Chapter 11

Samantha’s Pov

I entered the garden—stepping onto its stone path. The rich hush of perfect roses, yellow daisies, and tulips wafted through the warm breeze. Luca stood gracefully in the middle of the garden, wearing nothing but dress pants and a light dress shirt that exposed his chest and was clearly see-through. The dark green material did him no justice.

“You're late.”

“A girl needs time to prepare,” I responded, coming to a stop in front of him.

“So?” I asked, not minding the clear view I had of him. Alpha Luca might be a dauntless man, and maybe my nemesis, but he was definitely a gorgeous man. His almost white hair, streaked with grey, sculpted his face perfectly. It was short, but just enough to run my hands through.

“I hate lateness. I remember I told you that.”

I scoffed. “Let’s just start.”

He nodded and moved closer to me. “You need to free your mind and think about this. Focus on Aldrina, and let her take the lead.”

“Okay,” I whispered and closed my eyes.

‘It’s okay, Sam. We’ve got this. Just focus on anything you like… like the person in front of you.’

“That’s it, Samantha,” Luca urged.

“It hurts so much. Why is it so painful?!” The dull ache numbed within me and slowly became sharper every minute. It was as if my own bones were reshaping themselves, stretching my skin. I fell to the ground for support and hadn’t noticed Luca rushing to my side.

“Ah! Why does it hurt so much?!” The pain was raw, excruciating, like fire crawling beneath me as every muscle twisted and swelled. I didn’t think I could endure any more.

‘You can do this, Sam. I’ll talk you through it. Everything will be fine, just focus and try to breathe.’

“I-I can’t. It hurts so much,” I sobbed. I struggled to breathe while my ribs compressed, everything becoming suffocating yet free at the same time.

‘You did it, Sam. You shifted.’

“Really? I did it!”

“Just try to balance your breathing. Luca is staring at us, and right now, that’s all that matters.”

“Yeah… I don’t feel so good. I feel so… weak,” I said, and I fell to the ground. All I could see was Luca’s face hovering above mine.

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I gradually opened my eyes, accustoming them to the bright light seeping into the room.

“God… so much light,” I groaned and lazily turned over to block the light from my eyes.

“You're up. Thank goodness,” Luca said, throwing a pillow at my face.

“Urgh! You are literally the bane of my existence,” I said, sitting up on the bed, fully awake.

“Oh, forgive me for showing concern,” he mocked.

“By throwing me a pillow? Really?”

“Concern comes in various forms, Samantha. You were slumped. How are you feeling now?”

“I was feeling so much better until I heard your voice, and now all it’s done is give me an upset tummy.”

“Funny, you’d make a great comedian,” he sarcastically chimed.

“Drink this,” he said, handing me a cup of hot tea. The pungent smell turned me off instantly.

“Ew, what’s this?”

“Herbs. They’ll give you the strength you need,” he announced.

I brought the cup down to my legs. “I’m not drinking this. It smells awful. I’ll pass.”

“Alright,” he said, taking the cup from me. “I hope you have enough strength to get up and walk properly. I tried to help, but every time, you thwart my efforts like they’re nothing.”

“I’m fine. I can walk perfectly, see.” I got on my feet, but my legs wobbled instantly, throwing me off guard as I fell back onto the bed. Luca stood in the corner with an ‘I told you so’ face.

“Whatever. Just give it to me, and I’ll drink it.”

I took the mug from his hands and gulped it down in one go.

“Feeling better?”

“Yes,” I nodded.

“You did well for your first time. I'm impressed. You need to eat good food. I’ll be attending a party hosted by one of Silver Rose’s allies, and I need a plus one.”

“Oh? Can’t you take someone else? Surely, you have women at your fingertips.”

“No. I’ve already announced you as my muse, which means wherever I go, you follow, to make this,” he waved his fingers between us, “believable.”

“The more we do things together, the stronger our bond becomes,” I said, watching him closely.

“Just for the night. The maids will bring your dress. I’ll be waiting for you downstairs by dawn.”

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Luca’s Pov

‘You and I both know you could have invited anyone to be your plus one,’ Cillian pestered. For the last time, he wanted me to admit something that wasn’t true.

“She is my muse—I had to take her this evening.”

‘No. She is our mate, and you’re avoiding your growing feelings for her. I like her already, and if you ever reject her, I will never speak to you again.’

“You’re overreacting.” I motioned to the footmen to bring the carriage up front. On nights like this, Tyler usually follows me, but after the party yesterday, he’s been showing less of himself in the castle. Melissa isn’t talking to me, although that isn’t new; it’s one of her usual dramas that she’ll surely get over.

That night was supposed to happen, regardless of what anyone thinks of me or my decision.

‘What about what Sam thinks of you?’

“Just shut up,” I said and looked back to the stairs. Samantha stood gracefully with her hands on the railing. I took in her body—the dress fit her perfectly; it accentuated every curve. Who would’ve thought one look at her would help me know exactly what size she wears?

The deep blue silk brought out the color of her eyes and fair skin. The fabric cascaded from her narrow waist to pool at her feet. God, she was beautiful. I swallowed as I watched her come down the stairs with every careful precision, and how the bodice sculpted her breasts.

‘You’re staring…’

“I know,” I grunted.

She looked innocent, carefully made, elegant with the velvet sash that cinched the gown. Everything about her made me feel hot…and choked, and definitely not in control. She reached the foot of the stairs and held her purse in her hands—looking at me with those innocent eyes.

“You’re late,” I tried to argue, bringing my gaze down to her rosy, full lips and that exposed cleavage.

“That’s a rude thing to say to a woman who is your date to a party, Alpha,” she replied.

“Not my date.” I almost choked on my words.

She smiled, biting her lips innocently after the act. “Sure, lie to yourself all you want.”

The carriage was brought to the front, and I got in while waiting for her to get in too but Samantha stood there—rooted to the spot.

“Aren't you getting in?”

“No. I won't get in unless you do the gentlemanly thing you're supposed to.”

“And that would be?” I asked cluelessly.

“Are you kidding me? Take my hand and open the carriage door for me,” she said bluntly.

I looked at her with a shocked expression, but she wasn’t having any of it. “Are you serious right now? I'm a king; I don't open doors for anyone.”

“Well then, I think you can go to the party without a plus one,” she said and took a step back.

I shook my head in disbelief. “You’re not seriously making me open a carriage door for you?”

“You’ve been a gentleman all this time. What makes this one different?”

‘Just open the damn carriage door for our mate!’

I sighed in defeat, got down from the carriage, and smiled as I took her hand. “Will you, m’lady?” I gestured toward the carriage door.

“Oh, thank you, kind sir.” She patted my head and stepped into the carriage.

Oh God.