Darina was leaving the bedroom beaming.
“My King, sometimes I’m a slow learner… so I think I need to repeat the lesson tonight,” she said playfully and ran out of the room.“She’ll be the death of me,” Kai muttered, and his wolf, Bake, growled softly in agreement.He spent the day buried in countless meetings, counting down the hours until he could see Darina again—and to find out if Darius would fulfill his promise.Darina wanted to speak with Kelly, but Kelly was still at the school for another hour, assisting with the pups’ summer camp. Darina, on the other hand, had no desire to participate in the mating ceremony preparations today.Passing by the small kitchen designated for ranked members, the savory aroma of garlic, cheese, and sizzling herbs drew her in. The warmth of the small room, with sun filtering through the window and soft clatter of pans, made it feel like a hidden haven.She stepped inside and found Will and CassJust at dawn, before training, Darina and Amber were busy in the kitchen. Amber was teaching Darina how to make pancakes, eggs, and bacon. The first portion of bacon, Darina, burned. The pancakes turned out with an awkward taste, too, even though she swore she followed Amber’s instructions exactly. Amber sighed. “Hmm, Reed says Kai is good at cooking. Maybe one pro chef per couple is enough.” Darina didn’t look convinced. “Cooking is overrated. I’m sure Kai would appreciate a good blow job more than a bowl of soup. So master that instead. Good sex, and all your cooking disasters will be forgiven,” Amber teased. Darina smacked her gently. “Stop it. Is sex the only thing on your mind?” Amber opened her mouth to reply, but Darina cut her off. “That was rhetorical. Don’t answer. Just help me make the damn breakfast.” “Okay, maybe cut some fruit and pour cereal. Y
Jackie sat on the stone bench in the dungeon, eyes closed. She wasn’t chained, but two guards stood by the door, and another two flanked the barred window. She sighed, remembering how Darius had handed her over without hesitation—no words, no warmth, not even a final glance. On the receiving end, she was met with disgust in Reed’s expression and cold detachment in Kai’s. He had a fresh fated mark. How Darina had become his mate, Jackie couldn’t comprehend, but it was a fact. A cruel, final fact. She had ruined herself for nothing—she never stood a chance against a fated bond. She remembered the pain of her parents disowning her in the dungeon cells. Her mother’s wailing echoed in her mind, unable to accept Jackie’s guilt. Her father’s silence was worse—heavy with disappointment. Even Reed, with his cold arrogance, had once loved her. She saw it—the pain in his eyes when he severed the bond as her brother. She opened her eye
Jackie sat curled up on the couch, the firelight painting golden hues across her bare legs. She wore one of Darius’s oversized shirts—its scent a lingering echo of him—and her hair spilt in loose waves down her back. She caught her reflection in the mirror and smiled in quiet satisfaction; she looked effortlessly seductive. Of course, she’d shine brighter in her designer dresses, but those were tucked away in the royal quarters. Tonight, she had other tools—bare skin, sultry glances, and the ache in her belly that only he could soothe.She had cooked for him—lasagna, the only dish she knew how to make—and now waited, heart thudding with expectation. She needed him fully on her side. Not just for protection. Not just for survival. She wanted him—badly. And what unmated wolf could resist?When the door finally opened and he walked in—silent, brooding, dangerous—her breath hitched. His presence ignited something primal inside her.“Darius, you’re here. I made
Darina was leaving the bedroom beaming.“My King, sometimes I’m a slow learner… so I think I need to repeat the lesson tonight,” she said playfully and ran out of the room.“She’ll be the death of me,” Kai muttered, and his wolf, Bake, growled softly in agreement.He spent the day buried in countless meetings, counting down the hours until he could see Darina again—and to find out if Darius would fulfill his promise.Darina wanted to speak with Kelly, but Kelly was still at the school for another hour, assisting with the pups’ summer camp. Darina, on the other hand, had no desire to participate in the mating ceremony preparations today.Passing by the small kitchen designated for ranked members, the savory aroma of garlic, cheese, and sizzling herbs drew her in. The warmth of the small room, with sun filtering through the window and soft clatter of pans, made it feel like a hidden haven.She stepped inside and found Will and Cass
Kai shut and locked their chamber's door.Darina stood in the middle of the room, arms crossed, trying not to show how her heart was racing. He hadn't said a word since they left the study.He looked at her, narrowing her yes, "I do not know how many times I need to repeat to you to not be ignorant about your safety."“Kai—” she began.He turned sharply. “Remove your clothes.”Her breath caught. “What?”“Strip now.”She hesitated—but the command in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. She obeyed, slowly peeling off her clothes, one piece at a time, never breaking eye contact.When she stood bare before him, Kai circled her like a predator. “You hid the fact you were being watched. You didn't tell your mate.” He stopped behind her, his breath hot against her neck. “That kind of disobedience has consequences. I must remind you who your Alpha is.”His hand gripped her waist, not rough—controll
After leaving the clinic, Kai sat in his study with Darina and Reed, discussing updates to the training schedule and other matters. Darina had proposed adding some sports games for the pups and had also brought a list of requirements for the orphanages she had recently visited.Reed, mid-mindlink, suddenly announced, “Amber is joining us now—with someone who has important intel.”Moments later, Amber entered the office still dressed in her training gear. At her side was a man whose presence immediately shifted the atmosphere. He looked intimidating, exuding a dangerous, dark aura.The man was built like a mountain of muscle, dressed in all black, tattoos covering his shaved head sides, neck and arms, and his devilishly handsome face wore a heavy, cold gaze. His appearance put Kai on alert, sparked curiosity in Darina, and stirred jealousy in Reed. Reed didn’t like him—not even a little—especially seeing him so close to Amber.Sensing her mate’s em