Chapter 3. It's time to be an adult.

Maddison Spencer-Bennett.

So now I found out that my parents knew who one of my mates was years ago. Why the fuck didn’t anyone say anything? I don’t believe at all that it’s because “they wanted to protect my childhood.” Bullshit!

I got out of bed and asked him the question that was on my mind. “Dad, why didn’t anyone tell me anything? And don’t say it was to protect me.”

He opened his eyes wide, but it was Alonso who took my hand and said, “Because I asked them to, little mate.”

I frowned and broke free from his grip. I crossed my arms, “Explain yourself.”

He sighed again. “Your parents wanted you to know about my existence years ago. I asked them not to tell you anything because I wanted you to get to know me without having expectations. Honestly, little one, I was terrified to think that I wouldn’t be enough for you.”

This left me amazed and speechless.

The most coveted CEO, respected and pursued by all women of all ages, was terrified that I would reject him? Hasn’t the man seen himself in the mirror? I doubt he knows what he looks like... He’s a delicious hottie that I would be more than happy to lick him at all hours of the day!

Focus, Maddie! Damn, man! Who distracts my hormones and makes me remember the passionate scenes from the night before.

I cleared my throat because I suddenly felt hot.

“Why the hell do you think that? Don’t you know what you look like? Don’t you read magazines? They are all after you!”

I thought saying this would make him feel better, but I failed to think about how it would make me feel… It made me feel worse. Jealousy was a real bitch!      

His eyes widened, and a nervous smile graced his face. Shit! Is this what happens when you meet your fated mate? Do you have to learn to deal with emotions you never thought you would feel?

Of course, I know nothing about mates because I’ve never had one. The kids at the academy were too afraid of my parents to offer having any relationship with me.

There were also those who connected with me hoping to get in with my parents.

So, from an early age, I had to learn the hard way, not to trust anyone. Everyone around me, except my family, had a secret agenda, and it was usually to gain power.

As the law said, I had to have four mates, whether fated or chosen. This made the women of my family become the ultimate beacon of power to achieve.

It also made me become a distrustful and insecure woman. On the outside, I showed to have all the qualities expected of me, but on the inside... I was a complete mess.

One of my major fears was that Alonso, being my fated mate, would have access to everything that was happening inside me. All these years I had tried so hard to reach the standards that my parents expected of me.

The best in the academy, the best in college, the best in training, the best at following the rules. But the cost of doing it? Only I knew it.

Part of me just wanted to run and not look back. But the other had so internalized her duty that she couldn’t get away from that, even if she tried.

I sighed and told him honestly, “Alonso, I think we need to talk… alone.”

I looked at dad and said, “Can you leave?”

Dad widened his eyes, “I will leave with you, Maddison. You come home with me.”

“No, dad. I’ll go when I finish talking to my mate. You must return home with yours. Now please leave.”

Didn’t he want me to act like an adult? Fine! This is me, being an adult.

“I will talk to her and take her to the palace. Maddison is right. We must talk, as there are so many things that will change.” Alonso said.

Realization dawned on his face. He sighed and nodded silently. Before leaving the room, he said, “We’ll be waiting for you to come back, Maddie. I’ll talk to your mother.”

I nodded silently as Dad left the room.

I sighed, went back to bed, sat down and, looking at Alonso, I said, “Okay, mate. I’m all ears. Tell me everything I don’t know.”

_____________

Three hours later, Alonso filled in all the gaps in the story of my life. Well, it filled other voids too, because seeing him, smelling him and feeling how he touched me... Ugh... I insist I could live on top of that man and die happy.

Oh, my goddess! I just realized that I’m a really horny slut! So embarrassing!

Alonso told me he understood I was his mate when I was five years old. His fear was such that he asked my mother to join the academy.

He told me that my parents sent him to college to study business, hoping he would run the academy. And, over time, he turned it into a network that has over thirty elite educational establishments around the world.

Like me and Mom, he also possesses magic and is also an anchor of the coven, which makes him extremely powerful.

He did not want to take charge of any pack, because he felt he could be more useful by building an institution that would care for young people globally. From an early age, he was ambitious and knew he could achieve it. He just needed someone to believe in him.

It made me happy to know that my mother believed in him the moment he saved her from Warren, one of my dad’s, when he didn’t want to accept her mates.

But what caught my attention the most is that, despite having a tough and powerful exterior, he is an extremely gentle and considerate man.

According to him, he had no woman, because he was waiting for me... And with that comment? He completely stole my heart. From there, I jumped into his arms, kissing him passionately.

After getting dressed, we left the hotel room. What I didn’t expect was the number of journalists who were waiting for us.

Alonso frowned and said, “Damn it! Who the fuck told them we were here?”

He pulled me in and protectively put his hand on my waist. I saw how his eyes glazed over, and I understood he was speaking through a mental link.

Two minutes later, a tall, very handsome dark-skinned man hurriedly joined us.

“Little one, meet Leonardo. He is my assistant. It will help you with everything you need. Kate will also be contacted so they can share agendas.”

I frowned, and a second later, I understood what he meant. Kate was my personal assistant and was in charge of my schedule. She was the one who told me where and when to be.

Being the princess and heir means many events and no personal life. Now, with Alonso by my side, we will have to make a lot of adjustments.

“Leonardo, explain to me. How the hell did they find out we were here?”

“I’m sorry, sir. But last night... You weren’t very careful when kissing the princess in public or taking her to the hotel. You were photographed in both situations.”

“What?” I said, totally shocked.

Leonardo gave me the iPad that he was carrying in his hands and showed me the pictures. Now I understand why my dad was so pissed.

I have been taught my entire life that public opinion is extremely important, as a picture speaks a thousand words. And the job of journalists is not always to tell the truth.

So we are all very careful about how we lead our private lives. Dad was right. I was careless. And it would be a thousand times worse if Alonso were not my mate.

But we couldn’t make any statement, since that was mom’s job. She was supposed to be the one to talk about my relationship.

Therefore, now we had to get out of here.

“Little one, we have two options. The first one, leave hand in hand, saying nothing, and in the afternoon your mother will give the statements. Or leave through the back door. It’s up to you.”

Despite how complicated the situation was, because of the royal protocols, I couldn’t hide my smile. Alonso let me choose. For the first time in my life, something was not imposed on me. He gave me options I could choose from.

Maybe having a fated mate wasn’t a bad thing… Maybe this could work.

“Why are you smiling, little one?” He said to me.

“Because if what I feel right now is being in love, you could have appeared in my life sooner.”

Alonso smiled at me and said, “Don’t tell me that, little one. Look, I have a terrible need for you… again.”

He leaned close to my ear and murmured, “Your scent drives me crazy… I just want to taste you again.”

My heart was beating madly because of his words and his closeness. I swallowed hard at the urge to jump onto his lap and rub against him like a cat in heat.

Oh goddess! How can I work when I feel this horny around him, like all the time?

Leonardo cleared his throat and said, “Sorry for interrupting you, but princess... We need your decision. What will be your choice?”