*Isla*

The head maid lets go of me when we hear a male voice demanding to know what she is doing.

She turns to address him as I cover my face, pain radiating through my cheeks and nose.

“Beta Seth,” she begins, “this girl was being careless with the king’s belongings and disrespectful to me. I was simply teaching her a lesson, the same way I would teach any new servant a lesson, sir.”

I wipe a bit of blood from my upper lip with the back of my hand and turn to see a handsome man walk into the room. He is tall with dark blond hair and white shoulders. His green eyes are focused on the other woman in the room, and his intense stare has her rigid stance wavering.

“How dare you?” he demands. “You were asked to show Miss Isla to her room. No one asked you to teach her anything. I can’t imagine she did anything careless. What could she have possibly done? I didn’t see anything broken between here and the king’s offices.”

I watch as the woman’s throat moves viciously as she swallows. “Well, she bumped a table in the hall and then again in here and…”

“In her own room? So what?” He seems to be getting angrier by the moment, and as he takes another step toward her, Mrs. Whateverhernameisshire bumps into the table. “I suppose now that you’ve bumped the table, we should teach you a lesson, hmm?”

I notice then that there are two other men with him. Both of them are dressed in guards' uniforms. They are large, muscular men as well, and as Beta Seth raises a hand, they step forward.

“Oh, no, Beta, please,” she says. “I didn’t mean to.”

“Well, I’m sure Miss Isla didn’t mean to either. But you took it upon yourself to slap her until her face is bleeding. So… I think Daniel and Stephen shall do the same to you.” He snaps his fingers and moves aside.

I watch as one of the large men grabs her by the collar and the other begins to slap her across the face. It only takes a few smacks for her nose and lip to start bleeding. She begins to cry, begging them to stop.

“Please,” I say, my eyes wide. “Please, don’t.” I reach out to touch the Beta’s shirt sleeve, but I fall short of actually grabbing it. “Can that be enough, please?”

He turns and looks at me while the other two continue to slap her, taking turns now. He snaps his fingers and they stop, letting her go in the process, and she falls to the ground. “You think she’s had enough, Miss Isla?”

I nod. I wouldn’t have wanted them to slap her anyway. Even though she is an awful person, and she hurt me, I don’t like to watch others suffer.

He studies my face for a moment before one side of his mouth pulls up into a grin. “You are… different,” he assesses, and I don’t know if that’s good or bad. “Daniel, take Mrs. Worsthingshorethinshire to her chamber to gather her things. She’ll be departing the castle now.”

“Yes, Beta Seth,” Daniel says, and he hauls the woman up off of the ground by her shirt collar as she begs to keep her job.

“You’re firing her?” I ask.

“Yes,” he answers as if it is the most obvious thing in the world. “You haven’t even seen your room yet. Here we are.”

I feel bad for the woman, even if she was a witch, but we have moved on, and as Beta Seth opens the door to my room, I can’t believe my eyes.

“This is… my room?” I ask.

“That’s right,” he tells me. “King Maddox wanted the best room for you.”

I stand in the doorway for a moment and take it all in.

To my left, there’s a large, cherry wood dresser with a beautiful mirror and a bench where I can sit and do my hair and makeup, if I had any makeup. Just down from there is a plush blue chair that looks cozy and inviting. A large window with drapes the same shade as the chair is next to it, and there’s a matching one on the other side of the bed.

The bed is massive, big enough for at least three people. It is a four-poster bed in the same cherry wood as the dresser, and the bedding matches the rest of the fabrics in the room. The mattress looks so plush and divine, I can’t wait to try it out. I’ve been sleeping on a thin piece of foam for so long, I can’t remember what a real mattress feels like

Next to the second window, there’s a door, which stands ajar, and I can see that inside is a bathroom, and a clawfoot tub looks so inviting, I want to jump right in. The tile on the floor is black and white checkered, and it looks very sleek and polished inside the en suite bathroom.

There’s a large fireplace, though it isn’t lit at the moment. The mantel has some beautiful blue vases and over it is a cottage scene that I imagine I could stare at for hours.

Near the fireplace stands a larger armoire that matches the other furniture, and there’s another door that I imagine is a closet.

In the corner to my left is a round table in the same cherry wood finish with four chairs, upholstered in the same blue.

The carpet is beige, but there’s a large throw rug that has beige and blue woven through it.

“Well?” Beta Seth asks as I stand there gaping at all of this.

