Ch. 431..440

Chapter 431

Plans in Motion Ella “So you two,” Cora says, flicking her gaze between Roger and Sinclair, ” you’re all right now? After fifteen minutes, it’s all cleared up?” Sinclair shrugs. “We kept it pretty cut and dry. He’s on probation.” “No, I’m not,” Roger murmurs, dismissive, shaking his head to Cora.

“He is,” Sinclair growls. Roger just leans down, pretending to whisper in Cora’s ear but speaking loud enough for all of us to hear, “probation doesn’t mean anything. But it made him happy to slap a word on the lack of consequences.” Cora laughs, her face turned up to her mate, and I bite my lip to stifle my own giggle, wanting to be loyal to Sinclair, who just sighs behind me.

“Either way,” Sinclair says, moving on. “Congratulations, Cora,” he says, his focus on her now and his voice sincere. “I’m very happy for you – for both of you. It’s a big event.” “Thank you, Dominic,” Cora says, smiling at him softly and turning her head to the side, clearly touched. I beam at my sister as well. It’s not that I’ve let her off the hook for keeping the baby name a secret when I want to know so terribly badly – but? Well. I’ll bug her about it later.

“We are sorry though,” Cora says, reaching up to take Roger’s hand. “I know that…the wedding meant a lot to you, and that it was going to do good things for the nation. But…” she bites her lip, hesitating, and I can tell that she feels selfish. I open my mouth to protest against this but she continues before I can start. “But – I needed it to be like this, to be personal. I hope that you’ll forgive me.” “There’s nothing to forgive, Cora,” Sinclair murmurs, smiling at her warmly. “I completely understand you’ve done nothing wrong.” And quite suddenly, something comes to me. “Cora,” I say, turning my head to the side and leaning forward. “Does.. anyone else know? About your mark, or your little personal ceremony, besides us four?” She frowns at me, confused. “Well, no,” she says quietly. “I mean, neither of us really have social media or anything -” “Or any friends,” Roger murmurs, a little chagrined, which makes me laugh.

They don’t need friends, they have us!

“Well then,” I say, a big smile breaking out on my face. “Would you consider… doing it anyway?” “What?” Cora asks, confused.

“Well, if no one knows,” I say, my smile growing – because this could work!

“Why not just have the wedding/ mating ceremony publicly, like we thought of before?” “Oh!” she says, surprised, and then she starts to laugh, I think a little inspired by the idea. But then she realizes that she already has her mating mark and her fingers go to it, brushing it “We could get makeup artists to cover it up,” I suggest with a little shrug. ” I’m sure they can do it – they do magical things in the movies.” “Um,” Cora says, looking up at Roger, who just gives her a simple shrug, clearly communicating that it’s her choice. And then she grins, turning back to me.

“Really?” she says, “You think it would work? And – and it would help you?” “It really would, Cora,” Sinclair says warmly behind me. “I think it’s precisely the message we want to send to both our people and some of our honored guests:

that humans are equals in our eyes, that they’re part of our family. But, if you’d rather not – if you’d rather just keep the memory of it to the beach, because it’s special to you “No,” she says, interrupting with a huge smile on her face. “No, I want to do it – I think…it will be fun!” “I’m going to mark this side this time,” Roger murmurs, drawing a finger down the opposite side of her throat and shoulder. “See if I like how it looks any better…” She scowls and swats his hand away. ” Enough of you,” she murmurs, though I know she doesn’t mean it. Cora hasn’t had nearly enough of Roger, and I doubt she ever will. I hug my baby close and grin at both of them, so incredibly excited for their life together.

And to throw them a wedding!

Time moves quickly once the four of us have made our plans, and my days and weeks quickly fill with tasks. I wake up early earlier than Sinclair, even to take care of the baby and begin to make my plans.

He scolds me for it every morning, telling me I need my sleep or that I should wake him up to help but every morning I brush him off.

Because I feel the same way about him and I’m happy he gets to sleep an extra hour while I take care of things. He needs it.

Sinclair is busier than he’s ever been. He reminds me, in some ways, of the cold, brooding, discerning business man I met at the beginning of all of this. In some ways I lost track of that man I fell in love with in all of our odd adventures in Vanara, and in the bunker, and in the RV, and everywhere else.

But now, as our life comes back together to resemble what it looked like before?

Steady days, routines, living in our own home (even if it is a palace now )? I see flashes of him come back. And it’s not that he’s lost the sides of him that he’s shown to me over the past months but…well, he’s just more complex now, isn’t he?

And, if at all possible, I love him even more than I ever have.

Sinclair made his formal claim for the throne a few days ago, and no one contested it. Now all that’s left is for the governors to ratify the claim, and the packs to demonstrate their support by paying fealty at the coronation. It’s all gone smoothly, as Sinclair predicted it would, and so we’ve moved forward with the plans. Delegations from all the neighboring countries are set to begin arriving in our beautiful Moon Valley over the course of the next few days.

Of course, I’m most excited about the delegation from Vanara including King Gabriel – but I’m also very curious to meet our other neighbors.

But the thing I’m most worried about predictably is that the Atalaxians have indeed signaled their intent to attend, and they’re bringing a large delegation.

I do my best to spend a little time every day with Sarah and Jessica, usually in the evenings, bringing Rafe with me to chat and play. They’re thriving now, and I think that they’re happy and excited about the future that they’re building for themselves but… Well, I haven’t had the heart to tell them that Xander is in Atalaxia, and that they’re sending a delegation. It’s not that I’m keeping it from them – if they asked, I’d tell them in a minute, of course. But they’re safe here, and moving forward, and I don’t want Sarah to have to worry about the past unless she absolutely has to.

So, I keep putting it off, and she keeps not asking so…we’re at a happy little stalemate, I suppose.

“What do you think the Atalaxians be like?” I ask Sinclair one night, laying naked with my belly pressed to his, a little sweaty and still catching my breath after our evening activities.

“Really, Ella?” he murmurs, tracing a lazy hand down my back. “I do my best work, and you want to ask about the Atalaxian delegation?” I giggle a little and rest my chin on his chest, looking up at him. “If you wanted to keep me from asking complicated questions, Dominic, you shouldn’t have gone and become King, making me a Queen. Should have just stayed a businessman and lived in our old house, kept me locked away in the bedroom as your happy little mate – ” He growls, sliding his hands down my body to grip two firm handfuls of my ass.

“Don’t tempt me, trouble,” he murmurs, and I bite my lip as I feel warmth pool at my core, again. “But you’re right,” he sighs, using his grip on me to pull me upwards so that my face is even with his, so that I can dip my head and press teasing kisses to his mouth. “You’re a Queen now, and these are good questions.” “So?” I murmur, each of my kisses getting longer and longer. I can’t help it.

“What do you think?” “I think they’ll be strict,” he says, giving me a healthy smack on the ass to illustrate his point, making me flinch and then laugh.

“And?” “And distant. They’ll want to seem neutral on everything, even though they’re decidedly not.” “The women too?” I ask, curious, dropping my head further to trail kisses down the length of his jaw as

Sinclair’s hands idly explore my body.

“They won’t bring any women,” he murmurs, which makes me sit up in surprise.

“What?” I ask, a little shocked. Sinclair opens his eyes, a little hazy with desire, and blinks up at me. “This isn’t new news, Ella – the Atalaxians don’t understand women as equal citizens. They won’t see them as useful participants in a party of ambassadors.” “But even…their wives? Their daughters?” He sighs, raising a hand to my face and stroking gently at my cheek. ” Their wives and daughters are those they will seek to protect most. And by protect, yes, I mean isolate. They wouldn’t even think of bringing their women out of their homes, let alone allowing them to see the rest of the world.” My mouth drops open in horror and surprise.

“I know, darling,” he says, shaking his head as he looks up at me. “It’s horrible.

But…it’s their nation and their customs. We have no control over it.” I sigh then, laying back down on top of my mate and resting my head against his warm chest. “This is going to be difficult for me, Dominic,” I murmur.

“I know, sweetheart,” he sighs, wrapping his arms tight around me, letting me know that he understands and takes my side. “For me as well. We’ll get through it together.” I nod, understanding, believing him but suddenly my earlier jokes about being happily locked away in his bedroom aren’t as funny as they were before.

 

Chapter 432

Arrival of Old Friends Ella Cora comes early the day that the festivities begin – if they can be called that.

Because while the atmosphere is supposed to be festive, I know that simmering beneath it is a great deal of political tension that my mate is hoping goes just precisely right.

