Ember's POV:The door we exited from was actually at the left side of the castle whereas Nicholus was waiting at the front.Stepping out of the door, I and Darius rounded the castle to go to the front. Trusting Darius to navigate the way, I kept my eyes on the ground and held my gown as I took careful steps ahead.As we reached the corner, Darius halted suddenly and pulled me backward."Ouch," I yelped, "what are you doing?"His finger shot up to his lips as he urged me to stay quiet, "Ssshhhh."He moved his finger and pointed somewhere in the distance, "Look," he said while letting out a low, playful chuckle.Frowning slightly, I slid closer to the corner and turned my gaze to where he was pointing at the front of the castle.My heart did a quick flipflop as I saw Nicholus beside a black BMW. I took a moment to run my gaze down his body. He was wearing a three-piece suit in the same midnight blue shade as mine. His hair was neatly combed backward. He was looking so charismatic and ha
Ember’s POV:Nicholus stepped forward and draped aside the curtain of vines hanging between the trees, making a narrow passage for us to pass through.His broad shoulders obscured my view as we stepped through the passage and it wasn’t until I was inside that I came to face the most picturesque view my eyes had ever beheld.My footsteps halted and so did my breathing. My eyes slowly widened as they swept around and took in the heavenly scenery unfolding in front of them.“What the…where are we…what..?” I stuttered in shock, utterly bewitched by the exquisite beauty all around me.Leaving my hand, Nicholus stepped in front of me and waved his arms in the air, “In between the stars, Belle Ame.”I turned around in a full circle. My hands flew to my mouth. He remembered. No, not only he remembered but he also somehow made my impossible wish come true. Happiness bloomed inside me at what he'd done for me.Feeling way above cloud nine, I screamed giddily and sprinted forward on the wooden b
Ember’s POV: As soon as our lips connected, something awakened deep inside me. The type of desire I'd never felt before. So raw, so unrefined that it shook me to the core. Electricity zinged through my veins and tingles flared all over my skin. I was so shocked by the sensations I was feeling.Heat pooled between my legs as I deepened the kiss but then, all of a sudden, I realized that Nicholus was standing still.Panic swelled inside me. Was it one-sided? Did I misread his eyes? Was I moving too fast? Feeling like he wasn't really into it, I broke the kiss and pulled my head away. Nibbling my bottom lip nervously, I was just about to step away from him to compose myself when a sudden gasp escaped my throat. Before I could take any step away from him, his hand on my cheek swiftly slid to the back of my head. His touch was no longer gentle as he grabbed the back of my head tightly and held me firmly in place. Everything happened so fast that I didn't dare move as his other gripped
Ember's POV: The next morning, I had just finished breakfast when I heard a light knock on the door. After a moment, it slid open and Nicholus walked inside. My heartbeat instantly turned erratic as soon as my eyes landed on him. He looked exquisitely handsome in a crisp white dress shirt and black coat on top of it. I held my breath while he took quick strides in my direction and stopped in front of me, "Hi, good morning," he greeted gently. The moments of last night flashed in my mind, making me go all giddy on the inside. My cheeks tinted at the memory of our passionate kiss. I had expected to be shy in front of him but I was only getting bolder as his eyes roamed all over my body, drinking me, taking me in. "Good Morning," I smiled at him. He took a step closer to me and rushed out nervously, "Ok, so last night..." "Hmm-mmm, what happened last night?" my smile turned flirtatious. All of a sudden, a shocking gasp escaped my throat as he lunged forward, snaked his hand aroun
Ember’s POV:Nicholus stayed in the closet room, breathing down my neck, urging me to hurry up. He didn’t even tell me where we were going or what I should pack accordingly.Standing over the small suitcase, I tossed in sweatshirts, a cardigan, and jeans. Making a quick detour to the washroom, I grabbed a handful of toiletries, dumped them in the bag, and zipped it.As soon as I was done, Nicholus grabbed the bag and announced that it was time to get going.Jogging out of the castle, he handed the bag to the driver waiting outside the car. As the driver placed the bag in the trunk, Nicholus asked him to give him the keys.Settling inside the car, I asked him out of curiosity, “Why didn’t you let the driver drive?”Revving up the engine, he stated firmly, “Because, from this moment, I don’t want any third person with us for the next two days.”As he raced the car out of the gates, I watched the castle receding in the side mirror. My stomach was knotted with anticipation for the next two
Ember’s POV:I was stunned into silence after hearing those words from him. What was happening to me?My body should have jerked into motion, jumped with excitement, do a happy little dance but what was happening to me was beyond my understanding.My body felt numb, my eyes were opened widely, my stomach was coiled into a tight knot, blood whooshed in my ears, my mind was processing a million thoughts all at once, and my heart…my heart was pulsating so thunderously that I feared it might burst out of my chest any moment now.Nicholus kept staring at me with nervous eyes for a few moments, waiting for my reaction. When a few minutes passed and I kept standing there cluelessly, I saw hurt flashing in his for a brief moment.A sad smile appeared on his lips and he moved his hand to the back of my head. Nudging my head forward, he pressed my forehead against his chest.Rubbing the back of my head gently, he whispered in my ear, “It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything if you don’t feel