“I think that Mrs. Worthershtirshirehover was right,” I say, noting that he is chuckling at my butchering of her name.

“What did Mrs. Worsthingshorethinshire say, dare I ask?” Beta Seth questions.

“She told me that she thought there’s been some mistake and that I’m actually supposed to be shown to the maid’s quarters. Beta Seth, sir,” I begin, bowing my head in respect, “I went to my Alpha to borrow money to repay a debt, and he brought me here to repay a debt he owes to the king. I believe I should be working to pay that debt off. Shouldn’t I be in the maids’ quarters to do that?”

Beta Seth’s smile fades. “No one told you then?” he asks me.

My eyebrows raise and I feel my heart begin to thunder in my chest as I try to guess what his words are supposed to mean. “No one told me… what?” I ask.

“No one told you what your duties shall be… in order to pay off the debt?”

I shake my head. “No, sir. No one has told me.”

He clears his throat. “I don’t really want to be the one to tell you, but if it isn’t going to be King Maddox himself, then I suppose it’s going to be me.”

“Please, sir. You’ve been so kind. I’d like to hear it from you, if you don’t mind.”

He nods, and I brace myself to hear what he has to say. I have no idea what it could possibly be. None at all.

“You’re going to repay your debts by becoming the Alpha King’s Breeder.”

I certainly wasn’t expecting that.

***

Maddox

I need to prepare for my meeting with Alpha Jordan’s pack before the formal dinner we’ll be having. We have many points to discuss, and I need to be on top of my game to make sure that I don’t get swindled on any of them.

After all, Alpha Jordan is one of my strongest allies, but he’s also quite shrewd and nearly twice my age.

It would be quite easy for him to take advantage of me if I’m not paying close attention.

But I can’t get my mind off of the girl, and that’s irritating.

I’ve sworn not to ever take another Luna, so there’s no need for me to even let that thought cross my mind. It’s not that.

I just wonder… what is she doing here? And am I crazy for even letting Alpha Ernest’s ridiculous suggestion enter my thoughts?

Breeder….

I had been thinking about it before, though. It used to be common practice, a long time ago, back when Lunas had trouble conceiving male heirs and Alphas wanted to make sure that they had a strong son to put on the throne or to rule the pack after them.

Just because I hadn’t heard of anyone doing it in decades didn’t mean it wasn’t a good idea.

Still… the girl….

I’d only caught a glimpse of her as she’d gone down the hallway, and she hadn’t seen me at all. I hadn’t even seen her face.

Alpha Ernest had said she was beautiful, but that didn’t mean anything. Beauty was in the eye of the beholder.

Beyond that, I had a reputation for being a cold, cruel, uncompassionate man on the battlefield.

Could I also be one in the bedroom?

People spoke of me as if I had a harem of women that I used and abused, but the truth of the matter was I hadn’t slept with many women at all since my wife had died. When I did, they knew that there were no feelings involced.

“Rebecca….”

Her name rolled from my lips so easily, even though I wished it wouldn’t. Even when I wished her memory would fade to the back of my mind and simply become a part of my subconscious.

A knock on my door brought me out of my thoughts.

“Seth,” I said, seeing my Beta walk into the office. He knew he could walk in any time I wasn’t with someone else. “Did you check on our… new guest?”

“I did. She’s… a tiny thing. Sweet—a bit odd, perhaps.”

“Odd?”

He shrugged. “It’s hard to describe. You’ll have to meet her. She’s quite lovely, though. At any rate, it isn’t her I came by to tell you about.”

With my elbows on my desk, I leaned toward him. “What is it then?”

“It’s Mrs. Worsthingshorethinshire.” Seth let out a lamentable sigh as he sat down in a chair across from me. “I’m afraid I’ve had to let her go.”

“Let her go?” I repeat. “But she’s the head of the house staff, the head of the maids anyway. Whatever for?”

“Well, when I walked into the room, she had slapped the girl, Miss Isla, so hard, she’d knocked her across the room, and when I asked Mrs. Worsthingshorethinshire why, she said it was because the girl had knocked into a table in her own room. Naturally, I couldn’t let that be tolerated. It’s not the first time I’ve heard of Mrs. Worsthingshorethinshire doing something so cruel.”

I can only stare at him for a moment, hardly believing my ears. “And I have the reputation for being brutal.”