I throw my arms around my sister the moment I open the door to my bedroom, letting her in. “Thank you thank you thank you!” I cry out, the words all mushing together as one.

“Whoa!” Cora says, catching me and laughing, giving me a hug in return. ” It’s fine, Ella – honestly, where else would I be on a day like this?” “I don’t know, sleeping?” I say, looking at her with wide eyes. “Its 4 am!” “True,” she says, giving a little shrug and grinning at me. But then she slips a hand to her belly. “Not like I wasn’t up anyway, though.” “What?” I gasp, tugging her into the room. Cora is about two full months pregnant now, which isn’t much according to a human pregnancy, but if this is a wolf pregnancy? Then she’s probably just getting into her second trimester.

But…is this her second trimester? With a hybrid baby… She laughs at me, watching me try to do the math in my head as I stare down at her belly, which is juuuust barely starting to swell.

Which is so, so cute “Yeah,” she says, giving a little shrug. “The morning sickness is starting to hit hard. I got away with it in my first trimester but,” she sighs. “It mostly hits at night for me too. So, I was already up.” “Poor sister,” I murmur, looking up into her face and meaning every word of it. I reach for her then, wanting to put a hand on her cheek, but she laughs and pushes it away, which makes me laugh as well. Cora isn’t one for coddling or pity.

“What can I get you?” I ask, the smile returning to my face. “I’ve heard ginger tea does good things?” “Distraction,” she says, nodding firmly. “That will be the best.” “Well distraction I’ve got,” I say, grabbing her hand and leading her towards my gigantic closet.

She gasps a little when she steps inside because even though it’s 4 am? It’s already chaos – clothes and supplies everywhere. Even a little cart with coffee, tea, and breakfast snacks.

“Oh, hey, Cora,” Sinclair says, turning and grinning at her as he stands at the mirror, tying his tie for the fourth time. He wants to get it absolutely, perfectly correct. “Thanks for coming early. We’ve got a long day. Did Roger come too?” “No,” she sighs, sitting down in the poufy arm chair next to Rafe’s littleplay pen, smiling down at him and patting his head to say hello. “He is lazy, and wanted more sleep. He says he’ll be here at the more reasonable hour of seven.” “That’s too late,” Sinclair murmurs, shaking his head and reaching for his phone.

“I need him here by six…” “Good luck,” Cora murmurs, accepting the little cup of tea that I hand her.

“It’ll be fine,” I say with a sigh. “Boys are lucky – they have so much less to do on mornings like this. Just throw on a suit! Run a hand through your hair!

Gorgeous, ready to go!” “Oh, come on, Ella,” Cora laughs, sipping at her tea, grinning when she detects that I’ve given her something with ginger in it anyway. “Like it’s so hard for you to get gorgeous.” “She has a point!” Sinclair calls out, tossing his phone back onto a side table after he finishes texting Roger and turning back to his tie.

“Oh, you both flatter,” I murmur, giving them both a pleased little glare and flapping my hands at them. “But we’ve got appointments, Cora – hair, nails, the works. It’s going to be a lot.” “I’m kind of looking forward to it,” she says, giving me a smile. “I haven’t been pampered like this in a long time. Plus, the outfits you’ve picked out for me for this weekend…” she whistles, impressed. “They’re stunning.” “Well, you’re the bride,” I say, turning and giving her a grin. “You’re supposed to steal the show.” “On Sunday,” she says, rolling her eyes, “I’m supposed to steal the show. But tonight? And then the coronation tomorrow? That’s supposed to be all you, Ella.” “Or him!” I say, pointing to the man who is going to be you know crowned King.

“All eyes will be on you, my Queen,” Sinclair says, coming my side and tugging me close, pressing a kiss to my cheek. I smile when I note that his tie is indeed perfect. “Or,” Sinclair continues, considering and turning to the baby. “On Rafe.” “He is very cute,” I say, likewise turning my eyes to the baby, who burbles in the playpen, swatting at some toys hanging above him.

Cora laughs at us, taking a sip of her tea. “Guys, he’s very cute, but…you’re looking at him with parents’ eyes. I’m sure people will be much more focused on the two of you.” “Not when they see his outfits,” I say, bursting into a smile. And I dash over to the little dresser where we keep Rafe’s things, but before I can pull anything out another knock comes at the door to the room.

“Your first appointment,” Sinclair murmurs, moving away from me to answer the door. “Ready?” “As we’ll ever be!” I sigh, turning to give Cora a wink. “Let’s get started.” “Gabriel!” I laugh, throwing my arms around the King of Vanara as soon as he mounts the four short steps up to the dais on which Sinclair and I stand, greeting each of the delegations as they arrive.

He laughs, catching me in his arms and giving me a warm, lingering hug.

“Ella,” he murmurs, his voice low and pleased. “It is such a joy to see you we were all so worried when you left. It is a joy to see you again, healthy and happy.” “And the baby!” I say, laughing and pulling away, reaching to take Rafe from Cora’s arms in a hurry so my son can meet the King who was so kind to me during such a large part of my pregnancy. Cora smiles, handing him over willingly, Roger at her side likewise looking eagerly at the Vanaran delegation, which holds so many familiar faces. Henry declined to attend this part of the ceremony, citing long hours and boredom, though he’ll be at the dinner tonight.

“Oh my goodness,” Gabriel says, laughing and taking Rafe from my hands and cradling him in his arms, staring down at him with true joy. Then he laughs, lifting his head to Sinclair at my side, his eyes crinkling with pleasure at the edges. “Well,” he says, reaching for my mate and giving him a warm hug

around the shoulders. “No need to guess who this child’s father is. He’s the image of you, Dom.” “Ah, he’s got some of his mother in there,” Sinclair says, returning his old friend’s warm hug.

“Lies,” I sigh, reaching to take the baby back and snuggling him close to me.

“He’s all Dominic, and it’s taking its toll on my poor arms,” I murmur, hefting Rafe up. Everyone laughs at my joke, because they can see it’s plainly true Rafe is a big baby for his nearly- four-month age; he’s already wearing six-month clothes, sometimes eight.

But he’s also adorable, so I forgive him.

Rafe’s tired, I know, but he’s being so good. And frankly, I want him here by my side through all of this. Not everyone in this room is our friend, and I can’t bear the thought of leaving him alone even with any of the nannies who we’ve hired even though I’ve gotten very close with several of them. I started out as a nanny, after all they’re some of the people in my new life who I’ve grown closest to.

Gabriel and Sinclair move slightly to the side, exchanging more warm greetings and giving me a chance to greet several of our old friends, including James, Isabel, and sweet Sadie, who have been separated for at least a month while James went back to Vanara to serve as our ambassador while Isabel and Sadie stayed here so that Isabel could work with me on the camps. We’ve made incredible progress, which has been a delight to me, but we’ve also got quite a bit of work still to do.

I grin when I see Thomas as well, the King’s rather discreet boyfriend, towards the back of the delegation. I give him a happy wave, which he returns with a little bow, and I make a mental note to get to know him much more on this trip than I did the last one.

Our time with the Vanarans goes far too fast but there’s a literal line of people waiting to come and greet us, so we only have about three minutes with each to greet them and make plans and promises to meet up again soon.

Still, I breaks my heart to only be able to spend moments with the people who mean so much to me I find myself a little overwhelmed when they begin to move away, waving and calling their goodbyes.

I’m still waving, Rafe clutched to my side, when I feel Cora step up next to me. I can feel her tension already.

“What is it?” I ask, the smile falling from my face as I look over at my sweet sister. She looks amazing, dressed in a lavender gown with a little cape draped formally over her shoulders. I’m wearing something similar, but all in white, which makes my rose-gold hair shine out like a beacon.

But Cora, even though she’s beautiful, is clearly worried. Serious, she raises her chin at the delegation that’s coming next and I turn towards them, surprised to see each of the members dressed in serious black clothing, standing in four straight lines of five people each. They look more like a military formation than a delegation of ambassadors.

And I note suddenly that they’re…all men.

“Are you ready for this?” Cora asks, quiet. I shift Rafe to my other side and reach out to grab her hand. “I guess we have to be.” Then, Cora and I take a deep breath, moving forward to greet the Atalaxians.

 

Chapter 433

gh to find each other and build a family.

But still, facing this delegation? I’m a little glad that we’ve got some intimidating credentials to speak for us. Brave little mate, Sinclair says to me down the bond, making my smirk deepen. I’m glad you’re letting them see that you’re not scared of them.

Oh, I’m scared of them, I pass back, not bothering to look up at him for support.

