Page 14 of Crowned By The Blood Alphas

Our mate has changed into a pale blue dress that wraps tightly around her waist and then flows over her delectable hips. Her golden hair hangs loose around her shoulders in soft waves, without the ribbons she wore earlier, but somehow, just as beautiful. There are tiny jewels sparkling on her earlobes as if this beauty needs any additional decoration. She is perfect as is.

Her gaze lands on Cassius first.

Then, she looks at me.

My chest squeezes with those lovely hazel eyes on my face.

Her sweet scent fills the room, tangled with perfume and the faintest trace of fear. Her scent fills me with warmth, but that trace of fear sets off a protective blaze within me. The need to protect her takes over, blooming into an inferno. All I want is to keep my mate safe and secure.

My wolf snarls inside, feeling the same intensity. She’s ours to protect now.

“Princess Vaela,” Cassius says, stepping forward with a sly grin. “Thank you for joining us.”

He marches right up to her, gently takes her hand, and kisses it softly.

I watch his lips touch her fair skin and there’s no jealousy from me. There can’t be. We’re all connected. We’re all in this together. We’re Blood Alphas and she’s his mate as much as she is mine.

Her adorable cheeks blush as she thanks him for the hospitality in the most angelic voice I’ve ever heard.

“Tovik,” Cassius says, waving me over. “Come introduce yourself.”

I’m just staring in awe. I forget to move.

Finally, something in me snaps and I cross the room, taking her hand. Her eyes are sparkling as I lean down and kiss her soft skin. It’s only her hand, but the feeling of touching my mate for the first time sets off a lustful need inside my body that shocks me to the core. I want to devour her. I want to tear off that gorgeous dress and get to the true treasure underneath.

“I’m Tovik.”

“Hello, Tovik,” she says sweetly. The sound of my name coming out of that sexy mouth is enough to make me rock hard. I suck in a breath when I feel my member lengthening and hardening beyond my control. I hope she doesn’t notice.

We move to the table and Cassius pulls out her chair at the head.

“Thank you,” she says as she sits down, tucking her dress under her thighs.

We sit on either side of her as the servants begin bringing in food and wine. It’s a long table, suitable for a whole delegation, but tonight, it’s only set for us three.

A fire is burning in the fireplace, warming the room. Torches line the dark stone walls and candles flicker on the table, washing the princess in a beautiful golden glow. I find it extremely challenging to keep my eyes off her, even for a moment. It’s like looking at a goddess.

I catch a glimpse of her exposed neck as she looks around the room and my wolf growls low. That’s the spot destined for my mark. Cassius will mark her other side. I wonder if his wolf is going as crazy as mine.

“It’s a beautiful castle,” she says with a shy smile.

“Beautiful, no,” Cassius says with a carefree laugh. “But functional, and most importantly, safe. Whatever beauty it has, it pales in comparison to you.”

She places her napkin on her lap and smiles shyly.

“We’re very sorry about this… arrangement,” Cassius says. “We had no desire to rip you from your home, but the Varkharian constitution is quite clear on the matter. It was not up to us. The Gods require royal blood to ratify a treaty.”

“I understand,” she says softly. “I was a bit unsure at first, but now… I’m pleased by the arrangement.”

She smiles at him and then at me. A heated warmth fills my chest at the gorgeous sight of my mate smiling.

The castle staff bring out silver platters of roasted meat, fresh bread, and root vegetables. Cassius takes the bottle of Anduvian wine and fills our glasses.

My mouth waters at the smell of all this food, but my stomach is in knots and I can’t quite find my appetite.

“I must say,” she says as we dive in. “I’ve been curious about your arrangement. You’re the only kingdom to have two kings. How does that work?”

Cassius breaks a loaf of bread in half to demonstrate. “Two kings, but we function as one.” He holds up the piece in his left hand. “I take on the strategic responsibility of the kingdom, the planning, systems, and finances.” He holds up the piece in his right hand. “And Tovik handles the warriors, the defense of the kingdom from the Hollowborn, and makes sure that every wolf shifter in our kingdom can sleep without having to keep one eye open.”