Her head snaps toward me, a spark in her eyes. “Oh? You’ve had bad thoughts about the love of your life?”
I frown. “She’s not the love of my life,” I say flatly. “I never loved her. It was an arranged mating. A political alliance. The pack needed a Luna, my Council insisted and I thought I was mateless.”
Kassira’s jaw drops slightly. Her expression is all disbelief. “Uh-huh. Didn’t look like just politics when you two were playing lovebirds in public.”
I sigh. “It was for appearances. For the packs. Strong image. Strong unity.”
She squints at me, lips pursed like she’s trying to decide what to throw something at my head. “And what about her true mate? You can’t just reject a mate bond for status. That’s illegal.”
“He died,” I say simply. “Years ago. The Council vetted her, and she was their top pick. She knew the role. I agreed. There were no more challenges for the throne, I had stability. It made sense.”
She groans and drags a hand down her face. “You always have an answer for everything, don’t you?”
I grin and lean back in my chair. “I sure do, gorgeous.”
I slide the plate of pastries closer to her, throwing in a wink for good measure. “Eat. They’re delicious. Just like you.”
She blinks. Once. Twice. Then lets out a sharp, incredulous laugh. “Wait. Wait — were you just trying to flirt with me?”
I narrow my eyes, lips curving. “Maybe… Is it working?”
She snorts. “You’re terrible at it! Seriously. How can you be this bad at flirting?”
I cross my arms, wounded. “I never had to flirt,” I mumble. “Like you can do it better.”
She smirks while she picks up a pastry, eyes locked on mine, and takes a slow, sultry bite. Her lids lower. A soft sound escapes her. “Mmm,” she purrs, licking her lips, “you were right, Your Majesty. This pastry really is soooo, so delicious.”
My mouth is dry. I’m leaning in before I realize I’ve moved. “It is?” I breathe.
She pops the rest of the pastry in her mouth and grins. “Sure is!” Cheerful. Absolutely evil.
I blink, trying to bring my brain back. What just happened?
I clear my throat and sit straighter, oddly disappointed. “Right. Okay. Focus.” I rub a hand over my jaw. “I called for the High Priestess. She’ll arrive in a week.”
Kassira nods, eyes serious again. “Good. We need answers. Whoever did this — whoever put that leash on you — they’re patient. But if Draxis broke through, that means the collar’s weakening. And whoever’s behind it… they’ll feel the pressure. They’ll act soon.”
“I agree. That’s why Sin and I already set up a perimeter in the West Forest. Border of the palace lands. I want to try bringing Draxis out in a controlled space. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to start tomorrow.”
She tilts her head, thinking, then nods once. “Okay.”
Then she glances at the half-full plate, smirking. “I’d like more pastries. And a steak sandwich.”
I’m on my feet before she finishes the sentence. “I’ll be right back.”
Chapter 6
Kassira
Iwake up early. Bright-eyed. Clear-headed. For the first time in months, I feel like I actually slept. Like all the pieces inside of me have finally stopped rattling.
Two days since I severed the bond. Two whole days.
I still can’t believe just yesterday morning I woke up in this gilded, over-polished, too-lavish palace... with a massive lycan drooling next to me.
“I could get used to these expensive sheets and such a big, soft bed,” Neris sighs dreamily.
“Same,” I murmur, stretching like a cat. “And the food? Stars, don’t even get me started.”
