Discomfort

The two lingered in the office for a while, giving Andriel time to compose himself. Brian promised they’d discuss the matter after the party but stressed the importance of returning to avoid raising their mother’s suspicions.

“It’s almost midnight, so it’ll officially be your birthday soon, and I’m sure she wants you there. Your wolf’s calmer now, so keep up appearances until the party’s over.”

Andriel nodded in agreement, and they both headed back to the celebration. The king couldn’t help scanning the room for Taylor, spotting him near his Alpha, smiling casually. He looked away before Taylor could notice his gaze.

Brian caught where his brother’s eyes had drifted and called him over to join their mother. They made their way to a spot in the ballroom, but Brian wasn’t pleased with what he saw. Stella was holding a tray, serving guests.

“Why is Stella serving the guests, Mother?” Brian asked, wondering if it was her idea.

“She wanted to feel useful, so I gave her a task.”

“Mother, we’ve talked about this. She’s my mate, not a servant you can order around.”

Sensing Brian’s frustration, Andriel stepped in to defuse the situation.

“Let’s avoid making a scene. Bring Stella to your side. We’ll sort this out after the party. Remember what we talked about earlier.”

Brian sighed and walked toward Stella. When he reached her, he gently took the tray from her hands and led her out of the ballroom. He brought her to a quiet room where they could speak privately, and Stella grew anxious at the sight of his serious expression.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asked, worried by his demeanor.

“Why were you serving the guests? Stella, I’ve told you, you’re not a servant in this house.”

“I’m an omega, not a Lycan. Your mother just reminded me of my place.”

“Your place isn’t serving. If I cared that you’re an omega, I wouldn’t have brought you here—I would’ve rejected you in Ames. Your place is by my side, cared for and protected by me.”

Brian stepped closer to Stella, gently touching her face, causing her breath to quicken. She closed her eyes, surrendering to the sensation as he continued speaking.

“Why won’t you just accept my love and understand that I’m not giving up on you? Let me show you what it means to be truly loved.”

Stella opened her eyes, meeting Brian’s tender gaze as he leaned closer to kiss her. This time, she didn’t resist, letting the kiss happen. Brian pressed his body against hers, wrapping her in a warm embrace.

As the two gave in to their passion in that room, back in the ballroom, the king faced his mother’s persistence.

“Start dancing with some of these young ladies. Who knows, if you get close, you might catch the scent of your mate,” Andriel mother urged.

Andriel glanced toward where Taylor had been, but he couldn’t spot him. His mother’s persistence grew even more grating when she made an announcement to the room:

“The king will dance with you all, so stay close. Come, dear, we’ll start with you.” She extended her hand to a young woman nearby.

The woman approached with a smile, but Andriel didn’t share her enthusiasm. His thoughts were fixed on someone across the room. Sara, ever observant, noticed the commotion and spoke up to those around her.

“The king’s about to dance. I hope he finds his mate. Let’s get closer,” she said eagerly, and everyone rose to follow.

Taylor wasn’t thrilled about the king’s dance; his mind was set on finding the man from the garden. Despite his lack of interest, he went along with the group, masking his true feelings. As they drew nearer, Taylor’s expression tightened when he saw who was dancing.

“That’s the king?” Taylor asked Philip, sounding incredulous.

“I forgot you hadn’t met him. Yeah, that’s our king.”

Philip’s reply hit Taylor like a ton of bricks, making him realize things were even more complicated than he’d thought. As he watched the king dance, their eyes met again, and Taylor felt a growing unease, knowing it stemmed from the bond they shared.

“I need some air,” Taylor said, heading toward a door.

Andriel felt unsettled seeing Taylor leave like that, his emotions churning in a way that wasn’t comfortable. He noticed Philip following Taylor and wondered if Taylor had said anything.

“He didn’t seem to like seeing you dance with that girl who smells weird,” Frost remarked, clearly displeased with the interaction.

“Why would he care? We only exchanged a few words in the garden.”

“The bond. You two can pretend you don’t feel anything, but his wolf and I know the truth. Just accept that you’re mates.”

Andriel didn’t respond to his inner animal’s claim. He finished the dance and headed in the same direction as Taylor, leaving his mother fuming at his abrupt exit.

Taylor found a balcony and stood there, sipping a glass of champagne. Philip, who had followed him, approached and immediately asked what was going on.

“Something wrong, Taylor? You’ve been acting off since you got here.”

Taylor glanced at his Alpha, but still couldn’t muster the courage to voice what was troubling him.

“It’s nothing serious. I’m just not in the mood for the party,” Taylor replied, trying to mask his true distress.

“Feeling like this because of your birthday? I didn’t forget—I even got you a gift. With all the chaos of the trip and pack business, I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you. It’s not midnight yet, so I’m not late. Come here.” Philip extended his hand, inviting Taylor closer.

Philip congratulated him and pulled him into a warm hug, while Andriel watched from a distance. He was surprised to learn Taylor’s birthday was just a day before his own, struck by the string of coincidences tying them together.