Maximus' POV
The sun had only just crested the royal walls when I entered my office. The scent of parchment, leather-bound ledgers, and lingering traces of her wrapped around me. Althea. It didn't matter where I was—her scent was embedded in my senses, clawing through my thoughts, seeping into my skin. Her presence was a burn I didn't want to soothe.
Lucien stood at the far window, arms crossed, gaze distant as he surveyed the courtyard below.
"They want to meet with you again," he said without turning. "Soon. About her."
I already knew who he meant.
"The council," I muttered, lowering into my chair, the weight of their expectations heavier than usual. "What do they want now?"
Lucien turned, expression unreadable. "They want her tested. They say she must prove herself worthy of the title 'Alpha Queen.'"
My jaw tightened. "She is my mate. That should be enough."
Lucien approached the desk. "It should be. But tradition blinds them. They accepted your reign because you conquered it. But her? They fear the unknown."
"She's more than they could ever imagine," I said darkly. "She's endured rejection, exile, trauma—and still she carries herself like a queen."
Lucien leaned on the desk, lowering his voice. "Then let her show them. On her own terms. If she is to stand at your side, she must rise in her own light."
I rubbed my temple. "She will. But I won't parade her like a token."
"No one's asking you to. But the realm watches you now. And her."
Before I could respond, a soft knock interrupted us.
"Enter," I called.
Kaelani opened the door, radiant as ever, dressed in a dark red tunic that complimented her golden skin. Althea followed, and the moment my eyes landed on her, everything else ceased to matter.
She wore a fitted blouse of soft green and dark jeans, simple yet stunning. Her silver hair framed her face like moonlight spun into silk. But it wasn't just her beauty that took my breath—it was her quiet power, the way she held herself with dignity despite the stares, despite the whispers.
Lucien straightened. "You must be Althea. Welcome."
She offered a small smile. "And you must be Lucien, the Beta."
"Lucien Ashford," he said, bowing slightly. "An honor."
Kaelani moved to her mate's side, brushing her hand against his arm. The familiarity between them was easy, worn like a second skin. It made me ache for something similar.
Althea's gaze drifted toward me, and without hesitation, she crossed the room and settled herself gently in my lap. The office fell away.
My hands instinctively found her waist, grounding her. My lycan, Caelum, surged forward, his growl rumbling in my chest: Ours. She's where she belongs.
Lucien cleared his throat.
Kaelani grinned. "We'll give you two some privacy."
"Close the door," I said without looking.
The door clicked shut behind them.
Althea looked at me, her fingers resting lightly on my chest. "Too much?"
"No," I said, voice hoarse. "Not enough."
She tilted her head. "You look like you're fighting something."
"I am," I admitted. "You."
Her smile was soft, almost teasing. "Then stop."
She leaned in, her breath brushing my lips.
I didn't need another word.
Our mouths met in a crash of hunger and heat. There was nothing gentle about it—just a desperate claiming, an unspoken agreement that something between us had already been set aflame. Her hands found my shoulders, clutching tightly as her body molded to mine.
Her taste was wild, sharp and sweet. I deepened the kiss, my hand tangling in her hair, the other pulling her closer. Her lips parted with a soft moan, and my restraint shattered.
Caelum howled with triumph. She's ours. Kiss her until she forgets what pain tastes like.
When we finally broke apart, we were both breathless. Her cheeks were flushed, lips kiss-bitten, eyes glowing with silver fire.
"This isn't just instinct," I murmured.
She nodded, voice unsteady. "I know."
I pressed my forehead against hers. "You undo me. Every moment I'm near you, I feel like I'm standing at the edge of something I can't name."
Her fingers brushed my jaw. "Then fall."
I kissed her again, slower this time. A promise. A seal.
When we pulled apart, I cupped her cheek. "They want to test you. The council."
Her expression hardened. "Because I'm not what they expected."
"Because you're everything they fear," I corrected. "A queen not born, but chosen."
She sat straighter in my lap. "Then I'll show them. When I'm ready."
Pride bloomed in my chest. "Good. Because you're not alone in this."
We sat in silence for a moment, her weight on my thigh, her warmth bleeding into me. I could have stayed like that forever.
Eventually, she stood, smoothing her blouse.
"I should let you get back to work."
I caught her wrist. "Wait."
She looked at me.
"One more," I said.
She leaned down, and I kissed her again, slower, softer. When she pulled away, her eyes held something new—certainty.
"I'll see you at dinner," she said, then turned and left.
When the door closed, I exhaled and leaned back.
Caelum purred in my mind. She's already ours. The rest will follow.
But even as I stared at the door she disappeared behind, I knew one thing with absolute clarity:
This wasn't just the beginning of love.
It was the beginning of war.
And I would burn the world before I let any harm come to her.