Page 30 of The Princess and the Pack

I do my best to hide the frustrated sigh stuck in my chest. Any other time, I would happily host both Aspen and Lily. But so much rests on the success of my quest that I can’t afford distractions.

Still, it’s only two siblings to contend with. Aspen will be busy tumbling my brother, and I don’t see Lily interfering with my plans. But given what I know of Cal’s affinity for beautiful women, I’ll need to keep an eye on the princess for the sake of her betrothal and my desire to stay in Hawthorn’s good graces.

As long as Callan keeps his paws off her, I think this could work.

Fuck, I’m excited.

This was not the plan. We were meant to woo her, taking our time to show her what being a pack means. But after last night—after this morning and the way Ivy responded to me, I don’t want to hoard that same joy from my packmates.

More so, I would hate to keep Ivy from knowing how much she is wanted, how much we will cherish and adore her together. She deserves to live as omegas are meant to, and the sooner we make our intentions official, the better.

Given she’s now twenty-one, her heat could come any day. Better we establish ourselves as a pack now in preparation. If she will allow us all to see her through it, the risk of her falling ill will be next to nothing. As her scent-matched mates, we can provide her with all she needs, both physically and emotionally, during such a vulnerable time.

The introduction I planned for my court will have to change as well. But, to be honest, now that the moment has come, I don’t give a shite what they have to say.

As Sloan has been reminding me for the last month, I’m the king now. Namara’s future rests in my hands. If I intend to put an end to the archaic ways of our dead and dying predecessors, I must lead by example.

Tiernan tells me others at court would support this move. He should know; he and Fiona are living a secret life of their own with my captain of the guard. As some of my oldest friends, and the only other scent-matched pack I know, I want this for them as much as I do for myself.

Settled in my resolve to put my plan into action, I chime in for the first time. “When do you depart?”

Hawthorn turns toward Ivy and me. “Today…now. Your staff kindly prepared our carriages while you were, ah, asleep.”

“This is horrid!” Rose screeches. “We can’t leave Ivy so soon. Besides, Blair doesn’t get to order me across the sea. He isnotmy alpha.”

I chuckle, understanding that while the princess doesn’t have much choice, she won’t go quietly.

Good for her.

“I promise your sister is in very good hands, Princess,” I tell her, well aware this is not the true heart of her protestation. “As much as we will miss your company, I’m eager to show my queen her new home. Then maybe we can see about the lack of her bonding mark, as you so kindly pointed out earlier.”

Ivy’s perfume is as instantaneous as the blush blooming on her cheeks, and I’m half a breath from whisking her back to bed.

“Ugh—no!That’s it.” Prince Sage throws his hands in the air. “Your Majesty, thank you for the hospitality, but I must leave before I’m subjected to one more mention of my sister’s private activities.”

My omega deflates a little, and I’m quick to take her hand in mine. I kiss her knuckles, drawing her close to me. “All will be well, my heart. They will return soon. Besides, you and I have much to do in the meantime.”

Ivy’s eyes are glassy with unshed tears, but she offers me a tentative smile. “I know, alpha. I’m very happy to be here with you. I just?—”

“Thought you had more time with them,” I interject. She doesn’t need to explain herself to me. “As much as I wanted to kill Cal this morning, I would be similarly distraught if he were to leave me behind.”

Ciaran and Callan are second and third princes to a small kingdom. Unlike many of Ivy’s siblings, neither of them will ever sit on a throne. In fact, it’s already been decided that their intended spouses will come live in Namara after their weddings.

I will never experience the pain of being taken away from them, but I can be there for my mate as she navigates her conflicting emotions.

“Thank you for understanding.” Ivy sways in my arms, reaching up to press a chaste kiss upon my lips.

I’m but wax over an open flame for this sweet omega—melting over the easy affection she offers, even when her heart is hurting.

“Go on, darling. Say your goodbyes. Perhaps take a walk through the gardens afterwards to lift your spirits.”

Her brow crinkles at this suggestion. “You won’t join me?”

Shite.

I hate to leave her after all that’s happened this last day. But I must inform the others about the recent developments. We only have a week—every moment will matter.

“I need to attend to some things, but I’ll join you this evening for dinner. Then you and I can spend the entire night together.”

---