Page 38 of Lycan Prey
His words, while charming and polite, carry an undercurrent that tugs at my thoughts, steering them into territory that makes my cheeks warm. The idea of such attention from him, even in the simplest interactions, stirs a mix of excitement and fear within me.
“So?” he questions.
“What’s the second condition?” I ask him.
“You stop calling me ‘Your Highness’ or ‘My King’.”
I stare at him, perplexed. “What do you want me to call you, then?” I blurt out, unable to comprehend why he would ask such a strange request.
“Just Soren,” he replies with a shrug, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“You want me to use your first name?” I repeat incredulously. “But… you’re a King. It doesn’t seem right.”
“I am also just a man,” he points out matter-of-factly. “And I prefer familiarity over formality.”
Part of me wants to agree, to call him by his name like any other person. But another part of me feels like it would be disrespectful and presumptuous.
“Okay…Soren,” I say hesitantly, testing out the name on my tongue.
His lips curve up into a smile. “And that’s it, no other catch. I only have to look after Max? You’re not going to expect… me…” I trail off. I don’t want to be some King’s whore, some side piece for him to dip his wick whenever he feels like it. I saved my virginity and I don’t plan on tossing it away for a job.
“Expect you to…” my eyes widened and his eyes flicker.
“You know…” I tell him and he tilts his head to the side watching my face change to a deep shade of red.
“I don’t think I do, but by all means explain; I’d love to watch you fumble over your words explaining.” He knows exactly what I mean. Now he is just toying with me.
I feel the heat in my cheeks, hotter than I’ve ever felt before. The audacity of him, toy with me while my self-respect is on the line? Implying those lewd thoughts and playing innocent? He’s lucky I have yet to sprout my fangs and claws. But he’s a King and I’m… me.
“No, I… I won’t,” I stammer, throwing myself into the awkwardness. “I mean… You’re not expecting—”
“Expecting what?” Soren interrupts, his tone still playful. Yet his eyes are serious, watching me closely. It feels like he can see right through me, like he knows exactly what I’m thinking.
“To… to sleep with you,” I spit out finally, my voice barely a whisper.
He’s silent for a moment. A cold wave of regret washes over me as I fear I’ve crossed a line. But then he lets out a low chuckle and shakes his head.
“Do you think so lowly of me, Bree?” he asks, leaning back into his chair. His expression is soft, devoid of any offense or anger. “Do you think I’d use my son as an excuse to take advantage of you?”
“No,” I say quickly. “I just… need to be sure.”
“I assure you, my intentions are purely professional.” If only his eyes didn’t suggest something entirely different.
The conversation leaves me flustered which I guess was his intention all along. One moment he’s the kind-hearted king offering sanctuary, the next he’s a playful tease making my heart flutter dangerously.
“I don’t know if I should feel offended that you think so little of me or that you’d be disgusted to sleep with me because I’m old. I thought I was fine wine,” he laughs.
“I wouldn’t be disgusted, it’s…” His brows quirks. “You’re putting words in my mouth!”
“You just implied I was going to force something else in there,” he laughs again while I feel like I am about to combust from the embarrassment of this entire situation.
“I’m playing, Bree. You don’t have to sleep with me. But just so we are clear, I have perfected that area of my expertise over the centuries, too.” he laughs. Centuries; I try to comprehend being that old but it baffles me.
“What about Damian?”
“Leave my brother for me to deal with, it won’t be an issue.”
“Even when I don’t register?”
