Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 79692 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79692 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
“Calys.” He roared out her name as he fucked his way nearer to the precipice. His movements became out of control, his need for her so powerful that the wall behind the bed began to crack.
“Alejandro.” She said his name so beautifully it had him shuddering, and when her hand covered his hand on her breast, the tenderness of the gesture had him snapping.
Releasing one nipple, he moved his hand down. Pressing hard on her clit, he withdrew his cock from behind to the hilt before shoving it back in.
She screamed, coming instantly, and he came right after her, growling her name. Holding on to her hips, he didn’t stop thrusting in and out of her as he came. The sight of her bottom up in the air, her fingers curled tightly against the bed sheet, and her mewling sounds of pleasure – all of it made Alejandro shudder, prolonging his release.
When they were spent, he collapsed on the bed, their bodies curled spoon-fashion, his semi-erect cock still inside her, pulsing ever so softly and making Calys shudder.
When he felt her body relax and become heavy against him, Alejandro placed a kiss on the mark he had made on her neck. He might never be able to give her the words, but he could at least do something so she would never think she was second best.
Chapter Four
CALYS
“It has been three days, my dear.” Amalia spoke the words reluctantly, and I knew she was aware that the words would force me to face reality. The two of us, together with Juriaan and Vladimir, were the only ones inside the inn’s dining hall. In the days I had spent with the Souris, I came to realize how formalities meant a lot to them. I had grown up enjoying my meals with the entire pack, but it was different for the Queen and the Prince. They preferred privacy and never spoke about anything important if other people were around, be they Souris or not.
Sensing my mother’s gaze still on me, I looked away from the windows. I had been looking at windows more often than I wanted, and I know it was because deep inside my heart I was hoping to see Alejandro come back.
“I’ll make a decision today.” The words sounded as hollow as I felt. I knew I should be thankful for what my new family had done. They had accomplished the impossible and gathered offers of proposals from the most illustrious and powerful families from just about every non-human race that existed. Whichever proposal I accepted, it would be something that the Panthera wouldn’t sneeze at, an alliance that would come more than handy if the prophesied war between good and evil ever came to be.
The hours passed, day became night, and my hopes dwindled into nothing. As I joined my family in front of the proposal bearers, I questioned myself why I even cared about waiting for Alejandro. Hadn’t he made it clear he would never love me? Would I really sink so low and accept crumbs of his affection when I could have so much more?
“The rites for selection shall now commence,” Juriaan said in a strong, clear voice. Like Amalia and Vladimir, my cousin was dressed formally in silver and gold, the colors of the Souris’ royal family. It should have looked extremely flashy, but somehow Juriaan and the others made it work. While my jewelry consisted of silver and gold as well, I wore my pack’s colors, a quiet statement of where my loyalties lay first and foremost.
The first proposal bearer stepped forward. “Greetings from Riyu Delicazzi, the current head of the Delicazzi clan of the Caros.”
And so it went, until thirty-four proposals had been formally offered.
Amalia inclined her head regally in acknowledgment. “Before we proceed, please convey my gratitude to your leaders for their prompt response. It is much appreciated.” She looked at me. “Princess?”
Before I could answer, my brother moved forward. “I believe we have one last candidate left.”
Amalia was visibly surprised, but then Juriaan went to her, saying something too low for me to hear, and she nodded in understanding. “I see.” When she straightened, she glanced at me with unreadable eyes. “Apparently, the Prince is right. There is one last candidate for you to consider.”
Almost as if on cue, the doors opened, and the first one I saw was my own father, Venetto Adelardi.
But he was not alone.
Behind him was Domenico Moretti, the infamous heir of the most powerful Lyccan pack, and next to the werewolf prince was his younger brother Alejandro.
“Father?” My voice was faint with shock.
“My dear,” Venetto said, his eyes twinkling despite his tired appearance. His eyes met the Queen’s. “Your Majesty.”
My mother’s answering smile was warm. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet the man who has taken great care of Calys. I hope you may grant me a moment of your time tonight. I would love to personally extend my gratitude for being there for my daughter...” She paused. “Our daughter...when I couldn’t be.”