Chapter 8: Feral Temptations

Alexander’s POV

I was the last to enter the dining hall.

The room glowed under the soft shimmer of golden chandeliers, the walls draped with delicate floral garlands that filled the air with a faint, sweet fragrance. At the head of the long table sat King Cassius and Queen Veronica, with Prince Valen and his wife Elena beside them. My seat was between Mira and my Beta, James. Across from us, Dorrin leaned close to Marina, their loud laughter echoing through the hall.

And then there was Liora.

Dressed in deep plum that clung to every curve, she sat a few places away. Her violet eyes were unreadable,shining bright in the candlelight, while her long black hair shimmered like silk with every tilt of her head. She looked dangerously alluring, and she knew it.

The Queen’s voice cut through the chatter about Mira’s upcoming birthday ball.

“Tonight’s dinner”, she explained, “is intentionally small, just the younger generation, to help us bond as future allies.”

“To show off our hospitality and get better acquainted with our new family members, why don’t we organize a small tour outside the palace tomorrow?” Marina suggested enthusiastically.

“Excellent idea,” I said smoothly, offering her a polite smile before glancing at Liora. She gave a subtle nod, the kind that told me this plan could serve more than one purpose. “We’ve seen the palace, but I’d love to see the kingdom beyond its walls.”

“I’ll definitely be shopping for new dresses and jewelry,” Elena sighed dramatically, tossing her hair.

“This, you will certainly do,” Mira muttered under her breath, quietly, but I caught the remark and fought back a grin.

Marina continued, undeterred. “Let’s take the carriages early. We’ll start with breakfast in the market, try some local delights, and then explore.”

Dorrin’s sharp turquoise eyes shifted to me. “I hear you’re quite skilled with a sword. Perhaps we arrange a little match?”

A slow smirk curved my lips. “I’d be delighted. Let’s add it to the list.”

Laughter rippled through the table, ideas tumbling forth. For a while, the mood was light and carefree. But every time I looked at Mira,I felt a tightening in my chest. I was losing the control I had sworn to keep.

After dinner, I offered Mira my arm, and walked her to her chambers.

At her door, the corridor was still and quiet, lit only by the flickering lanterns against the cold stone walls. I reached out, brushing a loose strand of her golden curls from her face, my fingers lingering longer than I should. Her amber eyes rose to meet mine, and for that moment, I forgot everything—the prophecy, my sick father, the reason I had come here.

The way she looked at me, her gaze full of adoration and hope, made me want to taste her lips, to feel her melt into me, to know what it would be like if I stopped lying to myself and claimed her as mine.

I leaned down, pressing my lips to hers. The kiss was soft, more promise than passion, but it was enough to set my blood alight. I could feel the warmth of her breath, the faint sound of her heartbeat. When we parted, I rested my forehead against hers, saying nothing. We didn’t need words.

But I felt it then—the prickling at the back of my neck. Someone was watching.

Back in my chambers, I exhaled sharply. My chest felt tight, guilt and desire tangling like chains around my ribs. Mira was getting under my skin, and it was dangerous. I couldn’t let it happen. She was supposed to be a mission, not a weakness.

Liora was already waiting, leaning against the table with a sly smile on her plum lips.

“Tomorrow is perfect,” she said, her voice low and mysterious. “We can trigger her power. With so many people she cares about around her, it’ll be easier to manipulate. I also want to test a theory in the morning.”

I didn’t want to talk. I didn’t want to think. All I could see in my mind was Mira’s face, her smile, her kiss. It was disturbing. I needed to burn it out of me, to forget, even if only for a moment.

“Great,” I muttered, my voice hollow.

In a blink, I had Liora pinned against the wall.

My breath scorched her throat as my claws tore her dress.

I claimed her lips, my hands gripping her hips with unrestrained hunger. There was no tenderness, only raw, consuming need. I spun her, bending her forward and she her hands rested against the stone wall for balance, soft moan escaped her lips.

I pulled down her underwear, my fingers circling her clit before sliding inside, pumping hard and fast. Her slick heat fueled me, her arousal scent filling the air, intoxicating.

“So wet already,” I growled, biting her shoulder as I thrust into her in one swift  motion. My hips moved faster, harder, my grip tightening as I moved with breathtaking pace.

“So fucking good… don’t stop,” Liora moaned.

It was fast. Feral. A collision of power and defiance.

I growled as release tore through me, my body tense and shuddering, but even in that moment, a sharp thought cut through me, I hated that I still thought of Mira. Even here. Even now.

I could not imagine that at the same time while I was drawing in pleasure, in her chambers, Mira twisted in her sleep, caught in the same dream—running through darkness, frantic and breathless, searching for a glimmer of light. The nightmare was hunting her, refusing to let go until the first light of morning broke.