I waited in the sitting room that evening instead of retreating to my chambers. Cody had gone to bed hours ago, but I remained on the velvet sofa, a book open in my lap that I had not read a single word of. The fire crackled in the hearth. I told myself I was simply enjoying the warmth, but the truth sat heavy in my chest. I wanted to see Jack before the day ended.
The Alpha King arrived home late from the council chambers. I heard his boots on the marble floor before I saw him. When he entered the sitting room, his eyes found mine immediately, and something in his expression softened.
"You are awake," he said, walking toward me. "Were you waiting for me?"
"Welcome home," I replied, fixing my gaze on the flames dancing in the fireplace.
He sat beside me, close enough that I caught his scent. Pine and winter air. "Wait for me. I will freshen up and return soon."
Before I could respond, he leaned forward and pressed his lips to my chin. The kiss was brief, almost hesitant. Then he stood and walked toward the stairs.
I sat frozen, my fingers rising to touch the spot where his lips had been. The skin there felt warm. I traced it once, then twice, a small smile pulling at my mouth before I could stop it.
I did not see him pause at the base of the stairs, watching me with those storm gray eyes.
Thirty minutes passed before he returned, dressed in casual clothes, his dark hair still damp. He settled beside me again, closer this time.
"What are you reading?" he asked.
"Nothing interesting," I said, closing the book. I turned to face him. "I hope Alpha Maslow did not succeed in damaging the kingdom."
His entire body went still. He stared at me for a long moment, something like surprise flickering across his face.
"You had not been available for me to ask how it went," I added, keeping my voice steady.
"Thank you for your concern, Aurora." His voice was quiet. "Alpha Maslow failed. I have annexed his territory and his pack now answers to me. He is in considerable debt to the crown."
I frowned. "Why would you go so far against him?"
"He tried to kill me first," Jack said, his jaw tight. "He was the one who orchestrated the ambush where you took the blade meant for my heart. He also murdered my betrothed."
The words hung between us like smoke.
"You found out who ordered the assassination?" I asked.
"Yes. James Maslow." He stood and walked to the window, his back to me. "When Clara and I were courting, he called himself her cousin. They were close. Too close, I realize now. In truth, she was his lover. He introduced us, and I fell for her lies."
I said nothing, letting him speak.
"She was his spy," he continued. "I kept her away from kingdom matters, thank the goddess. I proposed marriage. We were to complete the mating bond the following month when she died. They said it was an accident, a fall from the cliffs during a hunt."
"But it was not an accident," I said softly.
"No. James killed her because she was pregnant." His voice turned cold. "The child was not mine. I never bedded her without precautions. She claimed she had terminated three pregnancies for me, but I knew the truth. The child belonged to someone else."
"If not you or James, then who?"
"I am still investigating." He turned back to face me, his eyes dark. "James wanted revenge for her death, though he caused it himself. He set the trap at the border negotiations. If you had not been there, I would be dead."
"I am glad you are not," I said.
The fire popped in the hearth. Jack returned to the sofa but remained standing.
"I wanted to discuss something with you," I said, gathering my courage. "I am healed now. I want to return to my cottage in the village."
His face went blank, as if I had struck him.
"I feel life is incomplete without my work, my independence," I continued. "Thank you for taking me into the palace and caring for me. Thank you for letting me spend time with Cody. But it is time for me to go home. I will leave tomorrow morning."
"Why?" The word came out harsh. "Are you not happy here with Cody and me?"
"This has nothing to do with Cody," I said. "I am not comfortable here. I want to return to my own space."
"I do not want you to leave." He moved closer, his hands clenched at his sides. "I love you, Aurora. I want you to stay with me and Cody. Be part of our family. Please."
"I am telling you out of courtesy, Jack." I stood to face him. "Otherwise you would return tomorrow and find me gone. Do not try to convince me. It will not work."
He went silent. The firelight cast shadows across his face, making him look older, tired.
"I will not stop you," he said finally. "If you choose to leave, I cannot force you. Not anymore." He paused. "I am grateful you spent these days with us. I am grateful you saved my life."
He walked to the liquor cabinet and pulled out a bottle of vodka.
"But before you go, I need you to know something." He turned, the bottle in his hand. "I love you. It is not a passing fancy or gratitude. It grew in me slowly, and now it is rooted deep. I am begging you to love me in return. I know I do not deserve your love. I know what I did to you. But for our son's sake, if nothing else, please love me."
He held my gaze for a long moment, then walked past me toward the stairs. Halfway up, he stopped and looked back at me one final time before disappearing into the shadows of the upper hall.
I stood alone by the dying fire, his words echoing in the empty room.