Page 39 of Asking Fur Trouble

“But why would they?—”

“Politics,” he cut in, spinning her in a graceful turn that left her breathless. “Always politics. Kynon has been hungry for more power since I was a cub.”

“And now he’s making his move while you’re vulnerable,” Bess realized.

Charov pulled her closer, their bodies flush against each other. “Let him try. He doesn’t know what I have.”

“What’s that?” Bess asked, her heart racing at the fierce intensity in his eyes.

“You.” His voice rumbled, deep and possessive. “My greatest strength disguised as my weakness.”

The music shifted to something slower and more sensual. Charov’s movements changed with it, guiding her with authority that made her knees weak. His hand slid lower, erasing any space between them.

“Everyone is watching,” she whispered, feeling the hard planes of his body against her softness.

“Good.” His lips brushed the shell of her ear. “Let them see who rules this territory—and whose queen you’ll be.”

As they moved together, Bess felt her suspicions about Kynon crystallize, but so did her feelings for Charov. Whatever game their rivals were playing, she wouldn’t be a pawn in it. She would be a strong queen—his queen—and together, they would be unstoppable.

TWENTY-SIX

Charov guided Bess with firm hands on the dance floor, holding her so close that the emerald fabric of her gown whispered against his formal attire. Her pupils dilated as she gazed up at him. The bear inside him growled with delight. For days, he’d been drowning in paperwork and responsibilities, but tonight—with Bess in his arms—he remembered what it felt like to be alive.

His hand slid lower on her back. “I’m thinking we should leave.”

“But we haven’t been here long.”

Charov dipped his head, inhaling the scent of her neck. “And we’ve made our appearance. They’ve seen their king. Let Kynon have his little gathering. I have other plans for us.”

“What kind of plans?” The playfulness in her voice was new—this Bess was different from the woman who’d been helping him organize his kingdom this week. This was the woman who’d jumped from an aircraft without hesitation.

“You’ll see.” He spun her one final time before pulling her off the dance floor. “You wanted to see my fun side again, didn’t you? The one I had before all this responsibility.”

The music faded behind them as he guided her through the ballroom. His advisors tried to intercept, but Charov silenced them with a look. Tonight wasn’t about politics.

“Your Majesty,” Oberon appeared at his side. “The transport is ready.”

“Perfect.” Charov nodded to his friend before turning back to Bess. “Ready for another adventure?”

Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “You’re really doing this? Just—leaving?”

“Kings can do that.” He winked, guiding her up the grand staircase. “One of the few perks.”

The night air greeted them as they exited the building, cool and refreshing after the stuffy ballroom. The transport waited, sleek and black against the moonlight. He opened the door for her himself despite the attendants hovering nearby.

“Where are we going?” Bess asked as he slid in beside her.

“Somewhere that will make you forget all about royal paperwork.” He signaled to Oberon, then turned to her. “Are you always this impatient or just tonight?”

“Says the man who couldn’t wait to escape his own royal appearance.”

Charov laughed, the sound surprising even himself. His father’s death had cast a shadow over everything, but somehow, Bess had found a way to bring light back into his world.

“I’ve been a terrible host these past two weeks,” he admitted, taking her hand. Her skin was soft beneath his fingers. “You came to experience Nova Aurora, and instead you’ve been trapped in my study helping me manage a kingdom.”

“I don’t mind at all. I’m good at that kind of thing.”

“Too good,” he said, his voice tinged with pride. “But tonight, we do something I’m good at.”

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