“My ideal happily-ever-after is anything that involves you, printesa mea,” he says, a hint of humor in his voice.
“Why does that sound like there’s hidden meaning in your words?” I ask slowly, catching on to the subtlety underlining his words.
“Because you’re a fast learner,” he murmurs, kissing me on the nose. “But if you like, I can indulge you in a tale. A pleasant one.”
I consider the offer and him, then slowly shake my head. “No. I’m content with simply continuing our story.”
Amusement flirts with his lips. “I like that idea, printesa mea.”
“Good.” I place my lips against his. “Then let’s write a new chapter in the nest.”
“You’re not too sore?” he asks.
I shrug. “I suspect there are other things you can teach me.”
His grin grows. “Oh, little diamond, you have no idea…”
“I think I have some idea,” I say as I rock against his hips. “But let’s go see how fast I catch on.”
He kisses me long and hard, then pulls back, his golden gaze swirling with intent. “As you wish, Omega.”
“As you command, Alpha,” I return.
He growls, approval radiating from his expression. “You really are the perfect mate.”
My heart skips a beat, my wolf preening inside.
Because for the first time in my life, I wonder if he might be right. If perhaps I really am worthy. And if maybe… this really is…a fairy tale.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
OROS
“I assumeyou’re here to talk about Rio,” I say as my brother ashes into my office. I snuck down here around dawn, leaving Taliana all snuggled up in our nest. The little note I left beside a gold rose will tell her how to find me.
Of course, I suspect her nose will lead her right to me regardless of the letter.
Still, I wanted to be absolutely sure that she could find me.
And I didn’t want to wander too far, just in case she needed me.
My dragon was disappointed, his need to fly riding us both. But I placated him with the thought of taking our Omega for a flight once she wakes.
“Keegan’s a Stealth Royal,” my brother says, drawing me back to his presence in my office.
I arch a brow. “You usually save your sarcasm for after the noon hour.”
He grunts and collapses into his favorite chair, his silver eyes grabbing and holding mine. “I wish I were beingsarcastic. The bastard woke me up this morning with a blade against my throat.”
My eyes widen. “Hewhat?Is he still alive?”
“Only because he fucking vanished before I could stab him,” Onyx mutters, clearly irritated. “He was making a point.”
“That he has a death wish?” I seethe.
“That he could kill us while we slept if he wanted to,” my brother says. “He’s fucking dangerous.”
“No shit.”Flames. “I’m going to have to kill him.” And that’s going to seriously upset my intended mate.