Between Distance and Desire

Darina had no desire to visit the jewellery shop today. After lunch, she went to her room and was surprised to find fifteen books the Queen had sent her to read. Darina loved reading, but fifteen books in one evening was too much, even for her.

Still, she made herself comfortable in the large armchair by the window and opened the first book. Royal Etiquette and Protocols didn’t exactly thrill her, and the loud laughter of pups outside quickly distracted her.

She looked out the window, and the view surprised her.

Kai was running around with three little pups, playing tag. The pups were laughing, clearly having the time of their lives. But what truly amazed her was that the mighty, arrogant Kai seemed to enjoy it just as much. His caramel hair was messy from the chase, glowing under the sun. He was smiling—and those sexy dimples deepened on his cheeks.

As one of the puppies tackled him, he threw his head back in laughter. Her defences seemed to falter when she saw him like this, carefree and unguarded. This isn't how you should feel. In an attempt to control the flutter in her belly, she pressed her lips into a thin line.

She could not even think about him. She would not survive another rejection. She had always been alone, and her goal was to serve fellow wolves, not romance. Especially not with Kai. He was conceited. He was rude. He was... forbidden. However, as she watched him effortlessly pick up a laughing puppy, the heat that blossomed in her cheeks persisted. His jaw clenched slightly, his biceps flexed, and she briefly pictured what it would be like to run her fingers through that thick, sun-kissed hair. For even thinking it, she cursed herself.

"He is hot," Coral said.

"Coral, come on," Darina scolded.

"And his wolf is stunning. I can’t wait to play with him."

"Oh my god, Coral. Stop it. I need to study."

"At least I’m honest with myself. The wolf and his human are yummy, and I can’t wait to..."

A knock at the door cut Coral off.

To her surprise, it was Kai.

Darina blushed, remembering the thoughts she had just pushed away.

"Darina, we started off on the wrong foot. I didn’t even get a chance to know you better. Will you join me tomorrow for lunch outside?" Kai asked, smiling shyly.

Darina blinked. Was she imagining this? Too polite. Too sweet. Could this really be Kai? Still, she had notes and ideas she needed to discuss with him about her future duties.

"Sure, I will."

"I’ll pick you up tomorrow at noon. Good night." He smiled warmly and left.

Darina studied late into the night, skipping dinner. She only paused to enjoy a long, relaxing bath with lavender oil.

Sleep claimed her quickly.

Meanwhile, rumours of the future Luna’s speech in the cafeteria spread throughout the pack. Everyone spoke of her with admiration.

The news reached Kai, too, and Blake beamed with pride for his chosen mate. Somehow, Kai also found himself liking that she stood up for herself and had already won the respect of the pack.

She was Luna material—he had to admit it.

He also admitted something else: Jackie’s flirting used to excite him. Now, her seductive attempts only irritated him. He didn’t want her anymore.

More often than he would have liked to admit, Darina's name kept repeating in his mind. He closed his eyes, lying in his bed and letting out a slow exhale.

He could only see her face, those delicate features, porcelain skin, the sky-blue eyes, and the stubborn line of her jaw when she was angry. So incisive. So sharp. They looked through him, not just at him.

Her lips were full and soft, and when she was amused or biting back a retort, it curled into an almost-smile.

He pictured her voice whispering against his neck, her lips brushing against his skin, and the feel of her breath against his skin.

No. Put an end to it.

This was not how she was supposed to affect him. She was merely a political necessity, an arranged match. A problem, if he told himself the truth.

But now... she was beneath his skin, in his mind.

She was stunning. Striking. With a strength that pushed him to pay attention, challenged him, and captivated him.

She was strong and, at the same time, graceful and undeniably sexy.

"Gather yourself. Nobody will ever replace Julie. Do not get attached to anyone, and you will not face the pain of losing them." He repeated again in his mind.

However, the image reappeared when he relaxed and sleep approached—Darina in her black lace nightgown, her lips parting begging to be kissed, her hair cascading over her bare shoulders, her perky breasts covered only by a thin lace layer, her toned long legs.

Sh*t.

Squeezing his eyes shut, Kai rolled onto his side. He was getting aroused. He was finding it impossible to resist her temptation. What's the worst?

He did not want to.