But you’re right. There’s no reason for them to see it.

He gives me a warm nudge of support as the first line of five Atalaxians step forward and give a bow. The man at the far left of the line steps forward then, beginning to speak. He introduces himself first – the first and most significant member – and then moves on to each new delegate, who bows his heads to us each in turn.

I turn my head a little as this formal introduction progresses, because this is … odd. I understand that this reception has a rather official quality, but each of the greetings we’ve given to each delegation before this has been warm and chatty, with people introducing themselves warmly or greeting Sinclair and I as old friends, if they know us.

The Atalaxians? They don’t say a word, instead letting their singular speaker do all the work.

Still, I do my best to follow along as Rafe begins to fuss in my arms, not liking something – I don’t know what, though. I hold him higher, tighter against me, trying to pass a little calmness down our bond so that he can relax, maybe fall asleep. The baby responds to this, resting his head against my chest a little and settling.

The speaker finishes introducing the first line of delegates, which includes the predictable ambassadors and senators who have been sent to witness the coronation and have discussions about the future

connections between our two nations.

However, when the first row clears, moving away and revealing the second row, I’m surprised to hear the speaker introduce a Prince, which makes my eyes raise. Why had he not been included in the first row? Wouldn’t he be the highest-ranking delegate?

I study the Prince as he steps forward and gives his bow, though I admit that I do not catch his name, which I kick myself for. I’m a Queen now or about to be. I should be paying attention.

When he raises from his bow I find myself a bit struck by him, if I’m being honest. He’s about my age, and tall, with dark hair and a handsome face with eyes such a light blue-violet that they surprise me in his dark-featured face.

While he’s broad shouldered, he’s a great deal slimmer than my own mate, though the power than emanates from him.

I blink, again surprised. He is…not someone to be trifled with. I don’t know how I know it, but I do – I’m absolutely sure of it. The prince nods steadily to Sinclair, looking serious but perhaps even a little bored, like he’s done this a thousand times. And then turns his eyes to me, but when our eyes meet he goes a bit rigid in the shoulders.

My eyes go wide, surprised at his reaction as he stands straight, staring at me for a long moment. Sinclair reacts instantly, a subtle growl building in his chest as he takes just one step forward.

The Prince comes back to himself in a second, his eyes flicking to Sinclair before he regains his bored composure, nodding to me, and then to Cora, and then to Roger before stepping back in line.

Surprised, confused, I look up at my mate, whose shoulders are stiff with displeasure.

What…what on earth just happened?

That line of delegates is dismissed and Rafe starts to fuss again in my arms, unhappy.

I begin to coo to him, upset that he’s upset. Honestly, my sweet baby hardly ever cries, instead letting us know what he needs through little taps and pulses down the bond to which we respond as quickly as we can. It’s honestly the best part of being a wolf mother – and an aspect of it I never really considered until Rafe came along.

I look up at Sinclair, worried. “I think I have to take him out,” I murmur, glancing down at the baby.

A moment, my mate replies, mind-to-mind, though he reaches out a hand behind me to settle on my back. I need us all here, for this delegation at least. If he cries, he cries. And I nod, understanding and turning back to the crowd.

The third line of Atalaxian delegates disappears, and the fourth moves forward. I watch passively as they each step forward and nod to us. I nod in turn, though I admit that my attention is decidedly focused on my son, who cries in earnest now, unhappy. I hold him tight, bouncing him in my arms, worried and wanting him to feel better.

I send a little curious pulse down the line, which has worked before sometimes he passes me an emotion, or has even given me a brief impression of the thing he wants – But today, nothing. He’s just upset. My eyes are totally focused on the baby, ignoring the final members of the delegation in my maternal concern for my son, when suddenly the speaker’s words catch my immediate attention.

“Our final delegate,” the speakers says, “is Duke Xander of Moon Valley, who has been given honorary citizenship in Atalaxia for his services as advisor to the King.” My eyes flash up, going wide as they focus on my uncle, the man who tried to steal my son.

Inside me my gift flares hot with rage, channeling something from Cora’s that speaks to heat, and burning, and destruction – She grabs my arm, sensing it, and I can feel her own fear in her grip, but

something about it works – she holds me back from reacting at all, giving me a moment to reel myself back in. It was the right choice, I see, as Sinclair immediately steps forward for both of us, glaring down at the Duke.

“You should have asked,” he growls, violence in every line of him now, and I can feel him holding himself back from murdering Xander this instant, “about whether this man was welcome upon our nation’s soil. Because he is not. This man is a war criminal, and wanted for several crimes in Moon Valley – including the attempted kidnapping of our Prince.” Sinclair takes another step forward, clearly ready to either tear Xander to pieces or take him into custody – I honestly don’t know which – Xander an old, wrinkled man with cruelty in every line of his face – just smirks up at Sinclair, not moving an inch.

But the Atalaxian speaker – a high- ranking senator himself – steps forward then, interceding. “Alpha Sinclair,” he says, his word heavy with the acknowledgement that my mate is not yet King, “Duke Xander is a protected member of our delegation an Ambassador. If you harm him or take him into custody, it will be considered an act of war.” Sinclair’s growl deepens as he turns violent eyes on the senator now. “And did you think it would not be war already, when you brought him as a member of your delegation? After, surely, you know all he has done to us, to our family?” “We had hoped,” the senator drawls, a smug look coming to his face, “that you’d be more reasonable than that, Alpha.” Rage continues to burn hot within me as I stare at the old man before me who looks fixedly at the baby in my arms, and doesn’t bother – not even once to raise his eyes to me.

Rafe wails with displeasure, perhaps feeling my rage and my fear, perhaps… god, I don’t know, perhaps sensing some malevolence from this man as well Cora’s hand tightens on my arm and I nod slightly, just once, letting her know that I’m not going to do anything stupid. I feel her hand hesitate, and then loosen, just a little bit.

Sinclair, to my surprise, takes a step back. I snap my gaze up to him because honestly, I was looking forward to seeing this man’s blood on his claws. But then I remember, of course, that he is a King now

or at least, close enough.

And damn it, it will be war if we kill Xander now. I settle uncomfortable under the realization that part of the responsibilities of rule mean measuring our vengeance against what is good for our nation.

And so I send Sinclair a little pulse of support as he steps back, even though my wolf scrabbles and claws in me to be let loose, to be allowed to rip his throat out.

Sinclair doesn’t check his glare, or his growl, as Xander steps back into line with the rest of the Atalaxian ranks. And I know that hatred radiates from all of us as the delegation as a whole moves away. I keep my eyes on them, every step.

And I note that the only one who looks back is the violet-eyed prince.

Who looks directly at me.

 

Chapter 434

Catharsis Ella I barely have time to close the door before Sinclair slams me against it, but I don’t feel an ounce of pain, No, because I need this just as badly as he does – and I want him, hard, now Sinclair grabs me low behind my thighs, yanking me up and wrapping my legs around his waist. Eager, already panting, I shove at the fabric of my skirts, getting it out of the way as he moves one hand between us, fumbling at the button of his pants before shoving them down and freeing himself.

Then he returns his hand to me, a single deft move tearing the delicate fabric of Sinclair groans, fierce and feral, as he drives his hard, thick cock deep into me in a single powerful thrust. The moan that rips from my own throat matches his.

Because I want him – need him as badly as he does me at this moment, after that horrible surprise.

We spent two more hours in that hall holding back our emotions, greeting delegations, doing our best playing happy King and Queen while all along our emotions were roiling inside And I could feel it, the whole time, our rage, and our panic, and our desire to end that horrible man and to destroy every single one of the damned Atalaxians, who clearly planned this We passed the emotions back and forth between ourselves down the bond, unable to help it, until we reached this fever pitch.

When it finished – when we were all done greeting delegations – we both know that we needed this – this, and only this, to work out our rage and our frustration somewhere – on each other Roger and Cora had walked away with us and Cora had been confused when I hastily passed the baby to her – because of course, of course she assumed that the last thing I would want with Xander in the palace is to be away from Rafe for a single moment But Roger had taken her arm, and tugged her away with him for a moment, letting Sinclair and I hurry ahead, because he could tell that we needed space.

Space for this, to tear each other apart and find each other again always have as we My back curves with want, with need, my hips pulsing along with each of Sinclair’s steady, long trusts into me. He doesn’t hold himself back for a single second, wrapping his fist into the hair at the back of my neck,

pulling my head back and exposing my throat. As he pounds himself into me, venting his pent-up rage, I moan my encouragement to him, telling him to give me more, to go harder.

