KNOXI stride away from the pavilion, my boots crunching against the gravel path as a war wages inside me. My father's urgent mind-link still echoes in my head, demanding my immediate presence, but all I can think about is Aubrey's confused expression as I abandoned our conversation. The cherry blossom petals swirl around my feet, carried by the evening breeze as I reluctantly put distance between us."Damn it," I mutter under my breath, running a hand through my hair. I'd finally gotten her to talk to me after days of avoidance, finally started to break through that carefully constructed wall she's built around herself, and now this.The blood on my uniform has begun to dry, turning from bright crimson to a rusty brown that flakes off with each movement. I should have changed before seeking her out, but after weeks of her slipping away every time I approached, I couldn't risk losing another opportunity. Now I've left her alone with questions I promised to answer, and the frustration
AUBREYI stare at Knox's blood-spattered face, trying to keep my expression neutral despite the churning in my stomach. His hand remains on my arm, warm and firm, a stark contrast to the crimson stains across his uniform."I'm heading to train," I say, pulling away from his touch with more force than necessary. My voice comes out steadier than I expect, considering the war raging inside me.Knox's eyebrows rise skeptically. "At this hour? The training grounds closed an hour ago.""Private training," I insist, already backing away. "I have a routine I need to work on."His jaw tightens, the muscles flexing beneath his tanned skin. The blood smeared across his cheekbone seems to darken as the sun sinks lower in the sky, casting the garden in amber shadows. "We need to talk, Aubrey.""Not now." I turn away, desperate to escape before I have to confront what Sir Kirill's words mean, what the blood on Knox means. I just need time to think, to sort through the confusion and betrayal tanglin
I feel the cool evening breeze flowing through my hair as I walk down the ancient cobblestone path of the castle gardens. The setting sun casts long shadows across the meticulously maintained flower beds, painting everything in hues of amber and gold. I've just finished another exhausting crown princess training session with Queen Grace—four hours of proper etiquette, diplomatic history, and the intricacies of royal bloodlines. My shoulders ache from maintaining perfect posture, and my mind feels like it's stuffed with cotton.I would love nothing more than to collapse in my chamber and soak in a hot bath, washing away the day's frustrations. Instead, I'm here, trying to savor these precious moments of solitude before tomorrow brings another grueling round of duties. The sweet fragrance of roses mingles with the earthy scent of freshly watered soil, offering small comfort to my weary spirit.My daily routine at the castle has become a carefully orchestrated dance—mornings spent in the
AUBREYOh heavens, why did he call my name like that? The intensity in his voice makes my stomach flip. Does he want to talk about last night? I cringe inwardly, imagining how mortifying that conversation would be. As he approaches, something catches my eye – marks on his arms. My brows furrow as I study the distinct crescent shapes. Are those... nail marks? My heart starts racing. Where did he get those?"Hmm," Aria hums, her voice dripping with mischief."Aria," I warn, dread creeping in. "What did you do?""Don't hate me, but I thought it would be best..." she trails off, and suddenly, the locked memories from last night come rushing back like a flood. Oh, my Goddess!
KNOXI wake up with a start, my nose catching the lingering scent of my mate. But she’s nowhere to be found. My eyes land on the empty spot beside me, and all I can think about is last night—how it took everything in me not to fuck her.I wanted to. God, I wanted to. But I couldn’t. She wasn’t ready, not really. She might’ve seemed like she was, her body responding to me, her lips pleading for more—but I knew the truth. Her mind was desperate for an escape, searching for anything to drown out the pain of her memories.As much as I’d love to take that pain away, I couldn’t let mating be the answer. Not like this. I wouldn’t claim her, only for her to wake up regretting it. She deserves better than that. That’s why I gave her bliss in another way—someth
AUBREYMy eyes flutter open gently to the morning sunlight streaming through the gossamer curtains, painting the room in a soft golden glow. I lift my hands to stretch when a scent hits me – cedar with hints of storm rain – making me freeze mid-motion. My heart stutters as I quickly turn to the side, and there he is – my mate, lying in bed next to me. My eyes widen in shock as I wonder when he got into the bed, and then the memories of last night come crashing back.My hand flies to my lips as I remember his pressed against mine, the phantom sensation so vivid it feels like he's still kissing me. Oh, heavens above! Did I really let him kiss me – and worse, kiss him back with such enthusiasm? What the hell was I thinking? My cheeks burn with the memory of how I'd melted into that kiss; my fingers curled into th
KNOXMy blood boils as I take in the scene before me. Aubrey is trembling in the middle of the pond, her lips nearly blue, while Sasha stands at the edge with not a single drop of water on her pristine dress. When Liam told me something felt off, I imagined a lot of things going wrong—but nothing like this.I don’t hesitate. I shove Sasha aside with more force than necessary and wade into the freezing water, ignoring the gasps from the gathered noblewomen. Their delicate murmurs of "scandal" barely register in my mind; all I can think about is Aubrey.Her wide, frightened eyes meet mine. “Your…” she begins, but her words falter as I reach her. Scooping her shivering body into my arms, I hold her close against my chest and step out of the water, my boots squelching against the soft grass.
AUBREY"No one," I manage, my heart threatening to burst from my chest."Didn't seem like that." Knox moves toward me with predatory grace, each step forcing me back until cold stone meets my spine. His scent - pine needles and winter storms - overwhelms my senses until I can barely think straight."I talk to myself sometimes." The lie tastes weak even to me."Is that so, little wolf?" He plants his hand on the wall beside my head, effectively caging me between solid stone and his overwhelming presence. The heat radiating off his body makes my skin tingle.I nod, not trusting my voice, as I try desperately to ignore how perfectly I'd fit against his chest."If that's all, Your Gra
KNOXI storm into my quarters, slamming the door hard enough to rattle the ancient wood. My blood boils at my father's latest demand. He can't be fucking serious."Oh, but he is," my wolf rumbles, smug satisfaction dripping from every word. "And I agree with him completely. Audrey should move into our quarters. The sooner, the better."If I could manifest this bastard part of myself right now, I'd punch him in his fucking face."You just want to fuck her," I accuse."No... Yes." A pause. *"Both."I can't help but let out a dark chuckle at his honesty.