Page 71 of Bound to Four Alphas

After spending her whole life washing with tepid water barely warmed over her tiny fire, the luxury of the bathing room was one she didn’t think she would ever get used to.

She moaned in delight as the warm water encased her, instantly soothing her aches. Not that she minded them—they were a reminder of the love shared with her mates.

Relaxing fully into the water, she let her eyes grow heavy, drifting in and out of sleep. The hazy scent of lavender compelled her eyelids shut, and she wasn’t about to fight the sweet allure.

She was startled by the door crashing open, scrambling backwards and covering herself with arms. Malek stopped short upon seeing her, guilt splashing across his face.

“Apologies, Selena, I will return later.”

“No,” she called after his retreating form. “Malek, it’s okay! You can join me!”

He swallowed, seeming to fight some internal battle, before nodding stiffly and letting his robes fall to the floor.

Selena could help but sigh at the distance he put between them, ever cautious, overly respectful. It didn’t matter how many times she had tried to reassure him that she didn’t fear him, didn’t blame him for anything that had happened, he was still reluctant to be in her presence without one of her other mates around to babysit him.

She huffed. Enough was enough.

Standing abruptly, the water lapping at her hips, she waded over to him, ignoring the apprehension in his eyes.

“How was your mission?” She dropped down and pushed herself behind him, grabbing a cloth to rub over his back. He was stiff as marble under her touch, his throat bobbing.

“Successful,” he replied, “I’ve found a few more … monsters … that show similar levels of awareness to me. They’re not ready to be around others yet, but … they’re learning.”

“That’s really good news.” She continued to bathe him. “I really hope that one day you’ll have more of your kind. I want all to be welcome.”

He nodded, his muscles relaxing ever so slightly under her touch. It was the only confirmation she was going to get that he was pleased with her words. But that was okay. She didn’t need him to speak to know how much he cared for her.

She gently moved around to his front, moving her cloth to the pale muscles of his chest, biting her lip as she glanced up at him through her lashes.

A low rumbling began in his chest, and his arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer. When he kissed her, it was nothing short of blissfully sweet, adoration in every movement. She whined and pressed herself closer into him.

The rumbling got louder as he nudged her legs apart, his hand skimming appreciatively over the swell of her stomach.

“How is our child?” he asked, his eyes still so full of wonder at the word.

“Strong,” Selena said, nuzzling into him, “but that doesn’t come as any surprise.”

He kissed her again, lifting her hips to push himself gently into her. She gasped at the sensation, arching into him, her aching breasts crushed against his muscles.

Malek was always gentle when he took her. She could sense it, the way he kept the ravenous beast under control. Sometimes his lips would skim over her throat, right where her blood raced, and his breathing would become ragged. Hungry.

But he always controlled himself. He would tear his mouth away, lean his forehead against hers, and pour every ounce of love and devotion into his gaze.

And so it was this time.

As they embraced in the afterglow, Selena smiled against his skin. And was happy.

Epilogue - Selena

The Marble Halls were abuzz with activity, servants and nobles alike dashing from building to building, ensuring everything was ready for the upcoming Winter Solstice celebrations. As new Lord of the Benellane Court, Elian oversaw everything with a keen eye and mischievous glee. For the time being, his home would act as the seat of power for the pack, and their newly appointed Queen.

Selena could hardly believe it. Queen of the First Realm, keeper of the magic, guardian of the forest.

The official crowning wouldn’t happen for quite some time of course, as they needed to consolidate power. Convince the nobles. Play the political game, as Ronan liked to grumble. The Winter Solstice would be a good opportunity to do so.

Selena had only requested that Elian be slightly discerning about the guest list.

Nobody from the Silverthorn Empire.

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