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“I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Frustration made him say the words. He had the strongest urge to haul her into his arms. Even though he had been the one to hurt his little kitty, Alejandro knew instinctively that he was the only one who could heal her as well.
She answered with a brief smile, one that didn’t reach her eyes either.
He wanted to curse again. She was so damn open with her emotions. Alejandro remembered her words. Warriors didn’t lie. God, she was so damn naïve. How could she believe something like that? Warriors were as human as the rest were. Warriors lied. Some better than the others.
When his little kitty still didn’t say anything, he said finally, “You should think this through first.”
“I am thinking this through. He wants to be my consort. You do not.”
“It’s not like that, dammit.” He hadn’t meant to shout, but he did anyway. Fuck. He was sure there were still guards outside her room, and that meant they heard every word. He hated making a scene. The Moretti pack was already involved in too many scenes as it was. His pack didn’t need one fucking more.
“Then what is it about?” Calys was shouting, too, and her body shook with each word.
The question hung in the air, but Alejandro knew he would not be able to answer it. She might not have any problems letting him see how much control he had over her, but Alejandro knew he would not be able to do the same for her.
This smacked too much of the same shit that his older brother went through with his own human wife, and Alejandro didn’t want that. He had known Calys for two days. Two goddamn days, and the connection between them was already too strong and powerful. Alejandro could only imagine how much stronger their feelings would grow once they’ve known each other longer. How much more would he want his little kitty if her body also belonged to him? How hard would he fall if he became her consort?
“I can only be your Cavaliere, little kitty. Take it as you will.”
The sound of a door slamming made him look up, but it was the scent of unshed tears that was his answer.
CALYS
Tension filled the throne room of our keep when the iron doors were pulled open by the stewards and Pasquale strode in. Of average height, he was one of the few shifters who did not seem to have ever experienced bloodlust. Ever since we were kids, Pasquale had always stood apart. When we played battle games, he had always opted to stay behind, preferring to strategize rather than charging into a fight.
Maybe this was destiny, I told myself. I was his exact opposite. Actually, he was the exact opposite of Alejandro Moretti, too. He could serve as a calming influence over me in a way that the Moretti prince could never do.
Pasquale was formally attired, and it made me flush in realization that I was once again vastly underdressed. Even Alejandro, despite not having any change of clothes with him, looked more authoritative than I was.
The thought of Alejandro had me biting my lip, but I valiantly resisted the urge to look at him. He had insisted on being with me during this meeting. He had made his demand in front of all the other Adelardi pack warriors, and not one of them had blinked. In fact, they were already treating him like my right hand, like my Cavaliere. The ease with which he took command of my men made me foolishly want to cry. Couldn’t he see how it would be if he was my consort instead?
I came to my feet and walked towards Pasquale, meeting him halfway. “Thank you for coming so quickly,” I told him with a smile as I offered my hand to shake. But instead of shaking it, Pasquale brought it to his lips, making me start in surprise.
Behind me, I could literally feel Alejandro’s cold deadly gaze sharpening towards us. I could feel his Lyccan half bristling, like a wolf ready to attack.
When he released my hand, he murmured, “Thank you for the privilege of your prompt response, princess.” His dark brown eyes moved to Alejandro. “Is he Stefano’s replacement?”
“No.” I softened my answer with another smile, but I was determined not to entertain questions I did not like answering. He was not my consort yet. I didn’t owe him any answers.
“Your father and Stefano? Are they well?”
“They have been called away on pack business. I expect them to return within the week.” Adelardi pack business was nobody’s business but us Adelardis. “Shall we proceed to the dining hall and have refreshments served while we talk?”
Pasquale was silent for a moment before he answered, “If it does not displease you, princess, I would prefer we talk about my proposal in a straightforward manner. I have stated everything in the missive I sent to your father. Have you read it?”