Ember's POV:His eyes glazed over with hunger as they roamed down my neck. The very next moment, my grip on the counter tightened as he dipped his head and his lips attacked my jaw.I sucked in a sharp breath as his tongue, warm and slippery, wiped over my skin, licking off the chocolate batter.My breathing grew heavier and my heartbeat turned erratic as his tongue trailed down to my neck. Heat pooled between my legs as he nibbled and sucked the sensitive skin there.His movements were nothing sweet and gentle as he ate me up like his favorite candy. Today, my mate was all about rough and passionate. And weirdly, I was all in it to see that side of his.I was panting heavily as he moved to the spot where his mate mark was supposed to be. A shiver ran down my spine and I clamped my eyes shut. I let him be because I knew I'd accept the bond if he were to mark me right then and there.He stayed there for a while and grazed the spot with his teeth. A low growl reverberated deep in his ch
Nicholus's POV: My eyes snapped open sharp at 5 am. After decades of this routine, I no longer needed an alarm to wake me up. My hand moved to my neck to scratch it. Even though I was shirtless I was still feeling hot and itchy due to the heater producing blazing heat at full speed. I rolled over with a heavy groan and suddenly went still as soon as my eyes landed on the most beautiful woman lying beside me on the bed. And just like that, I no longer complained about the heat and sweat beads lining my forehead as I watched her sleeping soundly. She was warm and content, I couldn't ask for more. She was lying on her stomach with her face on the other side. The comforter was down to her waist, exposing the milky white back to me. Brown locks of her hair were draped around her body and some were on her back too. The memory of my fingers tangled around those thick hair flooded my mind. I loved tugging them backward to have more access to her irresistible body while making love to her.
Ember's POV:Darius stayed by my side as we took a quick tour of the packhouse before settling in the living room. After a few minutes of talking about random things, a maid strolled inside with a rolling tray laden with a kettle, cups, and all sorts of desserts.“Aw, Carolina, you didn’t have to do so much. Only tea would have been enough,” I said with awe.She shook her head, “You requested us not to arrange for the lunch. Even though we wanted to but we decided to respect your request. So, please enjoy the tea.”Pouring the tea in the cup, the maid placed it on the table in front of me before picking a plate, “What desserts you want me to serve you, Your Highness?”Sliding forward, I grabbed the plate from her hand and smiled up at her, “It’s okay, dear. I’ll serve myself.”She went still for a moment before finally straightening up, “Sure, Your Highness.”My mouth watered as I greedily eyed all the pastries, donuts, custard pies, and fruit tarts. I was about to pick the chocolate
Ember’s POV:As soon as I stepped out of the castle, I came to a sudden halt while gasping aloud.With wide eyes and a shocking voice, I screeched, “What the hell is happening here?” while pointing at dozens of black SUVs parked outside with almost half of the North army standing guard beside them, ready to hop in at their Alpha’s command.Nicholus raised his eyebrow as if there was nothing ridiculous going on, “I only agreed to this plan of yours because you agreed to go with high security, remember?”I sucked in a sharp breath, “I definitely didn’t think you were talking about this ‘high security,’” I groaned while waving my hand toward the guards.Nicholus took a deep breath and twisted his neck, “You refused to take me along with you. If I’m not going, then they’d all go instead.”I rubbed the back of my neck, already tired of discussing the matter for infinite times, and gritted out through clenched teeth, “In case you forgot, let me remind you again of the purpose of my visit. I
Ember's POV: The next morning, I woke up with Nicholus's arm wrapped around me. As I tried to wriggle out of his hold, he squirmed in his sleep and tightened his hold, "Mmhmm, where are you going?" I glanced over my shoulder at his adorable, groggy eyes he was squinting at me with. "I have to go," I replied. He groaned, unhappy with the answer, "No, don't go anywhere. Just stay here and give me morning cuddles."At that, I burst out laughing loudly, "People would call me crazy if I'd ever tell them that the ruthless alpha of the North just said those cheesy words to me."Moving his hand to my bottom, he spanked my ass playfully, "You naughty, little princess, why would you tell anyone about what happens in our bedroom?"I giggled under my breath, "Good thing that the room is soundproof or otherwise I wouldn't need to 'tell' them about what exactly happens in our bedroom."Snuggling closer, he licked my earlobe and whispered roughly, "Yeah, because your loud screams and hot moans wou
