Page 67 of The Princess and the Pack

“Yes, you twat,” I scoff. “So what are you going to do about it? Sit here moping or win our omega over? She’s so ready to be loved by you, Oran.”

Tiernan catches my eye, smiling softly. He loves Oran like a brother, just as I do. We’d both like nothing more than to see our friend bonded and happy.

“Oran, you know my pack and I will support you—all of you—when this comes to court. We’re ready to stop hiding too. You have so much love behind you, and even more ahead. Believe me when I say, bonding with your scent match is the most incredible, sacred thing in the world. I was reborn when Fiona let me claim her. Youdeservethat.”

I agree, nodding along in understanding. Ivy is the reason I draw breath now. Just being able to reach through the bond and shower her with my love is a comfort for my own heart. Oran will feel settled once he bonds with Ivy. So much of his self-doubt will dissipate the moment her warm, tender care wraps around his soul.

“What do I do?” he asks earnestly.

I breathe a sigh of relief, pleased he’s ready to listen. “Just tell her how you feel and be ready to accept what she has to offer. You won’t regret it, brother.”

Oran nods. A small smile tugs at the corner of his usual frown. “I’m ready for her—for everything.”

“Thank fuck for that.” I laugh.

Tiernan joins, clapping Oran on the back. “No time like the present,” he adds.

“Thank you both,” Oran says, standing and taking his leave with little ado. I’m glad to see the urgency in his steps.

“Being prime has aged me,” I groan.

Tiernan hums in acknowledgment. “What would we do without you burly bastards telling everyone what to do? I’d have been lost in all this pack business without Liam to guide me.”

Liam is a lucky man to have Tiernan and Fiona. Lord and Lady Dempsey have been in love since we were young—long before they ever realized they were Fate-blessed. When Liam arrived, he had an uphill battle to fight, with his scent match being a noblewoman who was already married.

But Tiernan, the good man he is, wanted what’s best for Fiona. And what’s best for her is to be surrounded by her mates. Fiona has said she doesn’t feel like their pack is yet complete, but I’m certain when they can finally be open about their situation, the right person—or people—will come along.

“Thank you,” I say, rising to hug my old friend. “For everything you’ve done and all that’s to come.”

Tiernan returns the embrace, patting me on the back. “Of course. Besides, I’m charging the king for all my services anyway.”

We share a laugh full of excitement for what lies ahead.

“If Oran bonds our omega, it’s worth every coin.”

Imiss my wife.

After knowing the perfect ecstasy of having her in my bed, in my arms, and holding her high regard—I’m fucking withering away with this distance between us. It’s not right to be apart, especially when Ivy’s this close to her heat.

I should be at her side, growing this new love we only just began to nurture. At least, I thought our hearts were aligned. I can’t even tell how she feels anymore, only that when she looks at me, it’s no longer with tenderness. Instead she’s guarded, shuttering away the sweet smiles and witty quips I’ve come to adore.

I understand why Ivy’s upset, but I wish she would forgive me and welcome me back into the warmth of her affection. Never in all my life would I want to hurt my sweet mate.

Even before I knew of our scent match, I planned to do right by her. Though our betrothal wasn’t something we chose, I was eager to know her.

Like Ivy, I had romantic notions of falling in love and building a happy life. I hoped to show her that Oran and Sloan could be good alphas to her as well; together we could break the cycle of our predecessors and live in spite of those who would have us suffer and die for little more than vanity.

When I scented my mate, however, I lost my fucking head.

All plans of careful courting and spending time getting to know each other during her visit flew out the window. I could hardly stand to be in her presence for one minute without my teeth aching to claim her. My knot would swell at the mere thought of rutting her—of getting her round with my child like some mindless animal who sought pleasure over practicality.

Gods, I was an eejit. I know this now. Lying to her, no matter how noble the justification, was a fucking disaster of an idea. Ivy was always meant to be my queen—my partner—and she had every right to be informed once I learned of the gift we’d be given.

Even if she’d reacted poorly to the news of my plans for a pack, I could have spent the time and effort to win her over to the idea. But I was selfish, wanting her safe and secure in my court—in my bed—so no one could take my sweet fate from me.

Ivy deserves so much better than me and my stupid plans.

I’m just so used to making decisions for others. Even as a boy I felt the weight of responsibility for my kingdom, and my brothers. We may be triplets, but I’m the oldest—the heir apparent and their keeper. When my mother got sick and I learned my father knew how to save her but wouldn’t, I made a promise to myself to be better than he was. Not only for my brothers and me, but for all the people of Namara who’d been tricked into early graves for the sake of tradition.

---