“Lorenzo, perhaps we should move this conversation somewhere private.” Everyone … Literally everyone was staring at us now, and I was beginning to feel as if both of them need to be properly put in their place! “She was the one going around publicly trying to humiliate me, and I haven’t just heard this from you, Ariana. Two other people mentioned it to me tonight.” I sighed, knowing there was no way I was going to save this woman from further humiliation. If I wasn’t the only one hearing her gossip … She had made her rounds all right … I took a step back, but thankfully, I could feel that Lorenzo had at least calmed down a little. “Take your wife home!” Lorenzo growled at the woman’s husband. “And I expect to see both of you in my office first thing in the morning!” The man nodded and as they left the ballroom, I could see he was furious hissing at his wife. Dammit. I really didn’t mean for this to happen, but what else was I going to do? I couldn’t very well lie to Lorenzo when he a
OUR SECOND DATE was an even bigger adventure than the first. We were going to help the pixies as they prepared to clear out places for the new homes. Lorenzo was close to finalizing the last part of the law and he would be announcing that the slaves were being freed the following week.I had no idea what excited me more. Seeing my people free or the fact that once that was done, I was free and Lorenzo and I could actually get engaged. I hadn’t said anything about that last part, but I was secretly hoping he would get around to asking me once the slaves were officially freed.Another thing I noticed was that the people in the castle were gossiping a lot less after we banned our friends from a couple of social events. We were basically in the height of the social season and all the events at the moment were in Lorenzo's and my honour, so if they got banned as she did … They would miss out on the most important events of their lives.Word had spread that I was getting ready to choose lad
THAT EMBER THAT SPARKED didn’t seem to want to die down and the next morning, as I walked into the dining room, it seemed to light up like a bonfire at the sight of Lorenzo. An ache started to form down there and it was frustrating since it felt as though I had peed my damn pants!I knew exactly what it was. Some of the slaves talked about it over the years and some seemed to enjoy whatever they did with a male to relieve that pain, while others seemed to hate it and said that it hurt. What I’ve also heard is that when you are wet, it doesn’t hurt, but when you aren’t …“Ariana?” My eyes snapped up to find everyone staring at me. “Are you alright?” The queen looked worried and I frowned.“Yes, I’m fine, Your Highness. I’m just incredibly hot. Is anyone else hot?” I tried to cool myself with a napkin, but what was really happening registered a split-second later when Lorenzo’s growl echoed throughout the room and he moved incredibly fast, pulling me into his arms. His canines were just
There had to be a way to ease her pain. It was almost as if being there with her and watching her going through this was even worse than not being there.“Mother, what can I do?” I had never felt this helpless in my entire life. Not even when she was captured by Emanuel.“Well,” My mother sighed, raising a brow before leaning in a little closer. “You can try and satisfy her a little.” She hesitated and my mother’s cheeks turned bright red. “You can’t go all the way because then you won’t be able to stop,” Her lips turned into that thin disapproving line she always had whenever I was being a naughty child. “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how to satisfy a woman without …” She waved her hands around my crotch area and this time I felt my cheeks turn bright red.I got the gist of what she was saying and before I could say more, she instructed the female guard to leave us alone. As she was about to close the door, she turned back around and glared at me.“Remember, son. If you mark her
Ariana“YOU WHAT?!” Lorenzo’s mother reacted the way I was just about to. I knew exactly what happened between me and Lorenzo while I was going through my heat and just thinking about it made me damn well blush like an innocent girl, but what he was asking was a little bit more than what I wanted right now!“I want you to arrange the wedding as soon as possible.” We were all sitting around the breakfast table staring at him while he stuffed his pretty face!“But you haven’t even gotten engaged yet!” His mother exclaimed, making me choke on my toast! All eyes turned to me as I put the piece of toast down and took a sip of tea.“Lorenzo, I’m not ready to get married yet.” A soft growl escaped his lips and a deep frown formed on his face. “Just hear me out before you go all Neanderthal and bump me over my head.” I could actually imagine him doing that! “We still have things to do before we can move to the next step and I’m not talking about us. You have to declare the slaves free and bef
IT HAD BEEN A NIGHTMARE to arrange the extra things now that the next ball was going to be our engagement ball, but everything was done, and as Lesley made sure my new girl got me dressed correctly, I thought back to when Ella was getting ready for her engagement ball and I could understand why she was so nervous.The first slaves had been set free and had moved into their homes, and I was one of the slaves that had been declared free, which meant nothing stood in our way of getting married. Nothing but the fact that I still felt as if something was holding me back. I couldn’t explain it. I loved Lorenzo. We discussed why he rejected me at length and I understood that he didn’t do it because he didn’t want me. I couldn’t exactly put my finger on it, but I wasn’t ready to take that final step.At least the engagement ball was enough to placate him at the moment, and it gave me some time to figure out what I was feeling. My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door and as Lesley
