Damn I'm tripping

Lucia’s POV

The events of the night made it so uneasy for me to sleep, the more I tried, the more I failed miserably. I envisioned myself and what my life would probably turn into after I got married to him.

I mean, this is a man who divorced and dethroned two queens already. I ain't gonna be the third, No way!

Yeah, I know he saved me...

And I know he's handsome as hell.

A man like him is every woman's dream man.

I couldn’t stop thinking about his muscular body, light grey eyes, hair that always looks messy yet cute, his voice, his lips...

Damn! I'm tripping.

This is not happening! I couldn't have caught feelings for him already.

I threw myself off the bed, picking up a coat from the hanger. "What the heck are you doing looking out the window?" Lara, my wolf questioned like it wasn't obvious.

"I can't let his crazy charm lure me into marrying him!"

I threw one leg out the window and then the other. The night was silent and cold, but I knew there were guards mounting several strategic points.

I took a deep breath, the chilly night air filling my lungs. Freedom was within reach.

I began my descent, my feet finding holds in the stone wall. The guards were spaced far enough apart, and I knew I could make it.

Almost.

My foot missed a crucial hold, and I felt myself falling. My leg twisted awkwardly, pain shooting through my ankle.

A faint cry escaped my lips as I landed clumsily on the ground.

Damn!

I bit back a curse, clutching my ankle. This wasn't part of the plan.

Suddenly, a guard's voice pierced the silent night air. "Who's there?"

His footsteps echoed, growing closer.

My heart racing, I scrambled to find cover, pressing myself against the wall.

The guard's gun was cocked, his eyes scanning the darkness. "Show yourself!"

I held my breath, praying the shadows would conceal me.

The guard's voice grew louder, attracting more attention. "We have a possible intruder! Seal off the perimeter!"

Just as the guards moved further towards me, a figure emerged from the darkness. His strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me into the shadows.

Before I could struggle, his lips claimed mine in a fierce kiss.

The guard's flashlight danced across the figure's face, revealing Rhein's hot midnight look.

"I'm sorry, your majesty," the guard stammered, taking a step back. "I didn't know you were... busy."

The guard's apology trailed off as he beat a hasty retreat, joined by the others.

My heart was pounding really badly; had I been caught trying to escape, my father wouldn't have made it easy for me. But then why the fuck did Rhein have to kiss me?

"I saved you again, I think you owe me your gratitude."

I shot him a death stare, "You are the only reason I'm here to start with."

"Really?" He feigned intrigue, "Were you trying to escape from this—?" He said, claiming my lips once again.

I pushed against his chest, trying to break free. He merely lifted me into his arms, cradling me like a bride.

"Where do you think you're taking me?" I glared up at him, wincing as he began to walk toward his room.

"You're spending the night with me," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "That way you can't even leave this room, talk less of escaping the pack."

****

How I fell asleep still remains a mystery to me, but all I remember from last night was how I was being treated like a queen by the most feared man in the whole of the Lycan/werewolf world. It all felt so surreal and I could swear that it was just a dream until my eyes finally fell open.

The situation I woke up in was the most embarrassing moment of my life, my leg between his and my hands around him.

My heart skipped at the realisation that I had cuddled with the Lycan King throughout the night.

I sprang up, disentangling myself from Rhein's embrace. Rhein's eyes lazily opened, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Good morning sweetie," he rasped, his voice husky from sleep.

I scrambled to create distance between us, my face burning.

"I warned you not to try anything funny, didn't I?" I queried, a mix of fear and feigned anger in my voice.

Rhein's gaze never left mine, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "We're officially a couple, we can cuddle, kiss and even have sex whenever we want." He said, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

I rolled my eyes at him knowing he could do any of those things with any girl of his choice, not just me.

"I never cuddled any of them." He said plainly, correcting my stray thoughts.

"But you fucked with them!" I spat almost seeming jealous.

Rhein's expression faltered, his eyes widening slightly. He paused, unsure how to respond. For a moment, silence hung between us, and the tension was on the increase.

