34 THE FROMISE THE PROMISE VALERIA I felt him freere , his lips brushing against my scarred cheek .


    I thought he would withdraw , upset by my rejection , storming off like the ogre he usually was .


    But Ive never been able to fully understand the King he remains a mystery to me .


    A soft kissnded on my scarred check , sending a shiver though my sensitive skin .


    It felt more intimate than kissing on the lips .


    My chest fluttered nervously .


    He exhaled deeply and finally let me go .


    The coldness immediately invaded my body without his erbrace .


    Fine .


    I understand your decision and that youre angry .


    I wont force you into anything you dont want , he said quietly , and I thought this dramatic moment was finally over , that he would retreat to his room .


    Instead , he walked to the old floral armchair near the bed and sat down calmly , crossing his legs and picking up a sewing book from the bedside table .


    What are you doing , Your Majesty ? Is there something else you need ? I asked , confused by his actions .


    No , I dont need anything .


    Go on with your business , he replied without lifting his gaze from the yellowed pages .


    Youre in my room , I pointed out logically , as if speaking to a fool .


    Yes , and ? Im the master of this entire castle , including this room .


    Ive decided I want to read this book here now , he said nonchntly , and I wanted to scream in his smug face and hurl insults at him .


    He didnt even look at me , continuing to pretend to read about sewing the book was upside down ! Idiot king , arrogant , overbearing , dominant ! Aaaagh , how Id love to bite him ! Fine , if he wants war , then war hell get .


    Im not giving in to his whims this time .


    After all , hes already seen everything there is to see .


    I dropped my hands from my chest , letting the soft , worn nightgown fall to my hips , where it bunched up .


    My torso was now exposed , and if theres one thing Im proud of , its my full breasts .


    I leaned over the chest at the foot of the bed , pretending to rummage as if I had endless outfits to choose from .


    I nced sideways for a second and caught him peeking over the book .


    His intense gray eyes burned with heat , testing my boldness and resolve .


    I finally pulled out a spare nightgown , but I hesitated for a moment .


    Being this brazen without the help of that seductive butterfly was proving harder than I thought .


    In the end , like a coward , I turned suy back , intending to change in the bathroom .


    13 THE PROMISE Do it here , his rough voice stopped me .


    Finish what you started , Valeria , or I cant promise what I might do I was just going to change , sir … Then change , here , in this room .


    Or do you need help ? N no , I stammered , caught in my own trap .


    Ahhh , butterfly , teach me how to be a temptress because Im pathetic at seducing a man ! Without turning , I pushed my dress down , letting it fall around my legs and wrinkle at my feet.


    Bend over and pick it up from the floor , hemanded in this twisted game .


    Wasnt this supposed to be a punishment for him ? I bent down , my rear in the air ,pletely at the mercy of his lustful gaze that burned my intimacy like fire .


    Sshh , I heard a perverse hiss behind me , and I quickly straightened , grabbing the spare gown and slipping it over my head .


    No , turn around .


    I want to see all of you .


    Oh no , by the Goddess ! What have I done ? I turned slowly , frozen in ce .


    Aldric sat with his shirt partially open , massaging the outline of his erection , visible and tight against his ck trousers .


    Sitting with legs spread , canines bared , and licking his lips like a predator eyeing its prey me His wolf eyes roamed over me , stopping at the triangle between my legs , devouring me with his gaze Mmm , my , my memories dont do you justice , he murmured , his hand moving faster over his length .


    A suspicious stain spread across the fabric .


    I swallowed hard .


    I was getting too aroused , falling into a game where he was clearly the expert and I remained the novice .


    Breathing heavily and with trembling hands , I finally pulled the gown on and practically ran to my bed , diving under the covers like a frightened rabbit .


    I turned to face the wall , curling up and pulling the nket over half my face , leaving only my hair visible .


    My heart raced wildly because of this man who was turning any world upside down I didnt know how much time had passed , but eventually , I fell asleep .


    Suddenly , in the middle of my dreams , I felt the bed dip .


    The nket lifted , and a warm body pressed against my back .


    His scent surrounded me , and I knew it was him .


    His knee sid between my legs , and his hand gripped my waist , pulling me tightly against his chest .


    Both of us squished into this tiny bed , the King sleeping beside me when he had afortable room and a massive bed of his own .


    Provoking me like that and leaving me hard will cost youter , rebellious maid .


    I hope youre ready for the THE PROMISE consequences , he whispered into my dreams .


    A smile crept onto my lips as I pressed closer to the powerful Lycan .


    ? I cant wait to face the consequences , my King .


    Im dying to face them .


    ? Those were myst thoughts before falling into a deep sleep .


    When I woke up the next morning , he was already gone .


    The bed was cold , but I knew he had spent the entire night with me , nearly crushing me deliciously with his massive body .


    I got up in a good mood , stretching as I gazed out the small window at the forest outside .


    Lowering my hand , something caught my attention .


    There was a small red tattoo , round , on the inside of my wrist that hadnt been there before .


    I examined it closely .


    Among intricate symbols , there seemed to be initials : AT .


    I immediately thought of Aldric Thorne .


    What has His Majesty done to my body now ? Its a blood spell from the King , the housekeeper exined when I asked , driven by curiosity .


    His Majesty made a promise to you and sealed it with his blood before the Goddess .


    It means that if he breaks it , he could even die .


    Her exnation surprised me , but warmth spread inside me .


    He had promised to be only with me while our pactsted .


    I apologize for asking you to make the selection .


    His Majesty made it very clear to me that its strictly forbidden now , she added , studying me with deep , inquisitive eyes .


    Of course , she wasnt foolish .


    She had clearly noticed that things had changed between the King and me .


    Thank you , Housekeeper , I replied , slightly embarrassed .


    This letter arrived for the King from the Silver Lake pack Please deliver it to the training grounds , she said , handing me an official letter .


    I took it and headed to one of the many gyms .


    When I arrived and pushed open the door , I was met with an incredible and thrilling sight .