He nodded. “I was so infuriated at the sight, I had my men give her a taste of her own medicine.” He looks down at the floor, a bit embarrassed, I think. “Maybe I shouldn’t have, but I thought she deserved it.”

“No, don’t beat yourself up about it,” I say, trying to crack a joke, but Seth doesn’t seem to think I am funny right now. “You did the right thing. How is the girl?”

“I left her in her rooms. I have sent for Poppy. I think she’s the right maid to take care of her. I will also have some dinner sent to her and a wardrobe. I assume you will be in to see her… eventually?”

I shrug. “I don’t know what my plans are, Seth. This breeder business… it’s probably not for me. Especially if she is as you say she is… tiny and frail.”

“Well, she is tiny, but I don’t think she is frail. And she is quite lovely. There’s something about her that’s quite striking—and before you say it—no pun intended.” He gives me a look that says he likes me better when I’m not trying to be funny.

“Is that what’s odd about her then? The striking part?” I ask, putting my strange sense of humor aside.

“No,” he says. “I think what’s odd was that she just took it, like she’s used to being knocked around. And that sort of seemed sad to me. That someone so young should be so used to being hit so hard.”

I can only shrug at that. Empathy is not my strong suit. “Thanks for letting me know,” I say. “Alpha Jordan will be here soon, and I need to prepare.”

“All right,” Seth gets up and heads out of the room, and I go back to my notes about my meeting with Alpha Jordan, but I cannot concentrate at all.

All I can think about is the girl.

*Isla*

I sit on the bed in my new room, not sure what to do, grasping my bag. I look around, but I’m not sure what to do.

Why am I here?

If I touch anything else, will someone come flying out of the closet and slap me again?

Beta Seth has assured me that this is my room, and I can do whatever I want, but I am still hesitant. I can’t help but think that this is all a huge mistake.

Mrs. Worchestshire or whatever her name was had mentioned that she thought I was meant to go to the maids’ quarters, and while Beta Seth said that wasn’t right, I can’t help but think maybe someone will come and take me there soon.

If I get too comfortable in here, I will just have to go.

And this is the nicest room I’ve ever seen.

I haven’t been sitting here too long when there is a knock at the door.

I look up, and a girl with brown hair and wide hazel eyes is staring at me, just her head sticking in the door. “Hello, Miss,” she says. “May I come in?”

“Yes, of course,” I say, starting to get up.

“Oh, no, don’t get up!” she insists, flying into the room like a flurry, a small, contained tornado. “I’m Poppy, Miss Isla,” she says with a small bow of her head. “How do you do?”

I hesitate to respond because I’m not used to being addressed this way, but then I say, “I’m f-fine, thank you.”

“Good! Beta Seth sent me to take care of you. I will be your personal maid. So… what can I do to assist you, miss?” she asks standing at attention with her hands folded in front of her.

I don’t know how to respond to her because I have never had anyone bring me anything in my life, not since I was a child and needed my mother’s help. “I don’t know,” I admit to her. “Do… do you know why I’m here?” The last part is a whisper.

Poppy laughs, and it sounds a bit like a melody. “No, miss, I’m afraid not. But don’t fret. I’m sure there’s a good reason, if you don’t know. Now, let’s see…. Food is on its way from the kitchen. A meal should be arriving shortly. Is that your bag?”

I look down at the pathetic bag I’m clutching in my hands, my knuckles white, and I nod.

“May I?” she asks, extending a hand.

I don’t want to let go of it, but I do. She takes the bag from me, and looks through it.

“All right,” she says. “We have plenty of clothes in the castle. We keep them in case guests forget their bags. Or so they say.” She takes my things over to the armoire and begins to put them away. “Although, I have to say, I think it’s also in case they are robbed on their way to the castle. You know there are plenty of rogues out there. And some Alphas who can’t seem to remember who is king.” She shakes her head, and I am surprised. I didn’t know that there were any Alphas who would rise up against the Alpha King.

“At any rate, I will go and get you more clothing. You should have a regal wardrobe. I will get what I can, but we will see that you have everything that you need. Beta Seth said that you are to be treated as the finest ladies in the castle.”

My eyes bulge. “He did?”

“Yes, he did. Now, what size are you?”

I have no idea. I shake my head. “My mother makes my clothes.”

“Well, do you mind standing up?”

I manage to slide off of the bed, and she looks me up and down.

“Tiny thing, aren’t you!” Poppy proclaims.