Ember's POV:Knowing that I had a long day ahead, I hit the bed earlier than usual. I just wanted to restore my energy to appear fresh and energetic while making my first public appearance.But despite everything from lighting the candles with soothing aromas to drinking the herbal tea, I was unable to find sleep. Hours passed and I still found myself tossing and turning on the bed as restlessness zinged inside me.There was a ball of nervousness inflating inside my belly as I thought about tomorrow. Even though after careful consideration, we've shortlisted the smallest and most welcoming pack for our first visit I just couldn't help thinking about the worst outcome.I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard the door creaking open. I glanced over my shoulder to find Nicholus closing the door behind him.As he turned around, a slight frown appeared between his brows, "Why are you still up? Is everything okay?" I caught a hint of worry in his voice as his eyes roamed over all over
Ember's POV:The next day after breakfast, we all gathered in the conference room to discuss the plan and schedule of coming days.I was sitting on a chair next to Nicholus's head chair with a file of pack names and descriptions opened in front of me.Darius, who was sitting accross from me, inquired curiously, "So, what pack are we going to visit first?"My eyes scanned the contents of the file while my mind was busy making a strategy.Just when I opened my mouth to answer him, a breath got stuck in my lungs. I felt electricity rushing through my veins as Nicholus sprawled his hand over my thigh.Slowly, I clamped my mouth shut and swallowed hard as his thumb stroked my thigh. Why a mere movement felt so damn sensual was beyond my understanding.Darius who was still waiting for an answer raised his eyebrow, "Well?"I swallowed again and huffed out a huge breath, "First, we'll..."Once again, my mouth clamped shut as Nicholus's hand started moving up my thigh, letting tingles break al
Ember's POV:Tears were already brimming my eyes when I reached the door. My insides were swelling with so much rage that I had no idea how to keep them inside anymore. Without sparing a glance over my shoulder at my sobbing mother, I threw the door open and stormed outside only to come to a sudden halt when I spotted Nicholus leaning against the wall.As soon as he saw me, he straightened abruptly. His eyes roamed all over my red, angry face before settling on my eyes crested with tears.I was on the verge of crying but I didn't want to do that in front of him. I didn't want him to perceive his mate as weak and vulnerable who didn't know how to handle a situation or navigate her feelings.His jaw clenched tightly at seeing me in that state. I jerked my face to the other side, unsure of when these traitors of tears would decide to betray me.Nicholus took a quick step toward me but before he could take another, I raised my palm in the air and choked through the lump in my throat, "Don
Ember's POV: Unable to look at her being hurt by my words, I averted my gaze, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude." I took a deep breath and willed myself to calm down and think rationally. Pulling her hand away from my face, she fumbled her fingers together, "Never apologize for speaking your mind." That coming from her made so much sense. That actually made me realize that my mother wasn't some weak woman, indeed. For years, she faced Father's oppression and finally, did find a way out of his clutches. Father had often reprimanded me for having too many opinions or always speaking my mind. He perceived my fierce personality as a sign of arrogance. But hearing these words from my mother made me wonder whether I got this fierceness from her. Moving my gaze to the couch, I waved at it, "Let's have a seat." I waited for her to start moving and then followed her to the couch. As she sat down, I followed the suit and sat on the couch adjacent to hers. She was still fumbling with
Ember's POV:With my heart stuck in my throat and gaze on the floor, I stepped inside the Guest Hall where she awaited me.She? Who? Even in my mind, I couldn’t bring myself to give her any title. And that got me wondering what was I actually supposed to call her. Mom? Mummy? That would sound so weird. It wasn't like we had some deep bond of love between us. Alas, it would have been if she hadn't left me.Mother, maybe? Like Father. I never called him dad or daddy because I never felt like that. Pain shot through me as I suddenly realized this lady standing in front of me was even more of a stranger than I considered my Father to be.At least, he stayed with me despite everything. Even though deep in his heart, there was hatred for me but still, he never left me. I don’t care whether that was because I was his only heir or what, he did remain with me, and brought me up. Even though he couldn’t give me his love, he did give me all the facilities one could ask for. And still, despite al
Ember’s POV:Today was the D-Day. And that fact was hanging over my head since the moment my body recovered from the hard-core orgasms my mate had bestowed me with all morning.Nicholus had offered to stay with me but I didn't want him to stop everything and babysit me while I fretted over meeting my mother for the very first time.To calm my jittery nerves, I decided to go for a long and hot shower. The maid even lit up some candles with soothing aroma but unfortunately, even after half an hour of leisuring in the bathtub, my mind was still stuck on my mother.With a ball of anxiety rotating in my stomach, I let out a loud sigh and hopped out of the bathtub. Wrapping the bathrobe around me, I strode out of the bathroom.While making my way toward the closet, I heard a knock on the door. Halting, I turned toward it and hollered at whoever was on the other side to come in.I watched as the door slid open and a maid stepped inside. Bowing at her waist, she started speaking politely, "Go