, and indeed, his father’s subjects hadn’t ceased in their congratulations.
    The bonding was sacred to centaurs. A gift to be celebrated.
    He nuzzled Nysa’s ear, groaning as his body reminded him other ways in which to celebrate this special union. His lips pressed against her neck, he sighed in contentment.
    The room filled, his brother—in human form—claiming their seats around the table. The grin faltered on Oreius’s lips as he caught sight of Thereus.
    Joy drained from his blood. His younger brother had lost his mate, Melita, who’d sacrificed herself to halt a war. A war that continued to teeter on a blade’s edge.
    One false move and it would be thrust upon them.
    He dragged his gaze to Thereus’s. Poor lad. None save him and their father comprehended the extent of grief at losing one’s mate. Oreius had been there when Melita had transformed into a tree, had sat beside Thereus while he pleaded with the gods to restore her.
    Of course, they couldn’t, and the tree remained.
    Lucian bobbed in his seat next to Thereus, and his brother ruffled his son’s curly locks. After plucking at their plates for several minutes, Oreius’s sons dashed to Lucian’s side and tore him away, off to play one of their grand games.
    Guilt thrummed through his veins. How could he enjoy his new mate when Thereus’s had recently been lost to him?
    His bliss seemed so unfair. Oreius cast his focus downward, unable to meet his brother’s emerald stare. The others congratulated him with genuine honesty, but undoubtedly, Thereus would admonish him. The male wouldn’t understand how Oreius could press forward, could love another. Would he claim Oreius was dishonoring Sarra’s memory?
    His fist tightened at his side, and he tugged at his vest, throat constricted, though the garment hung loose.
    “Brother.” A hand clamped down on his shoulder.
    Oreius unclenched his jaw but didn’t dare look up.
    “Oreius. Don’t.” The grip tightened. “I am happy for you.” Thereus shifted toward Nysa. “And for you, my Lady. I’d warn you of my brother’s brutish temperament, but I doubt you remain blissfully unaware.”
    Nysa’s laughter sparkled. “Indeed, I bear no such false fantasies.”
    He barked a laugh at them both, then peered up at Thereus. The sincerity in his grin vanquished the tremors in Oreius’s muscles. “I know what you must think.”
    “Nay, brother.” Thereus offered his hand to shake Oreius’s. “Trust me, you truly do not know what I think, and none of it condemning. Of anyone, you deserve such joy.”
    He shook his brother’s hand, nodding in confusion. Thereus must be in denial of his mate’s death. No other way could he handle Oreius’s news with such lightness.
    He cast his brother a smile, pitying the male as Thereus shuffled to sit beside Agrius once more.
    King Cheiron had called upon his sons to join him at Great Meteoron to discuss this growing concern with the Lapith borders. Each of the five brothers, save the youngest, Petraeus, was present. Hector, the eldest and heir to the throne, sat stiffly beside their father. Thereus and Agrius, joined by Eione, reclined across from him and Nysa.
    Tomorrow, they would discuss their plans, including how to secure Nysa’s well.
    But tonight, ah, tonight was for revelry.
    He glided his hand down Nysa’s thigh. “What say you, lass? Had enough to eat?”
    “ Hmm , no. I’m afraid I’m quite famished.” She leaned forward and nipped at his ear.
    That settled it. He hopped to his feet, slung his mate over his shoulder, despite her