THE FORBIDDEN DESIRE

Weeks went by, and I obeyed every instruction I was given. I did everything possible to avoid crossing the Alpha’s path or ending up on his bad side. The maidens were surprised I had lasted this long—they kept asking for my secret, wondering how I was still alive. I only smiled. They had no clue that every single day, I fought a battle within my head, body, mind, and soul whenever it was time to clean the Alpha’s chambers. They didn’t know I had already mastered the exact moment he left his room and when he returned.

Everything went smoothly for me, as long as I followed my schedule. Until one day, it didn’t.

One cold morning after a full moon, heavy rain poured down. I forced myself to work even though I was unusually exhausted. I hadn’t shifted, yet my body felt weak and lazy—and that was how I lost track of time.

I entered King Benjamin’s room to clean as usual, but halfway through, he suddenly stepped out of the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his waist. A sharp scream tore out of my throat as I spun around and dropped to my knees, begging for my life.

“I’m sorry, sir. I’m so sorry,” I cried, rubbing my hands together anxiously. My heart hammered against my ribs, and sweat streamed down my forehead, dampening the sides of my ear.

“Get up,” he ordered, his voice deep and commanding.

I obeyed instantly, still facing away from him. I tried to leave without looking in his direction, but he moved swiftly, blocking the doorway.

Fear shot through me. Who would have thought that the last thing I'd be seeing before I die was king Benjamin's body—yet there it was. His carved abs made my fingers itch to touch them. His muscles practically called my name, pulling my gaze to him even when I tried to look away. My eyes refused to obey me; they clung to him uncontrollably.

He snapped his fingers, jolting me back.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

This time, my gaze sharpened without me realizing it. I didn’t even know what to say. My whole body trembled—and it was painfully obvious.

“I’m sorry, sir. I lost track of time,” I whispered, apologizing again.

“Right,” he said quietly, almost amused. “And here you are. So you’ve been timing my movements and cleaning my room only when I’m gone?” He stepped closer. “I always wondered how you disappeared so perfectly. No one leaves the walls of my palace without my knowledge.”

“I was warned never to cross your path, sir,” I replied quickly. Then, panic took over and I dropped to my knees once more. “I swear, sir, this will never happen again.”

I bowed my head low, shaking and crying uncontrollably.

He bent down, placed his right hand on my jaw and raised my face up. "Is that how you get out of trouble? Falling hard on your knees and begging for your life like you did the other night?" He asked.

I couldn't afford not to look at him straight in his eyes because he held my face up, and I couldn't close my eyes either. I was only able to juggle my eyes from corner to corner to avoid direct contact with him.

“Look at me,” he said softly, his voice calm yet dangerously romantic.

“I’m… I’m so sorry,” I whispered again, completely speechless. My heart pounded wildly as I stared up at him.

He rose to his feet, the towel still wrapped around his waist. “Stand up,” he commanded.

I obeyed instantly, trembling like someone dangling from a rope.

“Come closer,” he ordered.

I froze for a moment, tears slipping down my cheeks, terrified he might hurt me.

“Come closer,” he repeated, this time more firmly.

Gathering myself, I stepped toward him, counting each slow, shaky step.

Before I could understand what was happening, his hands closed firmly around my waist. Struggling to steady myself, my palms landed awkwardly against his chest. Then his other hand slid around my waist, settling just above my butt. I stared up at him, tears shimmering in my eyes. He cupped my cheek gently—and then he kissed me.

My mind spun with impossible thoughts. I had just kissed an Alpha. Fearless King Benjamin. I froze, every part of me going numb as the reality of what had happened washed over me.

My breath caught in my throat as he pulled away, just enough to look into my eyes. His thumb brushed my cheek, wiping a stray tear I didn’t even realize had fallen.

“Why are you trembling?” he asked softly, though his voice carried the weight of a man who always got answers.

“I…” The word stuck in my throat. My lips still tingled from his kiss, and my legs felt too weak to hold me.

He leaned in again, his forehead resting against mine. “You think I’m going to hurt you?” he whispered.

I swallowed hard, unable to lie. “I don’t know what to think anymore.”

His hands tightened on my waist, not painfully—just enough to make sure I didn’t slip away. His warmth seeped into me, melting the fear I had carried for so long.

“I don’t kill those who interest me,” he said, voice deep, low, and unsettlingly gentle. “And you…” His eyes trailed slowly down my face to my lips before returning to mine. “You intrigue me.”

My heart slammed against my ribs. I didn’t know if it was fear, confusion, or the strange pull he seemed to have over my body. I continued the struggle of freeing myself from his grip, but it seemed abortive.

“Alpha Benjamin…” I whispered, my voice trembling and unsteady. “Please… let me go.”

“Why?” he demanded, fury burning in his eyes as he released me. “What have you heard about me that makes it so hard for you to even look at me?”

“Nothing—”

“That’s a lie,” he thundered, the force of his voice making me shudder. For a moment, I considered falling to my knees again in apology, but I’d already learned he despised that. My gaze stayed locked on the floor; I couldn’t bring myself to face him. Maybe I shouldn’t have pushed him away. Maybe I misunderstood everything.

But what did he want from me? From the way he had just held me… from the heat in his eyes… it almost felt like he wanted me as something forbidden. His mistress. And that was impossible—he already had a Luna, a woman destined for him. I could never compete with her.

Besides, his parents killed my family. I should be plotting revenge, not… kissing an Alpha King. How was I ever supposed to take vengeance on someone like him?

Still frozen in my confusion, I finally forced myself to look at him. His anger, his hurt—it twisted something inside me. Without thinking, driven by something I couldn't explain, I leaned forward, grasped his arms… and pressed my lips to his, while waiting for the worst to happen.