Page 42 of The Princess and the Pack

I shiver, slick and supple at the heated promise in his hazel eyes. It would be all too easy to forget the woes of the evening and let this gorgeous alpha fuck me in the beautiful nest he made for me. He is agoodalpha. One who should be rewarded. And don’t I deserve to be pampered after such an ordeal?

If my heat is truly coming, I’ll need his knot to help sustain me.

I roll my hips against Sloan’sgenerousoffering, and his eyes light up with feral wonder. I want nothing more than to see what comes from unleashing this man from his loosely held restraints.

“Easy now, omega,” he groans. “We have some things to discuss before you let me fuck that slick cunt of yours.”

I gasp. Be it from the shock of his licentious tongue or the pleasure shooting down my spine because of it, I can’t be certain.

“Who says I’ll let you?”

My protest is flimsy at best—we both know it. His easy smirk says it all.

“You will.”

I huff. It’s unfair how thoroughly Sloan’s confidence affects me when I haven’t decided if I’m mad at him or not. I hardly know him—I only spoke to him for the first time today. But his draw is unlike the one I feel with Cillian and Oran. Not better, just different. Unique. As though even among alphas, he’s the authority.

“Tell me why you’re so upset, Ivy.”

I quite enjoy the way he says my name. His accent is much less formal than what I’m accustomed to. His turns of phrase and directness speak to an intimacy I crave.

“Waking up in a strange place, settled between my husband and another man, is not reason enough?” My cutting tone brings a devious smile to his lips. I’ll need to remember this alpha likes my irritation a bit too much.

“Aye, but I’ve seen you pressed between them before. Do you mean to tell me you didn’t like it?”

“I—” I can’t admit it. Not when my heart and head are presently so at odds.

Sloan tsks, cupping my cheek in his massive palm. He leans closer, letting his mouth settle a breath from mine. “You don’t have to lie to me. I’m not some pampered noble. I know what omegas need. Queens are not exempt from the call of nature.”

I whimper, wanting so desperately for him to kiss me. He speaks openly about things I’ve only ever thought in private. He sees inside me, wants to appeal to these secret desires I hold close to my heart.

“I heard them speaking. They knew I was their mate and didn’t tell me,” I whisper.

Humming, my mate rests his forehead against mine. “And that upset you, did it?”

Closing my eyes, I nod as much as I’m able. “They lied. Made me feel unwelcome—unwanted. If my Fate-blessed mates could treat me so coldly…”

My lip quivers, the agony overwhelming. I’ve never experienced emotion so intensely—so sharp and cutting like the edge of a blade.

Threading a hand into my hair, Sloan cradles the back of my head as he rocks me. “Your alphas didn’t mean to hurt you. Maybe they had good reasons to keep their distance.”

Fresh tears stream down my cheeks. “What reason could they have to reject me? Tolie?”

“No, Ivy. They would never reject you. You are so very wanted. I swear it.”

His conviction almost has me convinced.Almost.

“Then why?”

Sloan sighs, hugging me tighter. “They need to tell you themselves. They’ve been out of sorts ever since they learned about you. It’s not every day you find your perfect match.”

“And what aboutmyfeelings?” I sniffle, perhaps too pathetically.

“I’m not telling you to put your emotions aside. All I’m asking is for you to let them explain their choices. You might feel different afterward.”

A reasonable request, but I would rather be angry right now.

“And what aboutyou?” I’m lashing out, I know it. But I deserve answers.

---