I have no idea what to do about Samuel. Knowing that he still loves me does give me hope and happiness, but on the other hand, he remains unobtainable while he is mated to Leah and I am in the King’s harem. I do find peace in knowing that our past is restored at the very least. Samuel hadn’t given
Leah and Gwen continue to bond, sharing insults about me. When Leah starts to tell Gwen the story of my disgrace, I immediately check out and walk away. I’m no longer hungry, but I don’t want to waste the food I’ve already taken. Finding a spot at the empty table, I slowly and mindlessly start to
“About what?” I ask, feigning innocence, as I keep my eye on the room full of Alphas at Samuel’s back. Now is the worst possible time to try to have a private conversation. Even talking to me at all puts Samuel at risk. And me, too, if Caleb believes we are somehow plotting against him. Yet, bef
Gwen’s face scrunches up like I slapped her. Good. She deserves that and worse for trying to blame me for what happened to me. She should face turmoil over the fact that Caleb and I had been together even before I was in the harem. The reasoning is messy. I still think I was drugged that night, th
“I don’t care when that happens,” I tell her. “I’ll be glad when it does.” It feels like a lie, deep in my chest. But it shouldn’t. If the King were to finally leave me in peace, I would be glad. At least, I should be glad. “Someday he’ll replace the entire harem,” Leah says. “When he finally ta
Caleb’s arms greedily wrap around me, dragging me closer to him, right up, hard to his chest. I grab at his shoulders at first, trying to regain some balance. Holding me as he is, though, I have little need for it. So I give up and bury my fingers into his hair instead, urging him on as he licks p
Breathing heavy, he looks deep into my eyes and I into his. I wanted it to be good for him. With the distant look in his eyes, I feel proud, like I did a good job. Also, he came inside of me… He’s never done that before. Well, except for perhaps that first night, but I don’t remember much from t
It makes no sense to me. Why would Caleb kill me for this? “You still don’t get it,” Bethany says. I shake my head, hopelessly lost. “King Caleb does not have children, nor does he want them with anyone other than his mate,” Bethany explains. “He uses his harem for sexual gratification but he
I want to continue my research into the woman in the picture with Evan, but Hector likely has the library watched now. After what happened last time, I’m not in any kind of mood to see him again, or be tossed around in another confrontation. Without those old newspaper resources, investigating is
“Caleb…” I begin, speaking softly. He hums, acknowledging he is listening. I’m nervous but determined. While I don’t wish to leave Caleb, I can’t stay here, pretending like everything is okay while he proceeds with his engagement. “You promised you would grant my request…” “Don’t ask again,”
“Perhaps you have forgotten, father, but I am the king of this kingdom now,” Caleb growls. “As such, I am the only one who can command or punish the members of my harem. Harper is not just a member, but my favored.” “She was looking up information about Evan, Caleb,” Hector replies, just as furiou
In the library, I manage to narrow down the dates to find Caleb’s coronation. Then, moving backwards, I try to discover the exact moment the news stopped talking about Evan, by searching for the first time that he’s mentioned. I find Prince Evan’s obituary, which sounds very by the business and no
Caleb once more sits on his throne in front of the Alpha Council, staring down at them in judgement and distrust. His earlier meeting with Harper had only helped him somewhat, but now that they were separated, Caleb’s dark thoughts were returning with a vengeance, somehow even worse than before. W
“Actually,” the guard begins, glancing between the two of us. “King Caleb has already given Harper permission to enter his chambers as she desires.” Annabelle’s entire face flashes bright red. I very nearly smirk with satisfaction, but I bite it back at the last minute. It wouldn’t do to be smug
Tristan’s eyes widen slightly. “Did he truly say that?” “I heard it,” Caleb snaps. He knows what Tristan is thinking. This could be the paranoia again, creating whispers where there were none. Maybe he had right to worry. Perhaps Caleb had imagined it. But what if he hadn’t? “Your brother’s
Caleb hates the Alpha Council, now more than ever before. The last time they convened, the entire capital had been besieged by bears after the betrayal of Caleb’s Gamma. This already painted the council in a negative light for Caleb, even though it had no real fault in what happened. Now however,
“I can’t?” Caleb steps around Leah, ignoring her and her pale face entirely to focus primarily on me. He leans close, danger in his eyes, jaw clenched, teeth grit together. “Do not ever tell me what I can and cannot do, consort. Or have you forgotten yourself?” Maybe I have. With everything Caleb