Chapter 17

Cora sighed as he removed the blankets and lifted her out of the bed. Cradling her in his arms, he held her close. He began to whisper in her ear and he snuggled her.

She was so surprised that she didn't even struggle in his strong arms. Tingles shot through her body. The mate bond was working its magic as he held her. She knew that he understood that mate bond more than he let on.

Cassiopeia was enjoying every moment of this and she could hear her purring in the back of her mind. The sound annoyed her at first.

She didn't want a mate. At least she didn't up until now. It seemed that the moon goddess had other ideas and she was making them known. Alyssa had her life planned before she was kidnapped and brought to the castle. She was going to help her father strengthen the pace and expand it. She wanted to be his second in command.

She almost was.

Now, everything had changed and she was so confused. Xander's arrival didn't help matters. It confused her even more. Still, she remaine