Tobias took my hand and looked directly into my eyes, his gaze searching my face with concern. I could see the worry there, the genuine care that made the mate bond warm my chest.
"Everything is fine," I assured him, squeezing his hand. "I promise you, there's nothing to worry about."
His smile was bright in the moonlight. "I'm glad to hear it. But it's getting quite late, and I think it would be best if I escorted you somewhere more... private. Will you come with me?"
Private. He means his chambers.
My heart skipped at the implication, and I felt heat flood my cheeks. "Yes," I said simply, though my voice came out breathier than I'd intended.
This is right. This is what mates do.
As Tobias led me through the castle corridors toward his private chambers, I was aware that every guard and maid we passed followed us with their eyes. Quiet whispers trailed in our wake, but I kept my chin raised high.
Let them whisper. I have nothing to be ashamed of.
"You smell like citrus and wine," I observed as he closed the door behind us. His familiar scent made my head spin with desire enhanced by the artificial bond.
His scent is clean and safe. Nothing like Kyrell's dark, dangerous smell.
"Not nearly as intoxicating as you," he replied, moving toward me with obvious intent.
He carried me to the bed, lowering me carefully onto the silk sheets. His eyes stayed fixed on me, dark and burning, but filled with patience.
“I can’t wait for you to be mine,” he whispered, lips brushing my ear. “I’ve dreamed of this since the day we met.”
The bond inside me thrummed, making my wolf stir and answer with a low hum of approval.
“I want this too,” I whispered back.
Do I?
His hand cupped my cheek, thumb stroking my skin. “Say it. I need to hear you.”
“I want you,” I gasped.
Relief softened his expression before he leaned down between my legs, kissing me gently. His mouth was warm, unhurried, coaxing me to open for him. Each kiss deepened a little more, until I was clinging to him, my body eager for his.
He undressed me slowly, sliding my dress from my shoulders, his fingertips trailing reverently over the bare skin he revealed. Every inch he touched felt cherished. When I shivered, he lowered himself over me, his warmth covering mine.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, pressing kisses along my throat, down to my collarbone. His claiming bite came soft, more like a kiss, and my wolf purred, pleased.
He took his time, hands exploring gently, lips finding sensitive places, his voice soothing me with whispered promises. My body melted beneath his careful attention.
When he finally entered me, he moved slowly, holding me close. The first stretch made me catch my breath, but he stilled, whispering, “It’s alright… I’ve got you.” He kissed me as I adjusted, his hand stroking my side, grounding me.
The tension eased, replaced by warmth, then a slow, building pleasure as he began to move. Each thrust was unhurried, deliberate, his eyes never leaving mine. His kisses trailed across my lips, my jaw, my temple, as if every part of me deserved worship.
“Yes,” I whispered, arms winding around him, pulling him closer. The bond hummed stronger, weaving us tighter together. My wolf settled, satisfied.
He stayed gentle even as our rhythm deepened, murmuring my name like a vow. And when the heat between us finally crested, it was not only release—it was connection, raw and consuming, binding us in ways I hadn’t known were possible.
After, he didn’t move away. He gathered me close, stroking my hair, kissing my forehead again and again as our breaths slowed together.
"Sleep, my love," he whispered. "You're safe with me."
The next morning, I woke alone but in good spirits. Evidence of his care was everywhere—fresh flowers by the window, a silk robe laid out for me, breakfast waiting on a side table.
He was so gentle. So kind. Everything I should want.
Curious about my future husband, I began exploring his rooms. I admired his book collection, ran my fingers over displayed weapons, enjoyed the soft carpet beneath my feet.
At his writing desk, scrolls were scattered across the surface. One particular scroll lay open, and my eyes scanned the contents involuntarily. What I read made my blood run cold.
This can't be real.
It was a detailed plan to frame Kyrell for various infractions that would destroy his reputation—fabricated evidence, false testimony, orchestrated situations to make him appear unstable.
Someone is plotting against Kyrell. But who? There's no signature anywhere.
I memorized every detail, then quickly stepped away when I heard footsteps.
Maybe Tobias intercepted this. Maybe he's trying to protect his brother.
"Good morning, beautiful," Tobias said as he entered, his face lighting up. "What are you doing over by my desk?"
He looks so innocent. If he intercepted this plot, he might be trying to stop it.
"I just woke up and decided to walk around," I replied, forcing my voice to remain steady. "After such a... passionate night, I needed to stretch my legs."
His grin was satisfied and possessive as he lifted me and spun me around.
"Finally," he said triumphantly, "finally you're completely mine."
As he held me, I tried to match his enthusiasm while my mind raced with questions about the scroll.
Someone wants to destroy Kyrell. But Tobias might be the one trying to save him. I hope that's what this means.