Around me

I struggled to open my eyes; the daylight hit harder than I expected.

Still, I managed... Slowly, painfully, like waking from a long, cursed sleep.

It took me a moment to realize I wasn’t in the dungeon anymore. Not even in the packhouse. Instead, I was in a spacious, lavish room that smelled like a strange yet comforting blend of lilies and strawberries.

I know that combo doesn’t exactly make sense, but sense tied to your mate often don’t exist.

It's said that your mate smells like the darkest desire hidden in your heart. And that smell - lilies and strawberries - was definitely his.

He wasn’t here now, but I could still feel him, breathe him. His scent lingered, haunting every corner of this room.

Alone, my mind jumped to escape. I knew it was stupid, this had to be the palace. But the thought still came. I needed to try.

I had just planted my feet on the floor when the door opened.

Nope... Not him.

It was one of his men. Not the Alpha King. This one looked familiar; he’d been there before, less arrogant than the rest.

“Good morning, Sleeping Beauty,” he smirked, walking in like he owned the place.

Funny thing is, that was the first time anyone ever called me beautiful. Not that I’d ever cared how I looked. I was too busy surviving. Too busy trying to outmatch every wolf in my old pack. I never had the time or luxury to act like a girl.

But I wasn’t ugly. I knew that. I had my mother’s beauty, and for that, I was thankful. Just thinking about her made my heart ache. She was the kindest soul I ever knew. I didn’t care what her past held or how I came to exist, I just wanted her safe.

“Earth to Amara,” the guy waved his hand, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Everything okay?”

“How do you know my name?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

He smiled. “Who doesn’t know the only elemental wolf who met the Alpha King and lived to tell the tale?”

His words cut deep.

First, because of all the others who weren’t as lucky. Second, because the Alpha King - my mate, was the one who killed them.

And third… because he was avoiding our bond.

“Anyway,” the guy continued, “I’m here to help get you ready for tonight’s ceremony.”

“Wait… what ceremony?” I interrupted, completely lost.

He didn’t even flinch. “Luther wanted to be here when you woke up, to explain everything himself. But a surprise royal ceremony doesn’t plan itself, so he sent me instead. I’m one of the few he trusts.”

He said that last part with pride, like it was a badge of honor.

Still confused, I opened my mouth to question him again when he beat me to it.

“Your Highness, it’s truly an honor. But time’s short. We need to get started.”

And with that, the door opened again, and a group of maids walked in, carrying a white gown, shoes, and boxes of jewelry.

“Whoa... This is too much,” I said, backing away. “And where is he, your king? How can he be so sure I’ll even agree to be part of… whatever this is?”

But then it hit me... The scent.

Stronger. Closer....

He was here, I could tell.

Suddenly, the room wasn’t just luxurious; it felt suffocating.

“Everyone. Leave!” The Alpha King's voice was low but commanded total obedience.

In seconds, we were alone.

He didn’t speak right away. Just walked toward me.

I tried to back away, but where could I go?

“I’m not going to hurt you,” he said.

“I don’t trust you,” I replied flatly.

“Why?”

“Would I even be alive if it weren’t for the mate bond?” I challenged.

“No,” he answered, with brutal honesty.

I stared at him, heart pounding.

“Then I’ll never trust you,” I whispered. “And I want nothing to do with you.”

He moved closer. This time, I didn’t back down. I met his eyes and stood tall.

When he got too close, I waited for pain, like the last time. But pain never came.

Instead, his lips crashed into mine. Soft. Uninvited. Addicting.

Before I knew it, I was pinned to the wall. One hand on my waist, the other holding both of mine above my head.

My eyes flew wide. My cheeks burned. My heart thudded wildly.

He kissed down my neck, light touches, gentle bites that didn’t hurt. They only made me crave more.

My moan slipped before I could stop it.

His fingers traced fire along my skin, from my waist to my collarbone. Then to my shoulders. Then his lips followed, brushing past my ear.

He whispered there, in a voice like velvet and sin.

“Still so sure you don’t want to be around me?”

Then he let go.

And I stood there, breathless.

Not because I was afraid.

But because, for the first time…

I didn’t want to fight.