Julien was around the corner on the other side of the stairs when he heard Brock flirting with Lacey. His wolf growled inside, wanting to protect what was his. He was actually proud of Lacey for standing up to Brock like that and for turning him down, but Julien knew that he would probably have to have a talk with Brock before it was over. But if he wouldn't take no for an answer from Lacey, then he was going to take no for an answer from him. Julien headed toward the stairs and Brock jumped back, not expecting to see him. "I'm only going to say this once, so listen up," Julien said, his voice low. "Lacey is the future Alpha Mate... my mate... so leave her alone." He narrowed his eyes. "Trust me. You don't want to get on my bad side."Julien stared at him for a moment and then nodded once. "Good to know." Then he walked on, appearing to be unaffected. But Brock had been loyal to him for years and Julien wasn't going to throw that away just because Brock was being stupid. But he had be
Julien paced back and forth outside the ladies' room waiting for Lacey and growled at anyone who came near the door. Lacey had enough and didn't need any more problems tonight.Why on earth would Brock do such a thing? He had been loyal all these years, but when Lacey came to the castle, it was as if he had lost his mind. Julien guessed he had himself to blame for that.Julien had to admit that he hadn't treated Lacey with much respect since she arrived. Well, since they were pledged. He had been trying to figure everything out in his head but had left her to fend for herself against the pack. His pack. Now her pack. And he wasn't about to have his pack think it was okay to treat his future mate with disrespect. Julien knew he had a lot to sort out, but he vowed not to take it out on Lacey.In the past, he had many women and never gave it a second thought. But if he ever slept with Lacey, she would claim him, body and soul, whether intentionally or not. When he gave his heart, it would
Sunshine streamed in through the window the next morning, alerting Lacey to the start of a new day. Then her eyes popped open as the events of the night before came rushing into her head. Julien had actually been nice to her and had treated her with respect. And then, there was the kiss....As she closed her eyes, the events of the night before ran through her mind. Brock pinning her against the wall, Julien saving her, and then their lovely meal and evening together.Then she remembered him walking her to her door and then giving her the best kiss of her life. He was a respectable man, after all. She wondered if his respectful treatment of her would last. Bang! Bang! Bang! Someone was knocking on her door. She slowly slid out of bed and peered through the door. Julien was standing on the other side."Morning." One corner of his lips curled into a smile."Morning."Then he took her hands and lightly touched his lips to hers, awakening her wolf. "How did you sleep?" he asked, pulling
Lacey ran her hand over the fine fabrics of all the clothes in Amour as they walked past, admiring the sheen and softness of the materials. She had never had such clothes up close, let alone own them. While she was growing up, she was lucky to get her sister's hand-me-downs. Julien placed his hand on the small of her back, walking with her to the front desk. A well-dressed man approached with dark, short hair, a fashionable day-old beard, and was impeccably dressed. It was obvious that this man was a wolf-shifter, too."Master Grey," the man shook his hand, smiling. "It's good to see you again."Julien clasped the man's hand. "Hiro, the pleasure is mine."Hiro nodded. "And what brings you in today?"Julien smiled, wrapping his arm around Lacey. "This lovely lady is Princess Lacey Taregan, my pledge. Madame Pomeroy is creating a wardrobe for her; however, it's taking longer than expected." Then he turned to Lacey, "Lacey, this is Hiro Maximus, the manager of Aurora." "It's a pleasure
Julien took Lacey by the hand and led her to the edge of the cliff and sat down. She just stood there, looking at him. One corner of his lips curled into his sexy smile as he patted the soft grass beside him, raising an eyebrow. "Sit. I promise I won't bite."But her wolf wished he would. Lacey scoffed, unable to believe that her wolf had betrayed her that way. But she sat beside him and looked out over the horizon at the colorful mountains, illuminated in the bright sunshine. Even though it was getting cool out, it didn't bother Lacey. The weather never bothered her, ever since she turned. "It's gorgeous."Julien nodded. "Yes, it is." He looked out over the mountains, rising majestically in the horizon, green and lush. "I wish I could run free in the mountains forever.""Yes. Me, too." She thought for a moment and then asked, her voice low, "What did you want to tell me?"Julien sighed. "Do you remember in the limo when you asked what happened to me?" He cleared his throat. "What Scar
Lacey and Julien said nothing on the way back. But when the limo pulled up in front of the castle, she said, "Julien, thank you for the clothes."He nodded but wouldn't look at her."Look. About Scar—""We have nothing more to say on the subject," Julien cut her off and then walked purposefully into the castle. "Madame?"Lacey looked over and the driver was waiting for her. She nodded as she took his hand, letting him help her out. "Thank you." Then she turned back to face him. "Could you have my clothes brought to my room, please?"He nodded. "Yes. By all means."She walked up the five flights of stairs to her room alone. Lacey saw a few shifters along the way. They smiled but quickly averted their eyes until she passed. It was clear that Julien had made it known that she was off limits. It didn't matter that the only thing she wanted from everyone but him was friendship.When her clothes arrived, she spent the afternoon putting them away, glad that Julien had insisted on buying them
After dinner, Julien escorted Lacey up to her room and stopped at her door. "Lacey, I just wanted you to know that I will do as you asked." Julien let out a deep breath. This was hard for him. "I will speak with Scarlett." Lacey nodded. "Thank you.""So, you agree to start planning the wedding then?" Julien searched her eyes, seeking the truth.Lacey nodded as a slight blush colored her cheeks, looking into his eyes. "Yes, of course.""Come here." His lips descended upon hers and he laced his fingers through her hair behind her head, pulling her closer... and his wolf wanted more, having already claimed her as his. When Julien released her a moment mater, breathless, he whispered. "I'll see you tomorrow."Lacey nodded, but said nothing.As he walked away down the hallway, Julien wondered if Lacey felt it, too. Julien wasted no time. He needed to talk to Scarlett, and he had to do it now. It couldn't wait. He went to her bedroom and she wasn't there. So, he headed down the stairs and
Lacey had just gotten ready for bed and was about to settle in when she heard a knock on the door. When she opened it, Julien was standing there, looking sexy with his long, black hair falling over his shoulders, but with a sincere look colored his eyes. "May I come in?"This was a far cry from when she first arrived. Then, he would have burst through the door, whether she was ready or not. Now, he was showing her respect.Tonight, Julien stepped into the room and closed the door. Then he and looked into her eyes. "I want you to know that I spoke with Scarlett." He sighed. "Let's just say that she won't bother you anymore."Lacey nodded. She wasn't going to ask him if he spoke to Scar or what happened, but Lacey was sure that as far as Scar was concerned, it was far from over. But she appreciated Julien's gesture."Thank you." She folded her arms across her chest, uneasy with a man in her room alone."If you don't mind, I'd like to talk.""It's late—""This won't take long.""Okay...."