My mate, ever willing, complies, slamming himself into me again and again. I’m as eager as he is, panting, and when my body begins to come to its crest, as I begin to spill over and over, my whole body clenching against him, holding him tight, Sinclair roars, low and deep. And then he lowers his face to my throat and sinks his fangs deep into my mating mark, sending me again into a deep wave of pleasure that makes me moan and shake around him.

He finds his own end then, spilling himself into me, so thick and heavy, warm and rich that the sensation makes me moan again as I cling to him, panting, the echoes of my completion running through me again and again.

I’m still pressed up against the door with Sinclair leaning hard against me a few moments later when my eyes finally flutter open as I come back to myself.

We’re both still panting, hard, and I bury my hands in my mate’s hair, forcing my breaths to deepen, to come back to myself.

When he feels my breathing change, Sinclair shakes his head a little and pulls it back, looking up into my face. ” Ella,” he says, shaking his head, his voice thick.

“No,” I murmur, sensing the apology on his tongue. I stare into his face, nodding to him, making him see it. “I needed it too. I wanted it, Dominic. Just like that.” He murmurs something unintelligible to me, pulling away from the door and carrying me with him to a nearby chair that he sinks into, taking me with him to settle into his lap. His shoulders still shake, just a little, with the aftershock of everything.

We stay like that for a long few moments before he shakes his head again, clearing it, and looks back up at me, more himself now than he was a few minutes ago when we entered the room.

“Are you all right?” he asks, and then his eyes dip to my neck and shoulder, to the blood there. “Shit…” he murmurs.

I laugh a little and close my eyes for a second, placing a hand over my mark.

There’s a flare of lavender behind my eyes, but a moment later when I pull my hand away the wound is gone. “I’m fine,” I say, smiling at him. “Goddess- born, remember? And like I said – I needed it too.” He looks towards the door to the rest of our suite then, worried. “We should get to Rafe – ” “A minute,” I murmur, turning his face back to me. “Dominic – I know why I needed that. It…it gives me a great deal of comfort, to pass control over to you, to let you take charge of me, and take care of me. But – how are you? Is it enough? Do you feel…are you all right?” My mate takes a moment to let a growl rumble in his chest, letting me know how deep his pleasure in me is. ” Ella,” he murmurs, pulling me deeper into his lap so that he can lower his face over mine, nudging me with his nose. ” You are my entire comfort in this world. But yes I was…so angry, and frustrated, and wanted to – “To kill them all?” I murmur, smiling a little.

“Yes,” he growls before pressing a long and lingering kiss to my mouth. “I shouldn’t have let them get me so riled. But they played their cards precisely right.” “Well,” I murmur, wiggling against him suggestively, and eliciting a low growl from my mate that makes pleasure streak through me again, ” anytime you need to take that ferocious energy out and avoid creating an international incident… you know where to find me.” His growl deepens as he runs a hand down my body from shoulder to ass, dipping his head to press a kiss to my neck, and then my chest.

“You joke, Ella,” he murmurs, “but… you have no idea how much you steady me. Because that – I mean, some people might not understand, might think I was just taking out my anger on you, but -” “No,” I say, serious, placing my hands on his cheeks and turning his face up to me. “I understand, Dominic. I feel…precisely the same. I want to be that for you, as you are for me.” He kisses me then, a different kind of claiming than the one against the door a moment ago, but still just as powerful. Sinclair

and I – our physical connection has always been more than just sex. It has always allowed us to come together, to be each other’s refuge.

Today was just…a vivid example of that fact.

A little knock comes at the far door.

“Cora,” I sigh, and then my mate gives a little grumble of assent as I stand up and move towards the door, scooping up my ruined panties on the way and tossing them in a trashcan as my mate, behind me, does up his pants.

Then, I pull open the door to see my wide-eyed sister standing with her mate, who smirks knowingly. Rafe, still unhappy, cries in Cora’s arms.

 

Chapter 435

“Ohhh, Rafey,” I murmur, reaching for my baby boy as Cora and Roger come into the room. “I’m so sorry, mommy and daddy just needed a minute.” “Yeah,” Roger says, his smirk deepening. “To talk.” I shrug a little and return his smirk, refusing to let him embarrass me as I carry my baby over to his little changing table and gather the supplies I use when I feed him.

“What happened out there,” Cora says, a little breathless as she presses the door shut and looks around at us, wide-eyed. “I mean – is that…okay? For them to just bring a criminal and an enemy back into the nation?” “It’s not precisely legal,” Sinclair sighs, waving the group of us forward towards our little living room once I’ve got all my supplies gathered. “But it is complicated, and a very… targeted message that they’re giving to us.

That they’re on Xander’s side in this, agreeing with his policies and his lineage, not mine.” Together, we troop into the living room and I settle onto the couch as I begin to feed the baby, hoping that he gets as much comfort as I will from the familiar routine.

“Are you two all right?” Roger asks, looking between. me and Sinclair, who settles on the arm of the couch behind me.

“We’re fine,” my mate growls, and Roger smirks a little but nods as he sits in an armchair across from us. Cora looks a little confused, but shrugs, giving up trying to figure it out and sitting in Roger’s lap, clearly wanting to be close. He wraps his arms around her waist, pulling her back against him.

“All right,” Roger says. “Then what’s our plan on how to retaliate?” “Unfortunately,” Sinclair sighs, “they’ve played their cards well, bringing Xander here on a diplomatic mission. Because I have to be… perfectly diplomatic this entire weekend, or else I risk not being crowned.” “Really?” I ask, surprised as I look up at him. “It’s that precarious?” “These are a King’s duties,” he says, giving a little shrug. “If at the first trial of diplomacy – no matter how large the trial – I rip someone’s throat out? I’d say it’s enough to give any nay-sayers a strong argument for why I should not be the one to lead this nation.” I sigh,

shaking my head and looking down at Rafe, my sweet boy. “So. We have to tolerate him.” * “I’ll send a message to the Atalaxians that Xander is not welcome at any of the more informal events,” Sinclair murmurs. “But yes, when they gather as a delegation en masse? There’s nothing I can do to prevent him, unless I do want to risk sparking war. Not unless he crosses a line himself.” “Well?” Roger says, tilting his head a little, curious.” Can we…provoke him into doing that?” “Do we want to?” I ask, grimacing a little. “I mean, obviously I don’t know him, but this is a man devious enough to plan to get me pregnant and then steal the child. I don’t think he’s someone we’re going to trick into a faux pau that we can use to kick him out of the palace.” “Ella’s right,” Sinclair murmurs behind me, and I look up to see him shaking his head and crossing his arms over his broad, muscled chest. Something stirs in me again as I look at him, and Sinclair glances at me, the start of a smile down his lips as he senses my arousal, either through my scent or down the bond I just shrug a little. I can’t help it. He laughs a little.

“What is with you two,” Cora murmurs, still confused and looking between us.

Roger just laughs and tugs her closer. “Don’t worry about it, Cora,” he murmurs, kissing her neck. “Ill explain it all to you later.” She sighs, still confused, but gives in.

“It’s unlikely that the Atalaxians are going to do anything to truly provoke war – this was just their gambit, their way of letting us know where they stand.

If we can just…get through the weekend without killing him, they should go away and give us more time to develop a better strategy for getting Xander back and ensuring that he sees justice.” “Do you think they’ll let him go?” I ask, curious.

“I don’t think that Xander actually means anything special to the Atalaxians,” my mate replies, looking seriously down at me. “I’m securely in power now, and everyone knows that Rafe is my son and heir. If he tries to claim the throne through Rafe…” Sinclair shrugs, implying that it’s pot going to go well, internationally.

I smile at Sinclair, glad to see that my clear-thinking mate has returned, pleased to have been able to play a part in that. And I, too, feel so much clearer now after our little…interlude.

“So, he’s a bargaining chip,” Roger says, nodding, understanding. “They know we want him. Now they want to see what they can get.” “Well,” Cora says, sitting up a bit straighter, her strategic mind at work. I smile at her, thinking that Cora has probably the best mind for these sorts of games of all of us – except, perhaps, for Henry, who I suddenly wish was here. Cora could have been a champion poker player, I think, had she not picked medicine.

“I think,” Cora continues, “that our best move then is to demonstrate to them that their bargaining chip is actually of very little value to us.” “And perhaps,” Roger chimes in, nodding his agreement, “keeping an eye on him to see if he does make a misstep.” “And if he does,” Sinclair growls, a sound of vengeance that makes me smile, “we take him.” I take a deep, contented breath now, smiling around at my family and down at my baby.

