Page 54 of Sold to Three Alpha Kings

So, I go to her with seduction on my mind, if I’m honest about it. Some easy charm, some teasing, the kind of thing that usually gets a reaction out of her even when she’s determined to stay annoyed with me.

When I reach her door, I knock once. Twice. Three times. No response.

I knock again.

Still no answer.

I think about turning back around, but that stubborn part of me insists I go.

Without thinking much, I push her door open and walk inside.

There, I find her sitting in the nest, restless, picking at the edge of a blanket as though she’s nervous about something.

“Go away,” she says softly without looking at me.

I head over to her nest with slow, careful steps, my eyes drinking the expression on her face. She’s sad. Not necessarily angry. But sad.

“You can’t hide in here forever.” I stop in front of her nest, my voice calm and quiet.

“I can try.”

Seeing her all curled up and in a state of despair, I forget about my initial plan of seduction. It’s no longer about what I want. It’s about putting a smile on her face.

I sit on the edge of her nest, and surprisingly, she doesn’t push me away. Even when I reach to stroke her hair, she doesn’t stop me.

I think for a moment, trying to figure out how to help get her spark back. Then an idea hits me.

“Get up,” I say.

She finally looks at me, wary. “Why?”

“Because I’m taking you to my Pack.”

“Huh?” Her brows arch.

“As my mate, my territory is half of everything that belongs to you. Seems criminal you haven’t seen an inch of it.”

She hesitates, something curious flashing in her clear blue eyes.

“It’ll be fun.” I shrug my shoulders. “Besides, it beats sulking in your nest.”

She heaves a sigh, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Is that a yes?”

She nods subtly, hiding her flushed cheeks.

I realize now that she’s been lonely this whole time and we never should’ve left her all by herself. At least not for this long.

Within the hour, we’re riding out past the palace walls on my horse, the forest opening up ahead of us thick and green and loud with birdsong.

She goes quiet the deeper we ride, her arms wrapped around my waist from behind. Every now and then, I steal glances at her instead of watching the road, unable to help myself.

Her eyes go wide at the canopy overhead, sunlight breaking through in scattered gold patches. She reaches out without thinking, fingers brushing against low-hanging leaves like she needs to confirm they’re real.

“It’s beautiful,” she says, barely above a whisper.

“Wait till you see the falls.” I hit my boots against the horse’s sides. “Hyah!”