Page 50 of The Princess and the Pack

With Oran, my head’s a mess. I can’t yet decide the severity of my disappointment. I recognize that, like Sloan, he was in a precarious situation. Though he’s of noble birth, he had little power to assert his claim on me when I was betrothed to his future king. Still, he ignored me as Cillian did, and my heart still pangs with the perceived rejection.

I’ve wanted him so desperately for so long—convinced myself I would never again know the feel of his lips on mine—and now we have a chance to see how we work together. I don’t believe I can give up such an opportunity, despite everything.

Head spinning, I blow out a breath and stop my pacing to stand in front of my bonded. “Are you nervous?” I ask, although I know the answer.

He grabs my hand, tugging me to stand between his spread thighs. I can feel his smug alpha pride when he gazes lovingly upon the visible bond mark on my throat.

“This was inevitable, Ivy.” His easy nature and the reassurance pulsing down the bond soothe my pounding heart. “I’m honored you bear my claim. I only wish I could wear yours in return.”

Sloan grabs my hips, bringing me to perch on his thigh. Instant comfort washes over me, my body recognizing the safety that comes with his embrace. No matter what, he will protect me. Mind, body—heart. Telling Cillian and Oran of our bonding isn’t so daunting a task with him nearby.

I huff, kissing his bearded cheek in thanks. I can’t let the opportunity to tease him pass, however. “Yes, that does seem quite unfair. Perhaps I want some mark on you to ward off any omegas hoping to catch your eye. Maybe a brand or?—”

Sloan laughs, tickling my waist. His contentment spreads through me like the warmth of the sun.

“Cheeky, omega. I’m happy to tell the world that every part of me is yours and yours alone.”

My heart squeezes with the magnitude of his love, and I know for certain I never want to be apart from him. He deserves to be shown off to my new court—at my side, on my arm, my mate in every regard.

“Will we have to lie to others about us?” I ask, forlorn.

Sloan shrugs, as if it matters little—he knows what’s true and that’s what counts. “Not for long.”

I still hate it, but when I go to voice my distaste at hiding him, a knock rings out. My alpha gives me a gentle smile and a soft, lingering kiss for good measure.

“That’ll be Cillian and Oran.” He lifts me from his lap and makes his way toward the chamber door.

My heart is racing again, but with Sloan’s steady assurance, I steel myself for what’s to come. All will be well, I remind myself. My alpha has promised it.

Only, when he opens the chamber door, it’s not Cillian’s or Oran’s voice that greets him.

“Oh. Well, hello. And you are?”

I freeze at the familiar cadence. Surely this can’t be happening.

“Sloan, Your Highness. Please forgive me. I thought you were?—”

“The king?”

“Aspen!” I shoutunintentionally—rushing toward the door. I have no earthly idea what will come out of my mouth next. All I know is that I’m not ready for him to know the truth. “What a nice surprise. Sloan and I were discussing plans for hydrangeas along the western garden wall. Do come in.”

My brother’s answering scoff speaks volumes to my skills of deception. Still, he enters the chamber, eyeing my alpha with interest. “And you take all your staff meetings this early,in your private bedchambers, do you, Ivy dear?”

My cheeks are burning hot, my pulse pounding. I hate lying. I’m quite shit at it, to be frank, and Aspen is a master at sussing out information. The longer he stays, the worse this will become. “Well, this is only my second day as queen so I haven’t yet made a habit of anything. But your concern is noted,” I huff, crossing my arms over my chest.

Sloan stands sentinel at the door, eyes wide—the picture of guilt. For someone who’s normally calm, this demeanor and the anxiety spiking in the bond are unexpected. But then, so is this visit.

Aspen squints, regarding me with skepticism. I do my best to square my shoulders and appear as though everything is aboveboard. But when his eyes fall to the fresh bond mark on my throat, he gapes in shock. His gaze swings to Sloan and then back to me before a dark chuckle pushes past his lips. “Well,that’snew.”

Fuck.

Bad. This is going very badly and I need to put an end to this.

“Did you need something, Pen? Or are you really so bored you felt it pertinent to disrupt my morning?”

Aspen arches a brow, likely debating calling my bluff, but instead—“I’m here to escort you to my chambers for breakfast with Lily and me. It seems we have quite a bit to catch up on.” His tone brokers no room for argument; his smirk is devious.

Sloan’s shoulders sag with the release of a deep breath. Lucky for him, he seems to be off the hook for now. I, on the other hand…

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