“It’s a good plan,” I murmur, nodding my agreement. “ Now..we just have to put it into action.” Our little family meeting is unfortunately short-lived.

We spend a few more minutes coming up with the details of a plan, but then the knocks start to come at the door – hairdressers and housekeepers, stylists and party planners. Everyone we’ve asked to come and help us get ready for the evening – Because that formal greeting? That was just the start of the day.

We’ve got dinner and the afterparty to contend with, which I’m sure will present its own challenges.

We all change – Cora and I into more formal gowns, Roger, Sinclair and Rafe into tuxedoes. I squeal with delight as I dress Rafe in his, even though he sleeps through most of it. But he just looks so cute that I can’t stop staring at him.

Cora laughs, coming to my side and looking down at my little sleeping baby. “Is it going to be all right to take him with us?” she murmurs. “Does he need more sleep?” “He’s getting used to being a busy royal baby that naps on the go,” I sigh, lifting him up into my arms.” Besides, Conner is coming,” I say with a grin, “to be Rafe’s bodyguard again. And Rafe’s used to sleeping in his arms after all these weeks at the camps.” “True,” Cora says, giving a little laugh. “I bet Conne never thought he’d have that title – Royal body guard’ slash traveling crib.” I laugh along with her, pleased that the mood has changed so much in the two hours since we left the hall where we greeted all of the delegations. But I feel bolstered now, ready for whatever comes next. And as Sinclair comes to my side, I can see that he, too, is steady.

“Ready for dinner?” my mate asks, running a hand down the back of my sparkling silver gown.

“Ready for war, you mean?” I ask, grinning in reply.

Sinclair laughs, dipping his head to kiss me once and giving me a nod. “Come on, private,” he growls, giving me a light smack on the a*s. “Time to move out.”

 

Chapter 436

Dinner Party lla I enter the elaborate dining room at Sinclair’s side with Rafe tucked sleeping in my arms. There are no doubts or hesitations on my face and I lift my chin high as I smile slightly, letting people see me as my mate’s unbothered Queen, as someone entirely unruffled by the events of this morning.

Sinclair, walking at my side, presents a similar image: the unflappable Alpha King, his body fully capable of every violent rumor of which our guests have heard, but toned and refined by the mind of a King, a true power player.

The effect we have as a pair ripples through the room with people turning to us, many eyes going wide. Because we really do present the image of two people who should not be trifled with.

I have to admit, a little thrill goes through me at the idea of this. Because, honestly, I usually think of myself as sweet and determined, but certainly not powerful and imposing. But tonight, at Sinclair’s side? It comes to me easier than I thought it would.

Cora and Roger come into the room behind us, our personal guards following after them. Many eyes turn to my human sister, considering her alongside and her fated Alpha mate. I know Roger and Cora are baffling to many people within the wolf community who can’t understand how or why Roger would have a human woman fated to be at his side.

But one look at my stunning sister in her lavender gown? Well. Let’s just say that even without the information that she’s a demigoddess who can control the weather, I think it’s making a lot more sense to a lot of our gathered guests.

Still, as Sinclair and I approach our chairs at the head of the table, I’m aware of some frowns and whispers around the room. Even though the four of us present a strong and untied front, there are as there always are dissenters amongst our supporters. My eyes move immediately to the group of five ambassadors from Atalaxia, dressed in back and gathered at the far end of the table.

Sinclair sent word, of course, that my uncle was absolutely not invited to attend this smaller, more personal dinner, and I am pleased to see that he’s not there.

But I narrow my eyes in their direction anyway, wondering what the hell else they’ve got up their sleeve.

“Dominic, Ella,” I hear Henry’s voice say, and I turn to see him wheeling towards us. My face breaks into a grin and I lean forward, giving him a kiss on the cheek and tilting the baby so that Henry can say hello as Sinclair greets his father as well.

“I’ve heard you’ve had a tough morning,” Henry says quietly as people around the room begin to take their seats. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there – ” “Please,” Sinclair says, dismissing his apology with a wave. “We handled it well.

There’s nothing you could have done.” “Still,” Henry sighs, rolling up to his place at the table on Sinclair’s left. “I’d have liked to have seen the man for myself, been able to assess him. But I’m sure I’ll have more opportunity for that as the weekend passes.” “Yes,” I sigh, taking my own seat as Sinclair pulls it out for me. “I’m sure you will.” I hold my sleeping baby close to me as Cora and Roger take their own seats to my right, and then I look up at Sinclair, who is still standing. A warm smile lights my mate’s face as he lifts a glass of wine towards the waiting group of people and begins to welcome everyone formally to the palace, letting them know that he hopes the weekend will be full of many pleasurable and fruitful conversations about the future of our collected nations.

I smile up at my mate as I listen to him speak, proud of this man who can so seamlessly move between worlds. I’ve seen him in so many different lights now father, mate, soldier, politician, and beyond – and I’m so impressed that he is able to perform each role so admirably. Honestly, my heart tumbles a little over itself as I watch him. I couldn’t have designed a more perfect mate if I tried.

I blush to myself a bit, looking down at my baby, thinking myself the luckiest girl in the world. And then I glance around the table, pleased when I see everyone’s eyes focused on my mate, a variety of

expressions crossing their faces most of them warm.

But when my eyes fall on the Atalaxian prince?

I’m shocked to see him looking directly at me. Staring, even.

I blink and sit up straight a little bit, surprised. And my shock only increases when he fails to look away, instead holding my gaze, his face expressionless as he studies me, apparently ignoring the speech and instead trying to figure me out.

I find myself growing more and more uncomfortable under his gaze. What… why on earth would he be so interested in me?

I stare back at him, my own eyes fixed, trying to figure out the mystery But then I jump a little when the room breaks into applause. I bite my lip then, a little ashamed at having missed the tail end of my mate’s speech. But – well, considering that we went over it together last night, refining all the details, I suppose I already know what he said.

When Sinclair looks down at me and tils his glass towards me, I beam up at him, giving my full support. His own smile deepens before he turns back to our crowd of guests, calling for a toast to international friendship and a bright future.

Our guests call the words back to him, heartily joining in with the spirit.

I raise my own glass along with everyone else, genuinely hoping that this can be true. But as my eyes again return to the Atalaxian delegation?

I see that while they raise their glasses in a slight show of support, their eyes are cold. And I have a distinct feeling that they’re going to make our jobs very difficult.

The rest of the meal goes well, with general chatter and delicious food. I pass Rafe to Conner so that I can manage a knife and fork and I do my best to participate, chatting with the guests closest to use, but as I glance at Cora and find her eyes already on me, I know we’re untied in our thought: that the real challenge is going to come after dinner, at the after party.

When we finish our desert and the dinner breaks up, I get to my feet feeling newly steeled for the evening ahead.

“You all right?” Sinclair asks as he stands next to me. I can tell immediately that it’s less a question of whether I’m handling this well, but instead if I feel prepared for what’s coming next.

“I’m perfect,” I assure him, giving him a bright smile as Conner brings me Rafe, who is awake now and looking around the room curiously.

“All right, trouble,” Sinclair murmurs, leaning down to kiss me on the forehead.

“Let’s go get this done.”

 

Chapter 437

Sinclair moves away at Roger’s side as Cora comes to mine. We both fuss over the baby for a moment, checking to ensure that he doesn’t need anything, but when we’re sure that he’s ready to go I turn him in my arms so that he can look out at all of the people who have come to visit us on this big weekend.

Cora, Rafe and I head into the room together with Conner close behind us, as planned. We decided to split up on this one always staying in sight of our mates, but giving people the opportunity to come and speak with us privately if they’re so inclined.

The strategy works. A great variety of people come and introduce themselves to Cora and I, and I’m pleased to see that the majority of these people are women.

I smile a little smugly inside, glad that I was right that the women who attend our coronation as part of these delegations who might feel awkward or shy approaching the gigantic, intimidating Sinclair brothers feel differently about approaching two women, one pregnant and the other holding a baby.

The result, to my pleasure, is a great deal of happy chat. I meet a variety of fascinating women who are all eager to tell me about their lives, their plans for their nations’ futures, the collaborations that they’re excited to pursue with us. At each turn Cora and I are genuinely enthusiastic, wanting to work with these people to make our world a better place.

