clatter of trays and the murmur of conversation providing the backdrop to their lunchtime rendezvous. Alarina dipped a fry into a dollop of ketchup as she leaned across the table, her eyes fixed on Ashley with an eager curiosity. “So, tell me about your first night in the royal house,” she prompted, her tone filled with anticipation.Ashley, lost in thought, absentmindedly twirled a strand of her hair around her finger. Memories of the previous evening flooded her mind, causing a soft smile to tug at the corners of her lips. “It was…” she began, her voice trailing off as she searched for the right words.Alarina arched an eyebrow, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes. “Oh, come on,” she teased, nudging Ashley playfully with her elbow. “Don’t leave me hanging. I want all the juicy details.”Ashley let out a soft sigh, her cheeks flushing pink at the memory. “Well, maybe it was…” she admitted, a shy smile tugging at her lips.Before she could elaborate further, their conversation was
As Ashley and Thalia descended, Ashley’s heart pounded with adrenaline, her instincts kicking in as she maneuvered through the air with precision. With a surge of determination, she increased her speed, reaching out to catch Thalia before they hit the ground.Time seemed to slow as Ashley’s arms enveloped Thalia, her grip firm yet gentle as she cushioned their descent. The impact sent a shockwave through her body, but Ashley remained focused, her priority ensuring Thalia’s safety above all else.As the dust settled around them, revealing Ashley cradling Thalia in her arms, the onlookers gasped in awe and disbelief. Thorian, his heart racing with fear, was the first to reach them, his concern etched into his features as he approached.“Are you okay, Ashley?” he asked, his voice filled with urgency as he surveyed her for any signs of injury. Ashley managed a weak smile, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she nodded in reassurance.Fenrisa and Thalassa arrived next, their expressions a
As the morning sun filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over the room, Ashley stirred from her slumber, her movements slow and languid as she stretched beneath the covers. With a soft yawn escaping her lips, she blinked her eyes open, adjusting to the gentle light that flooded the room.As her vision cleared, Ashley’s gaze fell upon Thorian, his form nestled beside her in peaceful repose. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she watched him sleep, his features softened by the morning light.But as she shifted beneath the blanket, the realization of their nakedness washed over her, sending a flush of warmth to her cheeks. Hastily pulling the covers closer to her body, she glanced down, a blush staining her cheeks as she took in the intimate scene.Gently tapping Thorian’s shoulder, she whispered his name, her voice soft and barely audible amidst the quiet of the morning.“Yes, darling,” Thorian groaned in response, his arms instinctively tightening around her as he
"Ashley," I heard my father's voice calling out my name.Before I could respond, the door to my room swung open, revealing my father standing there."Yes, father?" I turned to look at him, my silky hair falling over my face."You're not ready yet!" he yelled, but his outburst didn't faze me. I was used to his shouting."I'm almost done," I weakly uttered."We need to be quick; some important guests are in the living room, and you've been summoned," my father announced,he had a dull facial expression on."Okay, father... Wait, what?" I stood up, hastily pushing my hair behind my ear as soon as I realized what he said.I was confused as to why I was being summoned. Occasionally, my father's pack relatives would drop by to check on us, but they had never called me before.Normally, I'd run into them accidentally in the living room, and I'd be forced to say hello, even though I didn't care about any of them.Many pack members complained about my behavior and questioned if I was really a w
“I reject this proposal”I boldly stated, earning a gasp from the room.“What do you mean?”The woman asked with a confused look printed on her face.Everyone was shocked by my words,as they all paid each other glances before fixing their gazes on me.‘I couldn't care less because there was no way I was ever getting engaged to anyone. I mean, I'm just seventeen, for God's sake. I want to explore life first, go out with different boys, and have fun. Getting engaged to this mute freak sitting beside my father is out of the question’ I inwardly thought.The guy sitting beside my dad had an amused expression on his face and seemed to smirk like he was happy that I called off the engagement.Suddenly in a swift move the man flipped the table over, sending all the tasty treats flying across the room. Everyone stood up, surprised by his unexpected action"How dare she call off the engagement!" he yelled anger written all over his face,as his fangs started becoming visible which made me feel a
All eyes in the room were fixed on the guy whom I had assumed was mute and couldn't talk."What's wrong, son?" the woman asked, gently touching his hand."Yes, what is it?" The man sitting near the woman impatiently asked, giving him a stern look."What, uncle? I just want to talk to her for a minute," he replied coldly."I'm sorry, but uncle?" My thoughts slipped out, earning me a side glare from my father, telling me to be quiet."Yes, dear," his uncle gave me a warm smile that didn't feel entirely genuine.‘Calm down, Ashley. I know your imagination might have made him look bad, but don't let it cloud your judgment about him,’ my inner voice advised."So where is the lycan king?" I curiously questioned, ignoring my father's glares."He is dead," his mother replied sadly.Before I could speak again, my father's voice interrupted me."Ashley, be quiet, okay?" My father finally spoke, shooting me a stern glance, making me realize how awkward my question sounded."You see, my son is go
Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady myself despite the fear coursing through my veins. His red eyes were still fixed on me, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and curiosity about this mysterious prince."Reject the engagement," he repeated, his voice firm and unyielding."Why should I?" I managed to say, my voice trembling slightly. "Why should I do what you say?"A sinister smile spread across his face, revealing his sharp fangs. "Because I am the next lycan king, and what I say goes. You don't have a choice."His words should have angered me, but a strange feeling washed over me, a sense of submission I had never experienced before. I tried to shake it off, reminding myself of my own strength and independence."No, I won't just blindly accept what you want," I said defiantly, trying to regain some semblance of control.His eyes narrowed, and his claws dug into the wooden door behind me. "You dare defy me? I could crush you with a single thought."I swallowed hard
His intense gaze was fixed on me, making me feel like I was the crazy one for not remembering him after our little argument in my room."You're soon to be king," he said, flicking my head playfully."Argh!" I groaned, rubbing my head to soothe the pain.“What are you doing?" he asked, curious about my actions.I shrugged, trying to look for my father and uncle, but they had disappeared. Great, they left!The prince continued to stare at me oddly. "What?" I frowned, feeling a bit defensive."Why were you eavesdropping?" he questioned."None of your business," I retorted."Don't forget what I said before, turn down this engagement or else," he threatened, before walking away."Or else what, you..." I trailed off, relieved that he didn't respond. I didn't have the strength to confront him.Now, what should I do?‘That jerk wants me to call off the engagement for some mysterious reason, which I can't comprehend. Many people would kill to get engaged to me, so what's his deal? I can't imag