She is rather thin herself, but she is much taller than me. My hands are trembling a bit, and I don’t know what to do with myself. I’ve only been here a few hours, and I already miss my family.

“What happened to your face?” she asked, staring at the spot where that woman hit me.

I can only shake my head. I don’t want to tell her.

“Oh! That’s why they hauled Mrs. W. out of here by her hair, isn’t it?”

“By her hair?” I ask, my eyes wide. I can hardly believe it.

“Yes! She deserved it anyway, awful witch! She treated everyone like that.” Poppy shook her head. “Well, it’s good she’s gone. Now, why don’t I go draw you a hot bath so you can soak? You’ve had a long day. Then, I’ll go get you something proper to wear, and you can eat something and lie down.”

“All right,” I mutter, even though I’m fairly certain the king himself will be in soon to tell me it’s time for me to go home—or go to the maids’ quarters.

Poppy goes into the bathroom, and soon enough I hear water running and smell roses. She comes back a moment later with a big grin on her face. “Do you need any help getting undressed?”

“No, thank you,” I say. I can’t imagine needing help with that.

Rich people are… strange.

“All right. Do you need anything else before I go?”

“No, thank you.”

She smiles at me and says, “I’ll be back soon.”

“Thank you, Poppy,” I say before she goes.

She nods and then heads for the door, and I can’t help but think that we might be friends—if I stay here.

Even if I do end up being a maid.

***

*Maddox*

“Alpha Jordan?” I say, eyeing the man across from me and wondering what he’s doing in my office when we are meant to have dinner in less than two hours. “What is it that you need?”

He looks at me and a small chuckle escapes his lips as he rubs his chin with a fist. He’s at least twenty-five years my senior, maybe more, and it’s easy to tell. His hair is gray, his face is wrinkled, and he looks worn—tired.

Will I look like that in a couple of decades?

Being an Alpha takes its toll.

Being an Alpha King is worse.

“Thank you for seeing me, Alpha Maddox,” he begins, withdrawing his hand from his mouth. “I do appreciate you letting us stay here for a few nights. Travelling all the way through the kingdom is tiresome.”

“Of course,” I say, folding my hands on my desk. He still hasn’t answered my question. I am a patient man until I am not.

He clears his throat. “I guess I should get straight to the point, then?” he says, that rumbling chuckle back.

I wait, not needing to say that he most certainly should do just that.

“A few of the Alphas have been speaking about the… conflict that is going on now. The problems we’ve been having.”

“I know all about that,” I say, not wanting to get into it right now. “What have you been discussing?”

“Well, only that… with the instability in the kingdom and the unrest, it would be best for the people if they had something to celebrate, something to… cheer them up and stay focused on that is more positive.”

I continue to look at him, my forehead wrinkled. I am trying to figure out where he is going with this, but I don’t want to attempt to guess because if it is where I think it might be… I might leap over my desk and cause bodily harm to the man.

“What are you getting at?” I finally ask him.

He shifts his weight in his chair. It creaks under the strain as if it also wants to protest whatever it is he’s about to say to me. “You need an heir.”

It is exactly what I thought he was going to say, and exactly what he should have never let come out of his mouth.

Keeping my face stoic, I glower at the man.

“I have a beautiful daughter who is a few years younger than you. She has gone through her first few heats. She is ripe for breeding. She could give you an heir, Your Majesty. It would be good for the kingdom. Zabrina would make a wonderful Luna.” He takes a deep breath as if he is satisfied that he has gotten the message out.

The air settles around us, and I lean back in my chair, remembering what Seth always tells me about thinking before I react.

The man is introducing the idea of his daughter to me in similar language to the way Alpha Ernest mentioned the girl he brought me, though there was no talk of her heats. I suppose that’s only because he had no way of knowing.

He had told me the girl was a virgin, though.

Alpha Jordan had not made any mention of that for his daughter….

I shake my head. “Alpha Jordan, I thought I had made it clear that I didn’t intend to marry again. Your daughter deserves to find her mate and—”

“She’s found him,” he says, interrupting me.

Waiting, I stare at him, anticipating he’ll tell me more.

“It was the son of a Beta from a neighboring kingdom. She met him at a ball. The mate bond was not strong, but it was there. She rejected him, and he left.” Alpha Jordan shrugs like this is of no consequence.

“But everyone knows rejecting one’s mate has consequences,” I remind him.