AFTER THE BALL, we went to Lorenzo’s office and we were joined by the priest, his parents, and two other witnesses. Lorenzo’s mother suggested we do things this way, in the hopes that it would be less intimate and we wouldn’t try to push things further. I felt the nausea push up because I was so nervous, but when Lorenzo pulled me into his arms, my entire body relaxed.“Just keep your eyes on me,” Lorenzo whispered as I tried to swallow, but my throat had suddenly gone completely dry! I nodded and heard the priest talking, but I was so focused on Lorenzo that his mother had to remind me I had to answer the question!“Ariana, are you here willingly and do you willingly agree to be marked?” The priest asked again and I swallowed before nodding. “I’m afraid I need you to use the word.” He leaned forward as if he was trying to whisper.“Yes.” My breath caught in the back of my throat as I looked at the priest, but I instantly returned my attention to Lorenzo. I searched his eyes for that
IT FELT STRANGE, talking to people, and walking down the passages knowing what I did. It felt as if they could tell what I did, but I knew Lesley made sure you couldn’t smell it on me. When Lorenzo put his hand on my back at breakfast, I jumped and he frowned.I quickly explained it away by saying I had a nightmare, but he frowned. I could see he wasn’t believing me, but it wasn’t the right time to tell my fiancé that I played with myself! I breathed deeply and smiled before telling Lorenzo that everything was okay, and he didn’t have to worry. All through breakfast, I had to fight the urge to think about it. I knew that once I did, everyone would be able to smell my arousal.I couldn’t afford to distract Lorenzo today. Not today. Not on the day, he was finally going to set the slaves free. I could feel the energy buzzing in the castle after breakfast as we made our way out of the castle. The people were gathered on the lawn to our right and the slaves were chained up to our left. I f
IT FELT AS IF I BLINKED AGAIN and we were standing in the front of the chapel waiting for Liam’s beautiful mate to come down the aisle. We planned their wedding in record time because there was no way those two would be able to hold out for much longer! The only reason we probably did was because Lorenzo rejected me, and I had a chaperone. I suggested it to Liam, and he nearly bit my head off!Besides, Lorenzo was already the king for a couple of years when we met, so the circumstances were different. Lorenzo slightly nudged me and I smiled at him. I found myself constantly trapped in memories over the past couple of weeks, but I just couldn’t help myself. The castle was filled with love and happiness, and I couldn’t help myself. My children’s lives have turned out so much better than I could ever have hoped for.They actually turned out far better than I ever prayed for. The bride walked down the aisle and she looked even prettier than she did at the last fitting. She curtsied in fro
ON THE NIGHT LIAM TURNED EIGHTEEN, I was standing in our room looking at myself in the mirror. I had the seamstress make me a dress similar to the red one since Lorenzo actually physically tore the old one from my body! Only this dress was a little more appropriate for the queen … For the last night, I would be walking into the ballroom as the queen.Our darling son didn’t just look like his father. He was a true carbon copy. He was kind and loving with a fire in his belly. He wanted to change the world and make things better for our kind and he loved visiting the pixies who simply loved him. Tradition dictated that Lorenzo hand over the title to Liam tonight in a small alpha-type ceremony.The big coronation was going to happen in a couple of weeks. At least the damn protocol allowed for a little time to just celebrate the fact that he was coming of age. I was sending up silent prayers all day that he would find his destined mate tonight. So, it could possibly complicate things, but
THE NEXT YEAR I STILL FELT STRESSED when the other kids had to go through their ceremonies, but it was a lot easier since they weren’t the future of our territory. Well, they were, but it wasn’t a make-or-break moment like it was with Liam.All our children found their wolves and it was part of the memories I would never forget. It was almost as beautiful as the days they were born. The children were growing and our pack was growing, and while I was sitting in the morning room with my ladies, Lorenzo showed up out of the blue.“I thought we could go for a walk.” He grinned and I knew my husband well enough. I was right because he had a basket waiting just outside the morning room. I laughed as we rushed down the hallway and breathed in the fresh morning air. Lorenzo pulled me into the maze in the garden and finally came to a halt right where we had one of our first dates. I loved that spot. He pulled out a blanket and nearly made me fall into his lap when he pulled me down with him.H
