Page 16 of Claimed By Prince Daddy

My mind flashed back to the flower of my homeland, existing here amongst the fae, as I was—a werewolf in a land of shadow fae. Coexisting.

My mouth parted in wonder.

Perhaps we can all coexist…one day. One day soon…

“Well, what do we have here?” A soft feminine voice sounded.

All heads turned toward the source. Another shadow fae female stood under the arched threshold of the dining room. Chocolate brown hair cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves that fell to her waist. Her molten brown complexion gleamed under the soft light of the chandeliers, making her appear as if she were haloed in amber. As she entered the room, her willowy frame moved with lithe feline gracefulness that put my wide hips and large bust to shame.

I could never be that graceful, and seeing her caused an inexplicable knot to lodge under my sternum. I fought the urge to rub at my chest. The knot throbbed as the female drew toward Drake’s side and placed a palm against his cheek. The same manner in which Drake had touched me in the garden.

Her gray eyes gleamed silver with relief and…affection.

“I’m glad you’re safe, my Drake,” she said.

No one could miss the possessive note in her voice. Solarus and Alaria exchanged a knowing look. My inner wolf snarled and rammed against my insides, trying to force a shift to rip the rival female’s throat out. My hands gripped the table lip, unsheathed claws biting into the oak as I fought to keep my primal side leashed.

No!I growled at my inner wolf.Stop fighting me. Drake does not want us fully, not in the way you want him—there’s no need to challenge the female.

Though I struggled to instill reason into my inner wolf, my own heart ached in protest. Would I really be okay with Drake having an attachment to another female? He’d made it perfectly clear this was to be a mating in name only, but where did that leave me in the scheme of things? Would I be okay with him bedding another on the side?

A low growl, barely audible, punched from my vocal cords.

It appeared the female caught it, for her cool gaze slid to mine and turned downright contemptuous—she saw me as no threat. The leash I had around my inner wolf loosened a touch at that.

Then Drake moved, taking the female’s hand in his and removing it from his face. He let her hand go to fall at her side. The female’s eyes widened briefly with hurt. A seed of wicked satisfaction sprouted in my gut.

“What brings you here, Rosalana?” Drake said. A muscle ticked along his jaw.

Rosalana’s lips thinned. “You aren’t pleased to see me…” It was worded as a statement, but her gaze was questioning.

Drake sighed deeply. “I am in the middle of something now.” He flicked his eyes toward me before returning his gaze to Rosalana. “I will meet with you later.”

No!I snarled internally, and my inner wolf’s fangs bared. Then I gave a hard blink.

Where the hell did that thought come from?

Rosalana’s lips pursed at having been so clearly dismissed. She dipped into a small curtsy. “Yes, my Lord,” she said, hertone carrying a bite to it. Then she pivoted on her heel and swept from the room.

Solarus let out a long, low whistle. “Seems like you’ll have hell to pay later,” he said, then chuckled. “I don’t envy you there, brother.” His ruby-colored eyes flicked to me. He dropped his voice to a low murmur and leaned over his elder brother’s seat. “Seems like you’ll have heel coming from both ways.” He slid a meaningful look my way.

With a small gasp, I ripped my claws from the table and tucked my hands into my lap. Apparently, my emotions were easy to read. The knowledge brought a wave of shame and embarrassment flooding through my veins.

Drake’s gaze found mine. His eyes snapped wide. Cursing under his breath, he pushed back from the table and shot to his feet.

“Will you not finish your food?” Alaria asked, surprise flickering across her features.

“My appetite has gone away with the wind,” he muttered darkly.

“You know how Mother feels about you not finishing your meals,” his sister shot back.

Drake whirled on her. “I don’t give two flying shi—” Upon seeing his sister flinch, the prince took a deep breath and clapped his hands together as if praying to the gods. He continued, his voice softer, “I really don’t have time to worry about what Mother thinks. I have more important matters to attend to.”

Turning to me, Drake stepped around the table and drew near my side. He jerked his chin toward the entrance. “Let’s go.”

I bristled, my mood already sour. I remained rooted in my seat. Drake’s eyes glowed with a hint of violet. I narrowed my eyes a fraction, allowing him to see my fangs peeking under my upper lip. He’d have to learn I was not one to be commanded around like a servant.

Shoulder muscles going taut, Drake whispered, “Please,come with me.”

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