“Wow,” I say to Cora after we part ways with a dowager Queen and her granddaughter, who is the next in line to her own throne. “It’s…incredible. I had no idea that most of these nations and people even existed.” “I know,” she murmurs, running a hand over her hair and looking around. “I feel like we need to go back to school, Ella – we’re not nearly prepared enough for our positions in this nation. We need

some serious history lessons.” “Well, you go to school,” I murmur, sighing. “And just give me the wikipedia version of whatever you learn, okay? Because I am done with schooling.” “You were good at school!” Cora protests, a little appalled.

“I was good,” I say, looking at her with raised eyebrows, “but I wasn’t addicted to it, like you were. Honestly, Cora, you’d still be in school if there were more degrees to get.” “Well,” she sighs, putting her hands on her hips for a second and tiling her head to the side for a second. “That’s probably true…” I laugh, smiling at my clever sister, and then Rafe gives a sad little cry. Curious, I look down at him and instantly smell something very unpleasant.

“Oh, geeze,” I murmur, realizing that he needs to be changed. I look anxiously over my shoulder, wondering where the closest bathroom is that has a changing area Honestly, it’s my house now – I should know this stuff – “Here,” Cora says, reaching for Rafe. ” Let me.” “Cora, I can’t -” “Let me,” she insists, taking Rafe from my arms. “You’re needed here more than I am – go talk with Roger and Sinclair, and Conner and I will take the baby to be changed. All right? It’s going to take a long time and the Queen should be present to…do Queen stuff.” “All right,” I sigh, though I hate handing my baby off to her for the second time today. Rafe doesn’t seem displeased, though, smiling happily up at his aunting and reaching out his hands for her, trying to grab her cheeks. Cora laughs and sends me a quick wink before turning to Conner and letting him know the plan.

I turn then, looking for my mate, and seeing him across the room speaking with a bunch of Alphas with Henry and Roger by his side – I set off towards him.

I take the long way around, hoping to disappear a bit into the shadows at the sides of the room and avoid anyone in the center of the room pulling me for a chat.

And I almost, almost make it – honestly, I’m about three-fourths of the way there – when someone steps into my path, clearly wishing a word.

I sigh a bit inwardly but take a deep breath, putting on my Queen expression – calm, smiling, interested as I look up to see who desires a moment of my time.

But my smile falters a bit when I realize that it’s…him.

“My Queen,” the Prince of Atalaxia says, giving me a sharp, formal bow. ” It is a pleasure to meet you.” I go a little still, my smile increasing a little at the irony of this because… He stands straight and looks at me then, staring at me for a moment, clearly waiting for a response. But I just stand in silence, not knowing what to say.

Then, I’m a little shocked to see a smile pull at the corners of his lips.

“Can I take your silence to mean…” he says quietly, “that it is not precisely a pleasure for you?” And damn me but… Something about the way he says it his self-deprecation, the warmth in his voice… I feel my smile growing.

“I have to say,” I reply, a little laugh on my voice now. “That whether or not it is a pleasure to speak with you, highness, is…complicated to say the least.” He bows his head a little, nodding, and I hear him huff a sad little laugh under his breath. “Honestly, I warned them against bringing that man, surprising you all like that -” “Then why did you do it?” I ask, taking a step forward, wanting to look up into his face – He raises his eyes to mine again and I’m shocked again by their color and clarity – by the light blue- violet color of them, such a surprise under such a dark head of silky black hair.

“I don’t know,” he replies, shaking his head and slipping his hands into his pockets as he takes a deep breath. ” They spent hours deciding on it on precisely what to do, what to say. I promise – it was a very deliberate choice.” “And were you not privy to those meetings?” I ask, raising an eyebrow at him, wanting to push him for more information.

“I am my father’s sixth son, Highness,” the prince sighs, shaking his head, again smiling that sad little smile at me. “I am a figurehead at best on this mission, and privy to nothing important. You’ll have to forgive me for that. I wish I could tell you more.” I stare at him now, my eyes narrowing a little bit because…honestly, I can’t put my finger on it -but something about the way he says that makes me believe him. I believe that if he could tell me more, he honestly would.

He smiles at me again, and I realize that I’ve been silent for about thirty seconds now. I blink and stand up straighter, a little embarrassed, but he just grins at me an expression that causes a single dimple to curl onto one cheek. Then, he holds out a hand.

“I’m Calvin,” he says. “And honestly, your highness, it is…more than a pleasure to meet you. I hope you believe me on that.” Slowly, I reach out, my eyes still on his face, and I reach out my hand to slip it into his, accepting this small gesture of friendship. I open my mouth to introduce myself but – Before I can A pulse runs through me when my palm meets his, like the sound of a deep bass note resonating through my chest It thrums through me, chased by something sharper – lighter – a second pulse, like lightening jumping through me, a spark that runs through my veins I jump, working to pull my hand away, but before I can his fingers close around my hand, holding it tight.

Any expression – polite, or kind, or happy – falls from his face as he stares at me in shock.

We stand there, palm to palm, for a long, long moment. A moment too long, frankly, until I hear someone clear their throat next to me.

And then I look up into my mate’s green eyes, his stern face, with my palm pressed tight in another man’s hand. Our enemy’s hand.

“Ella,” Sinclair says, his eyes flicking to the Prince next to me, “are you…all right?” “Yes!” I say, suddenly gasping in a deep breath and pulling my hand from Calvin’s – honestly, I hadn’t realized that

I’d stopped breathing – “Yes, Dominic,” I say again, regaining my equanimity and smiling up at him, taking a step closer to his side. “I was just…greeting our guest,” I say, gesturing towards the prince.

Sinclair turns his expression to the Prince, his eyes dark.

 

Chapter 438

“I don’t think we’ve met,” Sinclair says, looking Calvin up and down, his voice low and dangerous.

“Not personally, no,” Calvin says, and I watch him, a little surprised to see that he has regained his composure faster than me. He again executes his sharp little bow, showing obeisance to Sinclair, the kind of gesture one Royal gives to another. “I am Prince Calvin, of Atalaxia. And, despite the uncouth gesture that my party made this morning, I hope you will believe me when I say that I am very pleased to be here and eager to build a good relationship between our nations.” Sinclair raises his eyebrows in surprise, looking for a long moment at the Prince and then down at me, ” Well,” Sinclair says, his words careful and measured. “It is good to hear you say that. After the events of the morning we were convinced that peace was not a priority for you.” Clavin sighs and glances over his shoulder, to where the rest of his delegation are speaking quietly with a group of people I don’t know. ” Honestly highness,” he says, his voice low as if he’s seeking not to be overheard, “for many of them?

It is not. But I hope that over the next few days I can convince you that you have at least one ally over this border.” Slowly, Sinclair nods, pulling me closer to his side. “I look forward to being convinced,” my mate says evenly, still studying this strange Prince.

Clavin bows again to both of us, realizing that this interview is over. “A pleasure, your highnesses,” he murmurs, beginning to turn away.

“Ella,” I call – and I surprise myself to hear my name fall from my mouth.

Calvin turns back to us, slow, likewise surprised.

“Please,” I continue, “call me Ella.” The Prince hesitates for a moment, flicking his eyes to Sinclair, but then he bows to me more deeply than he’s done before. “It will be a pleasure, Ella.” And then he turns away.

I press myself closer to Sinclair’s side now, a little unnerved.

“What the hell was that,” Sinclair asks, his voice baffled but not at all angry at least not with me. I look up at him, slowly shaking my head. “I honestly don’t know,” I whisper.

But what I cannot deny?

Is that it was…something. Something real, something significant.

And as Sinclair and I find our way to Roger’s side – Cora and Rafe, I smile to see, are already making their way back into the room through the main door – I find my eyes following this strange prince.

Wondering who the hell he is, and what he could possibly want from me.

Sinclair and I go to bed late that night, after hours of chat with delegates from other countries. Honestly, even though all we did was stand around chatting, it feels like I’ve run a marathon.

I settle my sweet baby in his little crib, giving him a kiss on the head before flopping fully-dressed onto my own bed.

My mate laughs at me. “Ella,” he says,shaking his head, “up. Come on. You can’t fall asleep like this.” “I can do what I want,” I mutter, turning stubbornly away from him.” I’m the Queen.” Sinclair laughs harder now, coming close and slipping my shoes off my feet, which makes me moan a little with pleasure to feel them released. Sinclair, intuiting how good it feels, sits on the edge of the bed and takes one of my feet in his hands, beginning to massage it.

I moan again, louder this time.

“I like it when you make that noise,” he murmurs, his voice low, hungry. I open an eye and glance at him because honestly, even though I’m exhausted, when my mate talks like that?

