Page 76 of The Princess and the Pack

I turn, ready to admit with pride that what he says is true.

“I am.” Though my heart is pounding, I feel instant relief at the admission. Like I’ve been wearing armor, shielding this precious secret. Now that it’s removed, I can draw deep and nourishing breaths.

Until this point, the only people I’ve entrusted with this knowledge are my brothers and Tiernan’s pack. To speak of it aloud is an honor I will defend at all costs.

Aspen meets my unwavering stare. In his familiar ocean eyes, a storm of conflicting emotions brews. “Your brother is terrible at keeping secrets from me, you know.”

Fucking Ciaran, love-struck lamb he is. I should have known better than to think he wouldn’t divulge this information to the lover who has him so ensnared.

He alsoconvenientlyfailed to mention Aspen’s knowledge of our predicament when I saw him just minutes ago.

“And you are not angered, Prince?” I can’t tell.

The corner of Aspen’s mouth quirks then. A secret slip of a smile he’s tried to suppress. “I haven’t yet decided. Why don’t we start with your story, Majesty, and go from there?”

I nod, trying to conceal my own smile at the lightness of my limbs and the hope in my heart. This is a start, an open door he’s offered me. And I, for one, look forward to what awaits on the other side.

“Omega,” I whisper, pushing away the hair that’s fallen onto her face.

Ivy is sleeping so peacefully, alone in her nest. I hate to wake her, but there’s much she needs to be aware of. After leaving my meeting with Aspen and Lily, I came straight here to tell Ivy the good news.

Though apprehensive at first, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Bancrofts are in full support of our pack. They love their sister, and would never want her to be anything less than happy.

Their reaction gave me hope for our meeting with my court this evening. But regardless of what the nobles say, it won’t change how I feel about my pack. They will have to accept this new way of things or learn to live with their anger.

But there’s more that not even Oran and Sloan know, things I want to share with Ivy first. I need to show her that she is my partner in life. Mostly, I just want us to get back on track to build our love and work towards bonding.

My mate stirs as I stroke the apple of her cheek, gracing me with the endless sea of her deep blue eyes as she rouses.

“Alpha,” she coos. Her tone is sweet, making my heart pound to know my presence in her nest is a welcome one. Ivy smells so lush—delectable. Like warm sugar and baked apples. “I’m so warm.”

She sits up, grabbing at her gown, and tears it over her head without preamble. My eyes widen as she does the same with her pretty undergarments. Though the sight of her naked body is always a treat, she and I have yet to make up.

“Darling…” I start, “Are you well?”

“Off,” she pouts, pointing at my chest.

If this is how she wishes me to make amends, I certainly won’t deny her. But we have matters to discuss, and we must prepare to address the court. When I offer a quizzical look, she huffs, tugging at my tunic.

“Take it off. All off.” Her hands trail to my trousers, making quick work of unlacing the ties. I’m dumbfounded over the haste in which she bares my body to her

“Ivy. I have things to tell you,” I try again.

She nods, pulling me into her nest. With my discarded clothes in hand, my mate shoves them under pillows—arranging them just so. “Tell me,” she says, never ceasing her careful tidying.

Though I’m not certain this conversation is best had bare—I’m too excited to delay a moment longer. “I just told your brother and sister the news of our pack.”

This piques her interest enough to stop fluffing the pillows—but only briefly. She regards me with wide eyes and beckons me to continue.

“They’re very happy for you, and have promised us their support at court. They also offered to speak to Hawthorn on our behalf should your heat arrive before his return.”

“My heat,” she replies, dreamily, but she doesn’t address what else I’ve said.

It’s peculiar, given the magnitude of it all. I’ve just told her one of the massive barriers between us and living as a pack has been vanquished and yet her head is elsewhere.

“Darling….Are you sure you’re feeling well?” I stroke the soft skin of her back, and Ivy shivers. Her answer is a bone deep moan that has me hard as stone in an instant.

This doesn’t escape Ivy’s notice. She eyes me, now more interested in my body than anything else. The way she’s watching me—fuck, I don’t know if I can contain myself.

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