I turned and froze when I saw Alaric. His expression was carved from pure fury—every muscle in his jaw tight, his golden eyes blazing as he turned that fury toward the guards.
"Why are you chasing my mate? Armed?" he snarled, his voice low and dangerous.
I tried to stand, my legs unsteady, but before I could stumble, Alaric caught me, his arm strong and steady around my waist.
"Your Highness," one of the guards said quickly, bowing his head. "It's not what it looks like. She suddenly ran from the room—alone. We thought someone might be after her, so we armed ourselves and followed. We only meant to protect her. Our apologies if we alarmed you."
The others bowed as well. The man's face flushed with shame, and beneath it I could see honesty—he truly meant what he said.
I stepped forward, offering a small, apologetic smile. "It's alright. I'm the one who should be sorry. I woke up in a strange place and panicked when I didn't see my mate. You were only doing your duty."
The guard lifted his head, relief softening his expression.
"Please," Alaric said, his tone calm again. "Return to your posts. I'll handle it from here."
They bowed once more and left us alone.
Alaric exhaled, the tension easing from his shoulders as he pulled me closer, his arm wrapping protectively around my waist. "I felt your fear," he murmured. "And when I saw them chasing you, I thought—" He broke off, shaking his head.
I smiled softly, tilting my head to the side and exposing my neck to him. He leaned down, breathing in my scent, and I felt the growl rumble quietly in his chest as he calmed.
"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I just didn't know where I was—or where you were. I needed air."
He nodded, his lips brushing lightly against my skin in reassurance.
We stayed like that for a long, quiet moment until a maid approached, bowing low. "Your Highness, the King requests your presence."
Alaric's hand never left me as we walked through the grand corridors—his fingers brushed mine, trailed over my waist, tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I didn't mind. Every touch sent a spark racing through my skin.
But as the doors to the throne room opened, that warmth turned to unease. The King's gaze was kind—yet it carried a weight that made my stomach twist. I instinctively moved behind Alaric, trying to hide from that piercing stare.
It didn't help. Alaric's hand found my arm and gently pulled me forward until I stood beside him, exposed beneath the King's scrutiny.
My heart pounded. It felt as if I were standing naked before the world. I buried my face in Alaric's chest, seeking safety in his scent.
The King laughed softly—a sound that startled me. I looked up, confused, and he smiled, eyes glinting with amusement.
Alaric turned toward him proudly. "Father, this is my mate, Aurelia—from the Blue Moon Pack. I met her at their mating ceremony."
The King's stern features softened. "A pleasure to meet you, Aurelia. I see now why my son looks at you the way he does. You are even more beautiful than I imagined."
Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I quickly hid my face again. The King's laughter echoed in the grand hall, light and teasing.
You're embarrassing us, Arrie, my wolf, huffed in my mind. Get it together—it's just our mate's father.
He's also the ruler of every werewolf and lycan in existence, I shot back. Forgive me for being nervous.
She went quiet after that, unimpressed.
Dinner was…awkward. I kept to myself, speaking little, though the food was divine—rich, perfectly seasoned, unlike anything I'd ever tasted. I couldn't help thinking that it was the best meal I'd ever had.
When it ended, Alaric wasted no time. He practically pulled me from the hall, his pace brisk, his hand tight around mine. By the time we reached our chambers, his restraint had thinned to a thread.
He turned to face me, his gaze dark, devouring. The air shifted—heavy with heat and something primal. My breath caught as his eyes roamed slowly down my body, and a shiver ran through me.
He closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and groaned—a deep, low sound that sent goosebumps racing over my skin. When his eyes opened again, they were black with desire.
This time, I didn't move away.
He stepped forward, closing the space between us. His lips met mine—warm, demanding, and filled with hunger. I melted against him as his arms wrapped around me, lifting me easily. My legs instinctively circled his waist, the world spinning as our hearts raced together.
The kiss deepened—slow, consuming, and full of the promise of what was to come—
…and then everything faded into warmth and shadows, the world dissolving into the sound of our breath and the feel of his heartbeat beneath my hands.