“I believe that the consequence was that our territory was attacked shortly thereafter, but we were victorious. Nothing else has happened. Zabrina is fine.”

“And she’s had no physical pain from the rejection?” This goes against everything I’ve ever heard.

“No, not that I’ve heard her complain of,” he says nonchalantly.

“Strange.” I have to wonder if perhaps this man wasn’t actually her mate. Losing my mate has caused me nothing but torturous heartache.

And the only way it will ever end is if the Moon Goddess grants me another mate….

“Nevertheless, I don’t intend to take another Luna, Alpha Jordan,” I tell him dismissively.

“But what about an heir?” he asks. “Our kingdom must have an heir, Alpha Maddox.”

“I am aware,” I tell him, my tone sharp. “Why don’t you let me handle that for myself, Alpha Jordan?”

His face turns a bit pink as I put him in his place, but then, he feels it is necessary to tell me, “Of course, but… know that the other Alphas are discussing the situation. There’s… chatter.”

I clear my throat and lean forward in my chair a bit, looking into his eyes. “I hope that those Alphas who are speaking against me understand that there will be consequences for traitorous behavior.”

I see his eyes widen slightly. “Oh, yes, sir. No, nothing like that. We are all loyal to you, sir. Only… concerned. That’s all.”

I nod, but I don’t trust him.

I’m not sure I trust any of them.

“Thank you, Alpha Jordan. I appreciate your concern, and I’m sure your daughter is a lovely person, but I am not looking for another Luna. Rebecca was my Luna and that’s how it will remain.”

He adjusts his tie and cannot look at me as he says, “Yes, of course, Alpha Maddox. But if you change your mind—”

“I won’t.” I stand, and he does as well. He offers his hand, and I shake it before showing him to the door.

Once he is gone, I got to the cabinet and pour myself a drink. Downing it, I refill my glass. I need to go get ready for dinner soon. I am so tired of hearing about how we need an heir, as if I don’t know that.

The whisky burns my tongue as it goes down. Maybe Alpha Ernest isn’t such a fool after all.

*Isla*

I sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes after Poppy leaves, contemplating what to do. She’s turned the bathtub on, so I know I have to go into the bathroom eventually or else the tub will overflow.

I want to take a bath. It sounds luxurious. I can’t remember the last time I did anything like that for myself. For the last few years, everything I’ve done has been for my family.

But… the idea of taking my clothes off and soaking in the tub in this amazing room seems frightening and foolish.

All of this has to be a mistake, and when they find out about it, shouldn’t I at least be dressed?

Still, if I take a quick bath, maybe I can be in and out before Poppy returns. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about this castle it’s that it is huge.

Setting my bag down on the chest at the end of the bed, I head into the bathroom and take my clothes off, hanging my wet, dirty clothes on a hook on the door, embarrassed by my old underwear and bra that doesn’t really fit me correctly. I decide to leave the door open a crack so I can hear if Poppy comes back in.

I turn the bathtub off and notice there are hair clips on the sink, so I grab a few. I want to wash my hair, but then I plan to clip it up out of the way so I can be sure to wash well.

The moment my feet touch the warm water, I feel a soothing sensation ripple through my body. I’m not sure what Poppy put in this water, but it feels amazing. I sink into it and my whole body relaxes. Not only does it smell wonderful—like roses and lavender—but it wraps around my body like a warm blanket.

I may never get out of this tub.

Remembering I was going to try to hurry, I sink down and wash my hair, using the bottles of floral smelling shampoos and conditioners on the side of the tub, I scrub my hair and my scalp before clipping my hair up out of the way and using the body wash and a soft sponge to wash myself off. Once I’m sure I’m clean from head to toe, I sink back into the water, telling myself I’m just going to soak for a minute and then I’ll get out.

I must’ve dozed off because when I open my eyes later, the water is a bit cooler, and I realize I’d been asleep.

But then I also realize that what had woken me was the sound of the door opening in my bedroom.

I sit up quickly, remembering that I had that robe but not remembering exactly where it is. I see a pile of towels nearby.

“Poppy, is that you?” I call, praying it is just the housekeeper coming back with the clothes she’d gone to find for me.

“No.”

I get my answer when a deep, rumbling voice answers my question. I inhale sharply and hold it for a second. There is a man in my room—and I am naked.

