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 kiss landed 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 . 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 nonchalantly , 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 glanced 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 , he commanded in this twisted game . Wasnt this supposed to be a punishment for him ? I bent down , my rear in the air , completely 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 place . Aldric sat with his shirt partially open , massaging the outline of his erection , visible and tight against his black 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 blanket 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 blanket 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 a comfortable room and a massive bed of his own . Provoking me like that and leaving me hard will cost you later , 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 my last 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 explained 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 explanation surprised me , but warmth spread inside me . He had promised to be only with me while our pact lasted . 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 . 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