Page 36 of Asking Fur Trouble

“I should have been more careful. I’ll make this right. I can organize a formal apology letter. I’ll work through the night to?—”

“Out.” Charov’s command cut through the room like a blade, directed at Torborn and Councilor Varden. “Now.”

The councilor opened his mouth to protest, but something in Charov’s eyes—perhaps the flash of blue fire that preceded his bear’s emergence—made him reconsider. The two men backed out, pulling the heavy door closed behind them.

Charov crossed the space between them in two long strides, taking the papers from her hands and setting them on a side table. He captured her trembling fingers between his much larger ones.

“Stop.”

Her mouth opened, another apology clearly ready to spill out.

“No.” He shook his head, his voice a low, commanding rumble. “You’re not doing this. Not with me.”

He tilted her chin up with one finger, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Listen to me, Bess. You’ve done nothing wrong. Nothing.” He squeezed her hand gently. “If Kynon wanted me at his event, he should have confirmed directly with me.”

“But I was supposed to?—”

“You were supposed to help me, and you have.” His thumb traced gentle circles on her wrist, feeling her pulse jump beneath her skin. “More than anyone else in this entire castle. I’ve watched you work yourself to exhaustion for me—for this territory—without complaint.”

Her eyes widened at his words, a soft blush coloring her face. The sight sent heat surging through his veins.

“We’re going to attend this ball together,” he continued, stepping closer until he could feel the warmth radiating from her body. “We’ll make our apologies for missing the beginning, and then, my future queen, we’re going to dance.”

“Future Queen?” Her voice was barely a whisper.

Charov’s lips curved into a predatory smile. “Did you think I’d let you go back to Earth?” His hand moved to cup her cheek. “I’ve been watching you, Bess. How naturally you’ve stepped into this role. How perfectly you fit at my side.”

His bear purred in agreement, and Charov leaned closer, his mouth a breath away from hers.

“Everyone will soon see what I already know—that you belong here. With me.”

His fingers tightened around Bess’s smaller hand. The contact sent a pulse of possessiveness through him.

“Tonight,” he said, his voice lowering to a register that made her pupils dilate, “we’re going to remind ourselves that life isn’t all paperwork and royal duties.”

He pulled her impossibly closer until the subtle floral scent of her skin filled his senses. Her curves pressed against him when she stumbled forward, sending a shot of heat straight to his core.

“Emesyn is waiting for you in your suite with several gown options,” he said, his voice low and possessive. “I want you dressed in something that makes every male at that ball choke on their envy when they see you walking in with me.”

Her eyes widened, and Charov felt his lips curl up. His bear liked shocking her, and liked watching color flood those perfect cheekbones.

“We’ve done nothing but work since my father died. Tonight, we remember how to live.” He released her hand only to slide his palm up her arm, savoring the shiver that followed his touch. “I’m going to show my future queen how to have fun Nova Aurora style.”

“But—”

“No buts.” He pressed a finger to her lips, fighting the urge to replace it with his mouth. “This isn’t a request. This is your mate telling you what’s going to happen.”

The words slipped out, but Charov didn’t regret them. Not when he saw the flash of heat in those eyes or the way her breathing quickened.

His bear pushed forward, demanding he claim what was his. Charov leaned in until his breath mingled with hers.

“No more hiding who I am from you. No more pretending I don’t feel this pull between us.” His thumb brushed her cheekbone. “From now on, we face everything together. No secrets. No holding back. You deserve all of me—the king, the man, the bear.”

Charov watched understanding bloom in her eyes, followed by something deeper that made his chest tight again.

“The kingdom is mine to protect, but you—” he growled, the sound vibrating between them, “—you are mine to cherish. My equal. My queen.”

He finally gave in to his bear’s demands, lowering his mouth to claim hers in a kiss that left no doubt about his intentions. When he pulled back, her eyes remained closed for a heartbeat longer.

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