Quickly, I get out of the tub, drying off as best I can. At least my hair is dry. I am frantic, and clearly, I am not thinking straight. I wrap the towel around myself, thanking the Moon Goddess that it’s so huge that it will wrap all the way around me and then some, and then walk out to see who he is.

I stick my head out first, and he is just standing there, his hands on his hips, near my bed.

He is gorgeous. My breath catches in my throat, and I stand there, wide-eyed, glad he’s not looking directly at me while I fight to get control of my racing heart.

He’s tall, at least six foot four, with dark brown hair and eyes that glow like emeralds. His broad shoulders are ripped beneath the white button-down shirt he’s wearing, and he looks to be nothing but lean muscle. Visions of what lies beneath his clothing come to mind, but I can’t let them linger because I am aware that I am still naked.

His eyes land on me then, and they widen slightly, as if he’s just realized he’s interrupting my bath. Since he is clearly someone important, I rush out, holding my towel tight. “I’m sorry, sir,” I say. “Poppy is getting me something acceptable to wear, but if I’m in the wrong room….

“No, no,” he says. “You’re not.” He looks me up and down, but he doesn’t let his eyes dawdle on the part of me that’s covered with the towel like some men would do.

I expect him to say more, but when he doesn’t, I just stand there for a moment before I realize. “I… have a robe.”

He nods. “Good.”

I assume that means I should get it, so I rush back into the bathroom and see where Poppy has placed it. I drop the towel and put the robe on, tying it tightly and running back out through the partially ajar door.

When I’m back in the bedroom, I still don’t know what to say to him, and he seems to be a man of few words.

“I wanted to see if you were all right,” he finally says, his voice a low rumble that makes my body tingle.

“Oh, yes. I’m well, thank you,” I say, wondering if perhaps he works for Beta Seth. Perhaps Beta Seth couldn’t come.

He nods. “I heard about Mrs. Worsthingshorethinshire striking you.”

“Yes, sir,” I say, my hand going to my face. Is he here to investigate that incident? I withdraw my hand and clench the robe closed.

“She won’t bother you again.” His hands are shoved deep into his pockets, and he seems very sure of himself.

I can’t help but feel bad about the entire situation. “Thank you,” I say, but I still feel bad for her.

He picks up on that. “Are you bothered by her being let go?”

“Oh, uh… it’s just… she was fired because of me.” My eyes are glued to the ground near his expensive leather loafers.

“No,” he corrects me. “She was fired for striking a guest in the face. That’s completely unacceptable.”

He has a point. “Yes, sir,” I say. I lift my head a bit and look him in the face, and I can’t help but notice his eyes are scrutinizing me now. I wish I knew what he was thinking. We are so far apart. I want to be closer to him. I want to breathe him in and wrap his scent around me. If I were closer, perhaps his hand might accidentally brush my skin….

“Well, I should go. I just wanted to check on you. If you need anything, I’m sure Poppy will get it for you.”

“Yes, sir,” I say. “Thank you.” I manage to smile at him, but I am not very confident, not that I doubt Poppy, but I still don’t know why I am there.

He takes a step backward, toward the door, but before he can turn to go, the door comes flying open, and Poppy bursts through. “I’m back!” she announces. “And boy have I got some beautiful outfits for you! You're never going to—Oh! Your Majesty!” Immediately she drops the dresses on a chair by the door and bows low to the ground.

Confusion washes over me as he shakes his head and turns to walk out. “You can get up, Poppy,” he says as she lifts her head.

“You know my name?” Poppy asks.

“Yes, of course I know your name, Poppy. Everyone knows your name.” He opens the door to walk out.

She says, “Thank you, Alpha King Maddox.”

And the world starts to go black as I feel like I’m going to pass out.

***

*Maddox*

I need air.

I need to think.

I need to get away from… that woman.

It’s a good thing that Poppy came into the room when she did, or else… I’m not sure what might’ve happened, but it might’ve gotten heated very quickly.

I walk down the hallway the short distance to my own rooms, dragging my hand down my face as I go. I know I shouldn’t have even stopped there on my way to my room to get ready for my dinner with the visiting Alpha, but curiosity got the better of me.

The urge to see her for myself overwhelmed me, so I made a stop.

Part of me is very glad that I did, but the other part of me wishes that I had just let it be….

I had no idea she was going to be in the bathtub when I walked in.

Then, she’d scurried out, dripping wet, her pale skin glistening with water droplets, the scent of rosewater enticing me to step closer.