WE GOT THROUGH THE MEAL, and I mean literally just survived it with all the children. I breathed a sigh of relief as we stepped out onto the grass and I could feel the cool grass under my bare feet. Everyone was dressed casually so we could shift after Liam shifted.The moon was full and beautiful in the sky as Lorenzo made his speech. The bonfires were lit, and we started a countdown. The moon shone down on my beautiful boy as I sent up one last silent prayer. I know I’ve asked a lot of her during my life, but if she could just help me this once …“Three … Two … ONE!” We all shouted and everyone looked at Liam. When the first bone breaking echoed through the clearing, I realized that everyone had probably been holding their breaths! It was horrifying watching my son go through his first time, but it was an incredible relief as well. His wolf was gorgeous once he completely shifted.His pelt was a purist silk black colour just like his father's and he had a beautiful white spot on the
AS I EXPECTED, Lesley and her mate returned from their getaway with the news that they wanted a normal werewolf ceremony. I was a little sad to hear that they wanted to have it at his pack house, but I could understand why. He wanted to show off his Luna and it was going to be her new home.They invited us to their ceremony, which was a plus at least. After most of our guests left and the excitement of the entire thing was over, I had some news for Lorenzo and, this time, it was huge! I couldn’t believe it myself when the doctor told me, but it happened! Lorenzo was sitting on the couch in the library and I curled up next to him while the kids played on the floor with the nanny.“Since there is no reason to give you a gift this time, I thought I would just tell you.” I felt so damn nervous! Why was I so nervous?!“Okay …” I could hear the frown in his voice and I laughed nervously.“Well, I don’t know how it happened so fast, but I’m pregnant!” Our baby girl was barely a couple of wee
ON THE NIGHT OF LESLEY’S COMING OUT BALL, the two of us got ready together and when Lesley walked out from behind the dressing divider, I gasped. I had seen her dress at every fitting, but seeing it on her with her hair done and her make-up, she looked stunning.Lorenzo arrived and we went downstairs. When Lesley walked into the ballroom to be presented in front of us, the old queen looked so proud. It was a great moment for all of us. As if a circle had just been completed. I could feel the excitement in the room and all the single male eyes looked at Lesley as if she was the best dessert they could ever have!In the corner of the room, I couldn’t help but notice the guard she had been seeing before all of this, and I swore at myself for not thinking of making sure that he wouldn’t be there. But as I looked at Lesley laughing at something one of the males said to her, I knew it didn’t matter. The champagne was flowing and people were dancing and having fun.At the end of the night, i
THE WAR DIDN’T LAST LONG if you could even call it that. The rogues attacked our borders a couple of times, but they never broke through. It was sad to think that it happened on the day of Rebecca’s birth, but thankfully, it all worked out.Peace reigned … Or so I thought. Things had just turned back to normal around the castle when Lesley walked into our room with red tear-stained eyes. I had to drag it out of her, but she finally told me that the guard had found his destined mate. My heart ached for the pain she so clearly felt. He might not have been her destined mate, but she clearly cared for him.“Lesley, why don’t you let us have a proper coming-out party for you?” Okay, so I sounded like the old queen, but I didn’t care. I wanted to see her happy. She had given so much and cared so much for me over the past couple of years that I felt she deserved to be happy. Lesley sighed and wiped the tears from her eyes. I couldn’t believe it when she actually agreed!Jumping for joy as so
LIAM’S FIRST BIRTHDAY was the best day of my life. Okay, well, one of the best. We had gotten him this far. We survived the first year, and more importantly, he survived the first year with us. If it wasn’t for the entire village of people helping, I would probably have done something to make it all go wrong.Two more ladies-in-waiting had been married by this time and it was incredible to see them with their destined mates. Leila was pregnant, but since they were lower-ranked wolves, her pregnancy would last a little longer than mine did.People came from all over the kingdom to celebrate with us. There were balloons and streamers and flowers everywhere. The food ranged from snacks for the children to all sorts of finger foods for the grown-ups and people were laughing. The entire lawn was covered with people who were all there to celebrate.Liam looked like a carbon copy of his father, but he had my eyes. He was a good little boy and I loved him more than life itself. My boys … But
I was a shifter dammit! Of course, my body would accommodate the birth of my son, but I was in so much pain that my brain seemed to short out and I couldn’t think straight. I understood why some women only had one child because this was just the worst pain I had ever gone through. Pushing and screaming and sweating like a pig! It wasn’t beautiful! It was the most horrifying moment of my entire life!“Okay, Your Majesty, one last big push.” The doctor sounded as though he was smiling, but I didn’t give a damn! I was tired, and every muscle in my body ached, not to mention what was going on down there! I begged Lorenzo to stop this madness. I couldn’t push anymore. Lorenzo climbed onto the bed behind me and I felt some relief as he whispered in my ear.“Just one more push baby and I promise it will all be over.” He sounded just as frustrated as I felt.“YOU’RE NOT THE ONE PUSHING!” I growled as another contraction hit and I had no alternative but to do as they asked. Falling back onto L