Heat already begins to pool in my core.

“I like it when you make me make that noise,” I murmur back.

Growling with pleasure, my mate drops my foot and crawls over me until his body stretches above mine, holding his weight on his elbows to avoid crushing me completely. I take a deep, contented breath and turn onto my back, lifting my hands to pull his tuxedo shirt out of his pants and then slip my palms onto the hot, warm skin beneath.

Sinclair’s growl deepens and he lowers himself, taking a deep breath of my scent before pressing determined kisses to my neck, my shoulders, my chest – every one of them sending a new shiver through my body.

“You were wonderful tonight,” he murmurs, letting himself fall to the side and pulling me with him so that I’m pressed warm against him, stomach to stomach.

“The perfect Queen.” “I was not,” I laugh, pressing my hips close to his, wanting to feel him tight against me. “I didn’t even know half of the nations that those delegates were from – I’m a sham Queen, very ignorant -” “No,” he murmurs, lifting his head to look at me, ensuring that I see and hear him. “You were perfectly yourself, Ella very charming. No one holds your lack of knowledge against you – they’re aware of your story. They love that you’re a real person who cares about her people – not some born- and- bred lady who knows how to affect the airs of a Queen and play the game.” “Yes,” I say, my hands faltering a little on their path lower. “But doesn’t that make me…a bit of a crappy Queen.” “No,” he hums, closing his eyes and exhaling deeply when my hands continue their path, slowly unbuckling his belt. “It makes you perfect.” “All right,” I laugh softly. “If you say so, Dominic. You know best.” “Damn

right,” he growls, and I laugh a little more. I get his belt undone and begin to start on the button of his pants but suddenly his hand is there, stopping me.

“What was that,” he says, and I look up to sees eyes on me now. “Earlier – with the Atalaxian Prince?” I bite my lip, pulling my hands away. ” Are you mad?” “Why would I be mad?” he asks, frowning, a little concerned.

“Because I was talking to him,” I say quietly, “by myself. When we sort of agreed that…we’d give them the cold shoulder, and all talk to them together.” “He cornered you, though, didn’t he? Didn’t give you a chance?” “But that’s also my fault,” I sigh, shaking my head. “I should have just gone with Cora to change Rafe I was stupid, to try to cross the room alone.” “Ella,” Dominic murmurs, taking my chin in his hand and shaking his head at me. “It’s never so serious that you can’t cross a room alone. Honestly, if it was that dangerous I wouldn’t have put you in that situation.” “But…I was nice to him, when I should have been cold” I say, grimacing a little.

“He was hard to be cold to though, he was…nice, and charming, and he… charmed me a bit.” “Did he?” Sinclair said, curious.

“Yes,” I say honestly, looking up at him. “I was prepared to cut him, to push past and move immediately to your side but – honestly, Dominic, he was really nice to me, and easy to talk to. I felt instantly disarmed.” Sinclair hums a little, intrigued and a little worried. I stay quiet for a moment, letting him sort through his thoughts, watching his eyes go a little vague as I see him turn things over. When he focuses again on me, I know he’s made a decision.

“He surprised me as well,” Sinclair says, his voice even and considerate. “I didn’t expect one of them to single themselves out, to…suggest that there were divisions in their faction. If it’s a ploy by them, it is… a strange one. Though not unconvincing? I don’t know. I need to talk to my dad about it – see what he

thinks.” “I think that’s a good idea,” I murmur, bringing my hands back to their place on Sinclair’s warm body now, wiggling myself closer.

“But Ella,” Sinclair says, his voice still serious, letting me know he’s not finished.

I look up into his eyes again. ” Be careful with him, all right? He’s been … curious about you. I haven’t missed the way he focuses on you. It may also be a tactic a part of their plan. Just… be on your guard and trust your instincts when it comes to this Prince, yes?” “All right, Dominic,” I murmur, nodding to him. “I promise I will.” “Good girl,” he growls, wrapping a hand around my back and pulling me tight against him again before using that same hand to begin to work at the zipper that trails down my spine.

“So,” I say pouting a little as I slip my hand down his stomach, into the top of his pants, reaching for him. “I’m not in any trouble?” Sinclair’s growl deepens as I take the wide, hard mass of him into my hand and begin to slowly stroke.

“Why, little mate,” he rumbles, his voice catching a little, “Did you want to be?” His hand slips into the open back of my dress now, taking a full handful of my ass into his palm, making my breath come hot and short.

“Well,” I whisper, smiling a little bit as I tilt my face up to his, bringing my mouth close so that I say my next words directly onto his lips. “Maybe just a little bit…” My mate snarls, a vicious noise that makes me smile, before lifting his hand into the air and delivering a sharp smack right in the place it just left, right on my ass.

The sharp feel of it reverberates through me and I moan louder now but before I can make much noise at all my mate silences me with his mouth over mine.

 

Chapter 439

Sinclair and I wake up only a few short hours later, our clothing spread out all over the bed and floor all around us, because today is the big day.

I groan a little when I feel Sinclair stir.

“No,” I murmur, wrapping my arm around him and pulling him back down. Or, I should say that he lets me pull him back down. Because there’s no way I’m strong enough to physically make my big scary Alpha do anything he doesn’t want to do.

But he is sweet, and obliges me.

“I know,” he murmurs, cupping my face in his gigantic hand. “I’m sorry, trouble.

But we’ve got to get up and look pretty for our big day.” “Let’s just go ugly,” I sigh. “Really… lower expectations for the rest of your reign.

You can rule in sweatpants and t- shirts. They’ll call you the Comfortable King.” He laughs, and I can feel him shake his head. “Come on, Ella,” he cajoles. ” Don’t you want to look pretty to match the crown?” I crack an eye open, tempted. Because honestly, I forgot about the crown. I’ve been very much looking forward to the crown.

He laughs again, looking down at me. There she is,” he says, smiling at me. ” My little magpie. Come on, gorgeous.” “Fine,” I sigh, sitting up straight with a pout. “But I am having two cups of coffee today, which means that that one-” I say, pointing to the baby, “is going to be all jittery all day.” “A compromise I think we can accept for one day,” Sinclair says, pulling me close. I turn my face up to him, sensing

that he wants it, and Sinclair kisses me long and lingering. As he does he passes feelings to me down the bond pride, and happiness, and a great deal of contentment.

And I pass him back my own feelings much the same, as well as a great deal of hope and pleasure to see him lead this nation for which he’s fought for so long.

When Sinclair breaks our kiss, he beams down at me.

“Thank you,” he murmurs, shaking his head at me in wonder. And I smile back.

“You’re going to be a wonderful King, Dominic.” He wraps his arms tight around me, taking a deep breath, simply accepting my faith in him. And I let him hold me tight and warm, pleased to the end of me to see this day finally begin.

We only let go of each other when Rafe gives a little squeak, wondering why we’ve let him lay alone in his little crib for so long even though we clearly know he’s awake.

Sinclair and I both laugh.

“He wants in on the love,” I say happily, crawling away from my mate and getting out of bed to gather my little baby in my arms.

“It’s a big day for him too,” Sinclair says, likewise getting out of bed and coming over to the two of us, kissing Rafe on the head. “He’ll be a Prince, after all, once the day is done.” “Hear that!?” I say to the baby, laughing a little. “Little Prince Rafe! Cutest little heir to the throne that there ever was!” “True, ” Sinclair murmurs, dropping a kiss to my head too and then moving towards the bathroom as I take Rafe to his changing table to get him ready for our big day.

The day, as predicted, is…incredibly long.

I starts with a great deal of formality as Sinclair leads me into a room that is a strange mix of auditorium and conference chamber, with the kind of stadium seating all around that looks more like…I don’t know, a college lecture hall?

But instead of there being a stage at the front of the room, the seating is on three sides of it, with an elaborate table on the fourth side of the room and a narrow empty space at the center. Sinclair seats himself at the center of elaborate table, with me to his right and his father to his left. I look behind me and grin when I see Cora and Roger come into the room, dressed in the traditional formal clothing of nobility of Moon Valley.

Sinclair and I are likewise formally dressed, with me in a burgundy velvet gown with a matching cape and Sinclair in a sleek black jacket and pants with a blue sash over the front as well as a great number of medals. I don’t know what any of the medals mean, but he does look dashing.

Which, honestly, is all that matters to me.

I grin down at little Rafe, who is dressed like his father no medals, though – and he grins up at me, giving a little squeal. I smile at him, laughing. “Are you excited for the big day?” I whisper, giving him a little pulse of curiosity down our bond.

