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“I’ll take that as a yes.”
“Shut up.”
“Did you just shush a king?”
“Yes.” No shame, but plenty of that sparkling sass I enjoy. It shows she’s comfortable with me, relaxed, and my wolf is pleased. A purr builds in my chest for her, and I take great pleasure in the instant beading of her nipples—the shuddering breath the sound pulls from her.
Motherfucking exquisite.
“Good. You should do it more often,” I say, and add a wink. The pink on her cheeks darkens to a full flush at that. She’s affected by my purr, winking, and height. “Unless you can’t handle the games we play. You might lose control and attack me…I am irresistible.”
“Did you just question my ability to control myself?” And bloody fuck, I find the mock outrage endearing. Everything about her is. “I’ll have you know that—”
“Yes, I did.” Picking up a small smoked salmon sandwich, I pop the entire bite into my mouth. She watches me chew, her eyes on my throat. “Like now. You can’t look away.”
“I can.” Still watching. Licks her lips when I swallow.
“Then pay attention to your food and eat.”
“I am.” Little liar.
“Is that so?”
“Hmmm…what the? Wait!” Now she’s aware. In one fell swoop, I push my chair back, pick her up, and settle again with her in my lap. Where she belongs. “You can’t just grab me like that.”
“Too late. Now open.” A mini cake, this one chocolate. I place the piece at her mouth and purr again, hardening beneath her arse when she does as I ask, letting me feed her. Giving my wolf and I what we need: to take care of her. “Good girl.”
Isabella swallows and glares. “This is so unfair.”
“You have a lifetime to get used to it, Little Moon. My world revolves around yours, and I’ll live to see you smile.”
22
ISABELLA
I’m sitting beside Xadiel atop the dais in the dining hall, unsure of what’s going on, a week after our date. A surprise I can’t quite get over because he saw a need in me and fulfilled it without realizing how much I yearned for it.
Books are my life. An enjoyment that always brings me peace when my mind is chaotic, and the mental pictures won’t let me rest. The storylines within those pages push my visions out of the forefront—doesn’t eliminate them—but give me enough of a reprieve that I can breathe.
They let me escape from reality and forget for a little while.
That library speaks volumes of his affection toward me. Makes me love him all the more.
I need his bite. To be his.
A truth I’ve been mulling since my talk with Gabriella and more so after my lovely tea-time brunch with Xadiel. The man who made the grand gesture is sweet and kind, yet brutal when needed. He’s faithful to his family, unafraid to share his emotions, and chipping away at my resolve with his ability to read me like no one else can.
Like now. Xadiel’s smiling at me while sliding his thumb across my knuckles, giving me the courage that I need to do what must be done. Many are congregated here. Faces I’ve seen a few times now, and they still won’t meet my eyes.
Their shame bothers me. I don’t want them to feel this way.
What happened, while unfortunate, isn’t their fault. Just like Xadiel, they mourned the loss of their queen and lashed out, believing that by doing so, they’d protect those they love.
And if I’m to be their luna, those boulders of guilt can’t continue.
Standing from my seat, I clear my throat and every pack member bares its neck. “Look at me.” While I’m not their king, my command is carried as such and all faces snap up. A few of the women cry, their tears tugging at my heart, and I do the only thing I can. Through the small emotional string that connects me to them, I send out love. No ill will. No anger. Just love, my true emotions. “What you feel right now is what’s in my heart. Please stop looking away or down or avoiding me at all costs, thinking I abhor any of you, because I don’t. My mate is a wolf, my soul is tied to your king, and as such, you belong to me, too. I forgive you.”
The automatic relief that spreads throughout the large room makes me smile. It crumbles the weight I’ve been bogged down by, afraid to address, but now I’m glad I did. There’s still some lingering hurt—the trauma was felt on both sides—but it’s time to heal.
