He incinerates the heart first. Lets it burn to a crisp before tossing it onto what’s left of Amira. The fire flares, devouring everything she was. Flesh. Bone. Even the scent.
When it’s done, I reclaim control and shift.
“Assembly’s over,” I call out flatly, scanning the stunned faces in the Royal Hall. “You can leave now.”
Chairs scrape. Boots shuffle. The court disperses fast.
I turn to Kass.
She’s lounging on her throne, smiling at me. Smug. Beautiful. Mine.
“You look like you’ve got something to complain about,” she teases, arching a brow.
I stalk toward her, eyes locked on her mouth. When I reach her, I tug her up, press my lips to hers and kiss her slow. Deep.
“Not bothered by my nudity anymore, are you?” I murmur against her mouth.
She shrugs, biting her lip like she’s trying not to laugh. “I’ve grown accustomed to your Royal jewels.” Her tone is light, but that sparkle in her eyes? Dangerous.
I chuckle. “Strange. Shifters are used to nudity. We live half our lives bare. You should’ve been used to this by now.”
She tilts her head, thoughtful. “I grew up pretty isolated. Not many pack runs, not many naked shifters running around. Maybe that’s why.” Her gaze narrows. She presses a finger to the center of my chest. “But don’t get any ideas. Just because shifters are used to nudity doesn’t mean your… assets get to be public domain. Those Royal jewels? They’re mine. Keep them away from wandering eyes.”
I bark out a laugh. “Possessive, aren’t you?” I nip her nose and let the grin drop from my face. “But noted. I’ll respect your wishes.”
I glance down at myself. “Now I just need to find a damn pair of pants, so we can leave this room.”
She strolls back to her throne, casual as ever, and picks up a neatly folded pair from the side.
“Already handled. Sent someone the moment Draxis shredded yours,” she says and throws them at me.
I smile, holding them to my chest. “Have I told you I love you today?”
She plants a hand on her hip, lips twitching. “You have. But feel free to say it again.”
I dress quickly, eyes never leaving her.
“I love you, Kass. More than anything and anyone.”
She walks toward me, warmth shining in her eyes. “And I love you too,” she says and pauses for a second, “Your Majesty,” she adds playfully, making me growl softly. Then she grins. “Now… what are our plans for the rest of the day?”
Two weeks later, I’m pacing the ballroom floor — waiting for Kass to show up. I’m on pins and needles. I don’t know if this was the right thing to do.My boots echo against the marble, my heart beating like it’s trying to claw its way out of me.
This might’ve been a mistake.
Maybe she won’t want the reminder.
What if she hates it?
What if she hatesmefor doing this? Shit. I almost stop breathing at the thought.
“Our mate is generous and kind,”Draxis murmurs, exasperated.“She won’t hate us. And she’ll understand.”
“You don’t know that,”I snap back.
He huffs, unimpressed.“And you call me dramatic. Get it together, human. If she bolts, I’ll just hunt her down and chain her to our bed.”
I freeze mid-step.“You will do no such thing!”I hiss.“She’d decapitate us in our sleep. Worst case scenario, we just lock her in a nice, big room and give her lots and lots of books and food. Until she calms down,”I say, weighing my options.
