Royal Storm Brewing

Kai knocked on Darina’s door, and she opened it with a smile, gesturing for him to enter. Only the moonlight illuminated her room, making her look even more seductive and mysterious. She looked stunning in a black lace nightdress—enticing yet leaving plenty to the imagination, her body still respectfully covered.

Boldly, she stepped toward him and playfully touched his bare chest. He caressed her cheek and leaned in to capture her lips.

And then he woke up. Aroused.

It was a strange dream, considering he wasn’t even attracted to Darina.

“I think you like her too,” Blake said.

“I do not.”

“You do. Just admit it. She’s gorgeous. And her wolf... Those piercing blue eyes, that black fur. First time I’ve seen a she-wolf the size of an Alpha male. I can’t wait to run with her. And once you mark Darina—”

“Stop right there.”

“Why? She’ll be your wife. You’ll have to mark her eventually. You were so rude to her yesterday. Apologize.”

“She deserved it.”

“Nope. She didn’t. And if you don’t make it up to her, I won’t shift.”

Kai blocked him out and headed to the bathroom for a cold shower to ease his arousal and clear his head. The freezing water grounded him, and as he dried off with a fluffy towel, thoughts of Darina crept back in. She was undeniably attractive—not the most stunning woman he’d met, but something about her intrigued him. She was different from every woman he’d known before.

He hadn’t even wanted to spend the night with Jackie yesterday. That meant something.

Still deep in thought, Kai dressed in a crisp white shirt and gray pants, deciding it was time to get to know Darina better. She would never replace the void Julie left, never claim his heart—but they were to marry, and knowing her was the least he could do.

And the idea of sharing a bed with her? Not the worst. He smirked and made his way to her door to escort her to breakfast.

Just as he was about to knock, he froze.

He heard her voice inside, on the phone. And she was talking about him.

“Yes, Daniel, that’s exactly what I think of the prince—arrogant moron.”

Kai exhaled sharply. So that’s how she saw him. One day of knowing him and she was already judging. Maybe he hadn’t been wrong about her arrogant, egocentric nature after all.

Another voice replied, and she laughed.

“Even if he’s handsome, I don’t care. I don’t like him at all. It’s mutual, but hopefully, we’ll learn to tolerate each other a little in the future.”

She continued, “Of course, Will and I will come to your Alpha Succession Ceremony. How could I miss such an important day for my brother? I have to go. Love you. Send my love to our parents and Jenna.”

As soon as the call ended, Kai knocked.

Darina opened the door, dressed in jeans and a simple pink top. The room looked exactly like the one from his dream—and he had never been inside this guest room before. Strange.

“Darina. Morning. I came to escort you to breakfast,” he said bluntly.

“Good morning. How sweet of you,” she replied, and he caught the trace of sarcasm in her tone.

“Let’s get Will and go.”

Will joined them, and the three made their way to the royal dining room. The King, Queen, and the families of the Beta and Gamma were already seated. Greetings were exchanged. Jackie looked like she’d stepped off a fashion magazine cover, and everyone was surprisingly formal for breakfast. Jackie kissed Kai’s cheek and motioned for him to sit next to her, but he chose a seat beside Reed, while Darina sat near Camilla.

“My dear,” the Queen began, her voice sweet and her expression sour, “I understand that in your small pack you’re not used to luxury or proper etiquette, but here it is impolite to be late for scheduled meals or wear jeans.”

“My apologies, Your Highness,” Darina replied smoothly. “I thought I was dressed appropriately, especially since I plan to work in the clinic afterward. But thank you for your guidance. As for my pack—it’s one and a half times the size bigger than the Royal Pack, and the wealthiest in the world.” She took a calm sip of coffee.

“Working in the clinic? Is that a Luna’s duty now? As the future Luna Queen, much more is expected from you. Fortunately, I’m kind enough to give you proper training, my child. I’ve sent books to your room—pack history, royal etiquette, and our laws. I expect you to finish reading them by tomorrow. Your Luna training starts then.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Darina said sharply.

“Call me Victoria. We’re soon to be family,” the Queen replied with a sugary, fake smile.

“Thank you, Victoria. Good day, everyone. Camilla, I’ll see you in the clinic shortly.”

Darina and Will were about to leave when Reed stood up. “I’ll give you a tour.”

“Much appreciated.”

As they walked off, Jackie slid into Reed’s seat and shamelessly began to flirt with Kai.

Darina didn’t care much about Kai, but she certainly didn’t want to become the pack’s laughingstock because her fiancé paraded his mistress so openly. She made a mental note to make her feelings clear to Kai.

The tour of the palace and pack grounds was pleasant. She was impressed by the large library, the excellent training facilities, the maintenance, and the overall housekeeping. Still, the menus could have included more variety and healthier options, and she was bothered by the absence of female warrior training. Overall, pack members seemed well cared for. She also noticed that there was only one, rather small nursery for a pack of this size. She jotted a note to discuss it with Kai later.

Reed was pleasant and helpful. Darina could tell they clicked and might become friends.

“Beta Reed, I hope you find a mate at this mating ball,” she teased. “I really need your help with all the event planning and some other stuff.”

Reed blushed. It was cute to see such a mountain of muscles flush like a schoolgirl. “I hope so, Luna.”

“Darina, I’m not Luna yet—not even officially introduced to the pack,” she corrected with a smile.

“Kai plans to introduce you at the mating ball,” Reed explained. “He also asked me to take you to the jewelry shop after lunch so you can pick your engagement ring. He doesn’t know your taste, so it’s better if you choose it yourself.”

“How… interesting,” Darina chuckled. Her fiancé was so preoccupied with his girlfriend that he couldn’t even go ring-shopping with her.

Their final stop was the clinic, where Camilla gave her a tour. They agreed that Darina would help out daily in the clinic with a flexible schedule, since she already had so much on her plate.

While touring the palace, Darina began to notice the looks—cold glances, hushed whispers. Was it just her imagination? Or had she already done something wrong?