Chapter 17

*Hazel*

 The room was unexpectedly large and modernly furnished. I had anticipated complete darkness, thinking it would mirror the outside night, but I was immediately shocked. It was nothing like I imagined. The room was themed in gold and white, making it sparkle and feel almost ethereal, as if every surface had been touched by sunlight. The décor was elegant yet comfortable, a perfect balance between luxury and warmth.

 It felt like a room made for one person. A few carefully arranged chairs lined one side, and on the other, a massive king-sized bed sat prominently, its linens crisp and inviting. Everything was neatly arranged, almost like a picture-perfect display, yet it had a lived-in feeling that made it surprisingly cozy. I couldn’t help but run my eyes over the room, taking in every detail, every glint of light reflecting off the gold accents.

 *Orion*

 I watched her carefully as she took in the space, her eyes wide with admiration and curiosity. There was something mesmerizing about the way she observed every detail, her expression caught somewhere between awe and delight. I had made sure the room was well-lit, thinking it might suit her taste, and thankfully, it had worked. She couldn’t keep her eyes off it, her attention fully absorbed, and that gave me a sense of satisfaction.

 I wanted to speak, to break the silence, but words felt heavy in my mouth. Introducing myself felt necessary, but I didn’t want her to know I was the Alpha King—not yet. I didn’t want her to feel intimidated, to be cautious around me. Ray was restless beside me, his energy almost as impatient as my own, urging me to mark her, to mate with her. Truthfully, that was exactly what I wanted, but I knew we had to take things slowly. I needed her comfort first, not fear.

 “Would you like a drink?” I finally asked, breaking the silence.

 Her attention snapped to me, her lips parting slightly as if she wanted to speak but couldn’t find the words. “I… mm…” she stammered, struggling to form a sentence. I moved closer, my hands resting gently on her tiny waist.

 “Hazel… keep calm,” I murmured softly, my voice low and reassuring. “I won’t hurt you, I promise.”

 My words seemed to reach her in a way nothing else could. She held my clothing, her gaze locking on mine, silent yet full of emotion. And in that moment, something in me snapped. I couldn’t resist any longer. I bent slightly, closing the distance between us, and pressed my lips to hers.

 Her lips were impossibly soft, warm, and inviting. I began to suck gently on her lower lip, coaxing her to open for me. Her mouth yielded to mine, welcoming my tongue as I explored her with a slow, deliberate hunger. I didn’t stop, continuing to kiss her deeply, letting my hands linger at her waist as we shifted positions, our lips never breaking contact. She responded eagerly, matching my energy with panting breaths and soft moans that sent sparks through me.

 Even as I kissed her, a part of me knew this wasn’t entirely appropriate. We shouldn’t be indulging like this—not yet. But I rationalized it, convincing myself it was part of helping her get comfortable with me, teaching her to trust my touch and presence. And yet, despite my intentions, I found myself devouring her mouth with a hunger I could barely control. Every taste, every breath, every soft sound she made drew me closer, binding me to her in ways I couldn’t explain.

 For a moment, the room, the outside world, and every other concern ceased to exist. There was only her, her warmth pressed against me, and the intoxicating pull of desire that neither of us could deny. And in that moment, I decided—whatever it took, I would make her feel safe, desired, and wanted, one kiss at a time.