I ended the call with Emma and glanced at Jack. He closed his laptop and set it on the seat beside him. His golden eyes found mine, intense as always.
"Do you feel excited when you are with me the way you sounded just now with your friend?" he asked.
"Yes, but in my heart," I said softly.
He laughed, the sound warm and deep. "I do not want it in your heart. I want it in your expressions and your words."
The car pulled up to the dress shop in the capital district. Jack settled into a chair near the fitting rooms while I disappeared behind the curtain. The attendants brought gown after gown. Each time I emerged, Jack would assess me with those penetrating eyes. A nod meant the dress went into the selection pile. A shake of his head sent it back.
Then they brought out a midnight blue gown that took my breath away. The fabric shimmered like moonlight on water. It hugged my curves, the back completely bare, flowing down to my feet. The neckline dipped low enough to be daring without being improper.
I stared at my reflection. My wolf purred in approval. The dress made my pale skin glow and brought out the silver flecks in my eyes that marked me as something other than fully human.
I turned to show Jack and caught him watching me with an expression that made my pulse quicken. His gaze traveled slowly from my feet upward until it locked on my face. What I saw there was not simple desire. It was possession. Devotion. Love.
"This one is perfect for the dinner," he said, his voice rough. He stood and crossed to me in three long strides. The attendants melted away as his hands settled on my hips. Then his mouth was on mine, claiming me in front of everyone.
My wolf rose to meet his, our connection blazing bright. When he finally pulled back, I was breathless.
"Let them prepare you," he said. "I want to see you polished to perfection."
I tried to protest. "I can do my own hair and makeup at home."
"You can do that when you are alone. Tonight, you let them make you shine." His tone left no room for argument. The Alpha King had spoken.
When they finished, I barely recognized myself. My dark hair was swept into an elegant knot with soft tendrils framing my face. My features were enhanced but not hidden. I looked like someone who belonged at the Alpha King's side.
As I stood, Jack's expression turned predatory. "You will stay beside me the entire evening," he murmured as we walked to the car. "I cannot have other males looking at you too long."
Heat flooded my cheeks. "As you wish."
I checked the time and realized we were thirty minutes late. Jack seemed unconcerned.
"We are not attending the public ceremony," he explained. "Richard invited us for the private dinner afterward with his father. The Elder Alpha only wants close allies present for that part."
I touched the necklace at my throat, the one Jack had returned to me days ago. The heart shaped pendant caught the light. My mother had given it to me when I was young, telling me to wear it to important events. She said it would bring me luck. I never understood why until I learned what I was.
"The necklace suits you, my love," Jack said, noticing my gesture.
"Thank you."
His hand covered mine. "Aurora."
The serious note in his voice made me turn to face him fully. The space between us felt charged.
"I love you very much," he said, so quietly I almost missed it.
"I love you too."
He stared into my eyes for a long moment before kissing my temple. "You are beautiful."
"You are the finest male in this kingdom," I replied, placing my free hand over his. Our gazes locked and held. Something shifted in my chest, settling into place like a puzzle piece I had been missing.
"Jack," I whispered, though he sat right beside me.
He did not answer with words, just enveloped my hand in both of his. His eyes never left mine.
"I love you. I have never felt this way before. Now I know with certainty that I am in love with you." The confession tumbled out before I could stop it.
His smile transformed his face. "I love you too."
"Please do not break my heart." My eyes burned with tears I refused to let fall. "Do not leave me no matter what happens. I could not bear it if you abandoned me for another or betrayed me."
"I will never," he promised, his voice iron. "You have my word."
The car slowed as we approached Elder Alpha Adrian's estate. Security wolves lined the perimeter, more than I had ever seen. Our driver stopped at the gate.
Jack rolled down the window. "Jack Hudson."
They waved us through immediately. I looked at him and could not help but smile. His name alone commanded respect.
The circular drive was packed with expensive vehicles. We were indeed late. The public ceremony was already underway inside. But as I stepped from the car, something changed in Jack. His entire demeanor shifted. Gone was the male who had kissed me tenderly in the dress shop. In his place stood the Alpha King, powerful and untouchable.
He took my hand, his expression unreadable now. I understood in that moment exactly who I belonged to. The weight of it settled over me like a cloak.
Wolves turned to stare as we walked toward the entrance. Whispers rippled through the crowd. Jack's guards appeared from nowhere, forming a protective barrier. Cameras flashed. Questions were shouted. Just like the first time I had seen him at my workplace, his presence commanded attention.
I lifted my chin and straightened my spine. If I was to be the Alpha King's mate, I would not shame him by cowering.
A familiar scent hit me as we crossed the threshold. My wolf suddenly went still.
That scent. I knew that scent.
My hand tightened on Jack's arm as recognition slammed into me. Inside that house was someone from my past. Someone I thought I would never see again.
Someone who could destroy everything.