I glared, daring him to deny it. But Rhein's face transformed, his eyes speaking their own language.

"Lucia," he said, his voice low and husky. "I thought last night's kiss was enough to let you know that you are the only woman I want to be with from now on."

My mind reeled as memories flooded back – the escape attempt, the sprained ankle, the kiss.

Oh Goddess, the kiss.

"That doesn't change anything." I declared, attempting to sound firm. "After all, I'm not the first, nor am I the last woman you would kiss."

Rhein's smile widened. "Well, I can't wait to prove you wrong."

He tossed off the covers, revealing his chiselled physique.

My eyes involuntarily roamed over him, heat rising to my cheeks.

"I told you already, you're the only woman I want now... When I have you I don't need anyone else."

I looked away, desperate to break the spell.

"You and I know that's not true," I accused, trying to sound convinced. “After all, you said it yourself... You don’t do virgins.” I mimicked his previous words.

Rhein's gaze never wavered. "Well, about that... I changed my mind. And you may not believe it, but it's the truth. You're just so different, Lucia. You're the first woman to ever challenge me, to ever make me feel..."

He trailed off, his eyes searching mine.

"Feel what?" I whispered, despite what was going on in my mind.

"Forget it," He said and I rolled my eyes inwardly.

His last statement totally reminds me of Mario, and at this point, I feel like saying all men are the same, even though I know they are not. But the ones I've been with so far seem the same to me.

"You really seem interested in what he wanted to say. Are you already catching feelings for him?" Lara said in my head. "He's hot you know, and he would be just the perfect replacement for our asshole mate."

"Shut the fuck up!" I yelled out loud, forgetting that the initial conversation was going on in my head.

He turned to me instantly, and before he could say anything, I began to explain myself. "I'm sorry, I wasn't talking to you."

"I know..." His reply was plain as he headed towards the door.

Seems I had been way too busy with my thoughts that I didn't realise someone was knocking.

"Your majesty," The voice behind the door called.

Alpha Herod?

Rhein opened the door slightly, poking his head out. “What do you want?" His tone harsh now.

"Erhm... Your majesty, I... We," Alpha Herod stuttered, I've never caught him in this state before, I can't imagine what his face looks like.

"What's going on?"

"Erhm... news reached us that... that Lucia escaped. We searched everywhere but she was nowhere to be found. Your Majesty, I know you have a lot of things on your plate and she might be one of the least important. I promise that once I find her, I will punish her severely and make sure she doesn't trouble you in the future, and then I will personally bring her down to you." He jam-packed his words, hoping it would soothe the Lycan King's heart, and the fear in his voice could be perceived from miles away.

Rhein simply cleared his throat, "You know, the thing stopping me from tearing you and your useless beta apart is just a little thread..." Rhein started.

"We're sorry, Your Majesty," they both chorused.

"How dare you think Lucia is unimportant to me?" Rhein defended.

Of course, I had not expected that from him, but it made me really proud. He saved me, treated me like a queen and now he's defending me, what else would he do for me?

"And about the stupid news you heard, it's all fake. Lucia was with me all night," he declared, making me freeze. He opened the door a little wider, revealing me on the bed in my nightwear.

Alpha Herod's eyes widened in shock, his face pale. Beta Mario's expression transformed from concern to jealousy, fury burning in his eyes.

Rhein's gaze never left mine, a hint of satisfaction in his smile.

"Sweetie, come over here!" he called, his voice dripping with possessiveness.

I hesitated, unsure how to react.

Alpha Herod and Beta Mario exchanged uneasy glances.

As I approached Rhein, he grasped my waist, pulling me close. His lips brushed against mine in a light kiss. Despite how brief it was, it was enough to put Mario in a state of anger. I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly as I watched his jaw clench.

"It's time to go," Rhein said, releasing me.

"See you soon," he added, his eyes locked on mine.

Rhein moved slightly, leaving little space for me to pass. As I tried to exit, my backside brushed against his groin area a little, causing my body to tense up.

“Watch it!” He said, his voice dripping with seduction.