Her hair, golden curls, pulled up on top of her head in the back, were damp and not secured all the way. Ringlets framed her beautiful face as she stood there, wide-eyed, her sapphire eyes staring at me, trying to determine what I was doing there.

Her luscious lips, slightly parted, were so plump and perfect, I could imagine what they must taste like. I wanted to step across the room and take her bottom lip between my teeth. I could have lifted her tiny body up onto the bed, the towel sliding onto the floor as my hands wandered all over her body.

She had no idea that when she went into the bathroom to put on that robe she’d left the door slightly ajar, and in the mirror, I’d seen her perfect backside reflected in the mirror, the curve of her breast, her erect nipple….

I pulled the door open to my room, my erection straining against my pants and headed straight for my

shower, turning the water to cold. I knew I’d be thinking about the girl, Isla, all through dinner.

If the Alpha’s daughter, whatever the f*ck her name was, threw herself at me again, I might have to take her up on the offer only to get rid of the enormous hard on I’ve got growing in my pants just thinking about her.

I’ve got to get her off of my mind.

Undressing, I jump into the shower and let the cold water wash away the stiffness in my groin. I try to think about the work I need to do, the conversations that need to be had with Alpha Jordan and others. If I think about work, maybe I won’t think about the girl.

I should be used to not thinking about women I don’t want to think about.

Flashes of Rebecca’s beautiful face flicker before my eyes, and I push them away as I have been doing for years.

Ever since that fateful night.

Since then, I’ve been with lots of women, mostly to drown the pain of losing her, but none of them have meant a thing to me. I definitely haven’t had any issues with getting them off of my mind.

Isla’s bright blue eyes come to mind, and I have to wonder if she just might be different.

I turn the water so that it’s a tad colder and stand beneath it a bit longer before I finally get out and get dressed for dinner.

When I’m dressed in a suit with a jade green tie that’s nearly the color of my eyes, my hair is styled, and I’m ready to go, I take a moment to stand in front of the mirror and wonder why I even have these formal dinners.

“Why can’t we just retire these dinners and make them a thing of the past?” I ask myself aloud. I hate them so much….

But visitors to the castle like them, so we continue to have them.

And we, theoretically, get a lot of work done at them….

A knock at the door alerts me that Seth is there to collect me. I grumble a bit before I say, “Yeah,” and he sticks his head in.

“Ready?” he calls.

“No,” I say.

He looks around my room. “Why don’t you ever turn on a lamp?” he asks.

Rather than answering the question, I reply, “Why don’t you ever mind your own business?” and walk to the door.

We head down the hall together, past Isla’s room, and I take a deep breath as we go.

I smell rosewater, and my pants begin to tighten.

It seems I can’t do anything to escape the allure of the woman, no matter what I do. I will just have to keep my mind on something else.

In the dining room, most of the guests are waiting for us to arrive so that we can be seated. It is my duty to be the last to get there.

Before we take our seats, Alpha Jordan comes over, two women accompanied him.

“Alpha Maddox, you remember my wife, Luna Elaine?”

“Yes, of course.” I force a smile at the older brunette on his left arm. “Good evening,” I say to her.

“Good evening, Your Majesty,” she says to me. “Thank you for inviting us.”

I nod, and since Seth is standing right next to me, I manage to say, “Thank you for coming.”

“And this is our daughter, Zabrina.” He turns and gestures to a young woman on his right.

The blonde who steps forward is tall and thin, with far too much makeup on. Her bright purple dress is very sparkly, and she has on large earrings that match. When she smiles and bats her eyelashes, I feel like I must be looking at the fakest, most spoiled Alpha’s daughter in all the land.

“Hello,” I say as she offers me her hand, but not to shake… to kiss.

“Hello, Your Majesty,” she says as I stare at the back of her fingers.

I do not feel like pressing her hand to my lips, but an image of Isla’s mouth comes to mind. That… I’d like to press to my lips…. I take Zabrina’s thin hand and twist it, giving it a good shake before I let it go. Her eyes widen as she is shocked at my behavior, but I am the king, and I’ll do as I wish.

“Shall we be seated?” Seth says, stifling a laugh.

“Yes, let’s do.” I walk to my seat, and everyone else does as well. I wait for everyone else, and we pull our chairs out and sit down.

I am ready to get this dinner over with. Unfortunately, there will just be another one tomorrow.