He sends me a happy pulse back, letting me know how he feels. A little thrill goes through me, as it always does, to be able to communicate so effectively with my son even though he is so young. And he laughs as he looks up at me, almost as if he’s happy about it too.

I give him a big hug, pressing a couple of kisses to his soft hair, before I feel Sinclair’s warm hand on my back.

“Ready?” he asks, and I beam up at him, giving a single nod.

What happens next takes…hours, and a great deal of patience. But as each of the governors of the distinct provinces of our nation comes forward and affirms Sinclair as their choice for King, I remind myself that this is actually the important thing. The elaborate coronation will come next, but this? Where first the governors and then the individual packs consent to be ruled?

I glance at the smaller cohort of five Atalaxians just visible at the back of the room, knowing that this is not their process: that they rule their people by force and sheer will.

And even as I’m bored to the ends of me over the extent of this hours-long process and have to work every minute keeping the boredom off my face so as not to insult our citizens, I recognize the importance of this, of the people having a say in their ruler, even a King.

Their recognition that this man is the best one to lead us.

So as each governor and pack leader pledges their fealty and support, Sinclair gives a deep nod of recognition, and I follow suit, trying to look them all in the eye to let them know that they’re seen, that they’re heard, and that we will truly do our best.

Still, as the final delegates come forward, I can’t help shifting in my chair just a little bit because…it has been a long time. I look jealously down at the little bassinet by my side where Rafe naps, giving a little sigh through my nose.

Must be nice, to be a little baby prince, sleeping through the biggest day of his life.

But then, finally, it is done, and Sinclair takes my hand and helps me to my feet.

And as the people cheer he raises our joined hands in a sign of victory.

Our people have elected, unanimously, to support Sinclair’s claim for the throne.

There were some who took the opportunity to make their doubts known – which is their right – but overall the support was enthusiastic. And I smile out at our people, incredibly pleased that they see what I see in my mate: a warm, dedicated, powerful man who will be good for this nation for all of us.

Rafe sends me an eager little pulse down the bond, letting me know he’s awake and a little afraid of all the noise. I drop my mate’s hand to pick up the baby, and the crow cheers anew when they see Rafe in my arms, blinking around at all of them confused.

Sinclair wraps an arm around my shoulders, smiling at both of us. ” Ready for what’s next?” he asks, eager.

“Yup,” I say, grinning up at him. ” Time for the crowns!”

 

Chapter 440

The Crowd’s Approval Ella We move immediately to the grand hall of the palace, where we met our delegates a few nights ago. Sinclair and I wait quietly in a little room off the side of the entrance for everyone from the first room to move to their chairs in the second, where there are already thousands of people waiting. While there was only room in the first chamber for a small selection of our population, the grand hall is much larger.

And it’s packed.

I squeal a little bit with excitement as I peek through a little velvet curtain that covers a window on the door, excited to see so many people gathered to celebrate with us. I lift Rafe so he can see too, but then I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn to see my sister’s beaming face.

“Ella!” she laughs as I squeal and wrap my free arm around her. She wraps her arms tight around me, rocking me back and forth. “I’m so happy for you both,” she murmurs into my shoulder, laughing a little. ” Unanimous! It’s unprecedented!” “Happy for all of us!” I laugh, pulling back to grin at her a little. Rafe reaches for her, happy, and Cora gives him a kiss and a cuddle, but doesn’t take him from me. Not yet.

I glance behind Cora to see Roger happy at Sinclair’s side, their father with them. They’re speaking with a couple of the Royal aids, who are showing them something on an ipad.

“What is that?” I ask.

“Probably footage from outside,” Cora says, still smiling. “It’s crazy out there, Ella. The streets are filled.” “Oh,” I say, my expression suddenly falling with worry as I glance towards the door. “Is that… safe?” “No, the crowds are all really happy,” Cora says, her eyebrows going up. There aren’t a ton of humans, but those who are there are celebrating.” She takes a moment to smile at me softly. ” They’ve done a lot of analysis and polling, Ella, and they say that the humans were largely convinced to support Sinclair’s reign because of you.” “What?” I ask, confused. I mean – I haven’t even been in the public eye for long – “Yeah,” she says, nodding eagerly. ” They know that you cleared out the refugee camps

and got all of those people help – and they love your story orphan girl, who found her mate by chance, and didn’t even know she was a wolf? And they don’t know the details of your divinity or your magic-but there are lots of rumors of your healing going around, and everyone is very excited about what you can do, and the fact that you’re using your gift on the most needy populations.

You’re kind of like…beloved, Ella!” I blush at this and swat her away. ” That’s ridiculous, Cora,” I murmur. ” I’m sure you’re exaggerating – it’s all for Sinclair – ” “No,” she says, serious now. “It’s real, Ella. Wolves and humans alike – they love you.” I look at the floor a little, blushing harder – and I find that even as I desperately hope that it’s true, I can’t really believe it.

Because I mean I want the people to know that I love them and I’m going to help them. But beloved? That just seems- “Ready?” Sinclair says, coming over and looking between Cora and I. Roger grins at me from beyond my mate.

“Oh, she’s ready,” Roger laughs, ” She’s been waiting to get her hands on that crown for weeks now.” “Don’t be jealous, Roger,” I say, raising my chin at him and pretending to be haughty. “Just because you don’t get a crown.” “It’s true,” he sighs, pretending grief. “I just get a stupid necklace.” “It’s a livery collar,” Cora sighs, rolling her eyes and moving to his side, looping her arm in his. “If you call it a necklace again I’m going to smack you.” “If we kill them now,” Roger says in a false stage whisper, loud enough for us to hear, “we can take it all, Cora!” Cora and I burst out laughing at this clear joke, but Sinclair just glares at his brother and shoves him on his shoulder. “Don’t even think about it, Rog,” he growls. “You don’t want the work.” “Truth, brother,” Roger says, clapping Sinclair cheerfully on the shoulder. “Your life is safe with me.” “Boys?” Henry says, rolling over and looking sternly up at his sons. “If you’re done kidding around? We have a coronation to begin.” Both Sinclair and Roger have the decency to look mildly ashamed of themselves, making Cora and I laugh again.

Sinclair looks down at me, and I nod, letting him know that I’m ready. We rehearsed this all, after all. Sinclair will go first, and then me second, and then Cora will take Rafe and she, Roger, and Henry will

go down the long aisle to the front of the room, where the thrones sit. It’s all been timed very precisely, and we’ve got one chance to get it right.

It’s televised, after all, and Henry emphasized how important it was for us to let the world see us as dignified, serious people who take our responsibilities with the gravity that they deserve. And I agree with him – as much as our family likes to joke around and tease, I know that in our hearts we’re all determined to show the people of our nation the respect they deserve.

So, collectively, we all pull ourselves together.

Sinclair drops a lingering kiss to my lips and then moves to the door, where his aids are waiting to give him any final briefs. I exhale a deep breath and stand behind him, passing Rafe to Cora after giving him a kiss on the cheek. The baby grumbles a little but goes to her and I spread my hands down over my velvet dress, hoping to hell that I’m not all wrinkled and don’t have any baby spit-up over my shoulder or anything.

Cora and Roger settle in line behind me with Henry and my pulse begins to speed up as the door before us opens and I hear the crowd roar their approval.

Sinclair sends one last smile over his shoulder to me and then moves forward, moving slowly and deliberately into the room to walk down the long aisle to the throne he has claimed with the support of his people.

The aids smile at me, waving me gently forward. I move just to the edge of the door, not letting the people see me yet – as was planned – and, when the count reaches the two-minute mark – meaning that Sinclair has reached the throne – the aids wave at me, signaling me to begin.

Taking a deep breath, I step towards the door, and then through it, and a huge roar bursts out in the room. A blush raises on my cheek as a smile bursts onto my face.

I bite my lip a little – because I know that I’m supposed to be dignified and serious right now, but the way that they’re cheering for me – I can’t help it. I raise a hand to my heart, and bow my head a little, completely overwhelmed and humbled by their approval. Contrary to my intent, the cheering only increases. I laugh a little, shaking my head and then begin to walk forward.

But even as the crowd claps and cheers, I hear a noise behind me that makes me turn, just a little bit.

My little baby – Rafe – crying for me.

And my heart breaks as I feel him sending pulses down the bond, looking for me a little afraid of all the noise and being left alone, even though he loves his auntie Cora.

Still, he’s looking for me – And despite the fact that I know I should move forward, that all of this is timed I turn back, seeking my son.