Page 6 of The Wolf King's Craving

Taryn let out a dry laugh. “I don’t know what you expect me to do. I’m not as into balls and special occasions as much as my little sister was. I won’t really know where to begin.”

“That’s not a problem. I’m sure he has his own thoughts anyway. And, as I said, the staff will also be there to help.”

“Okay, but if your buddy gets too needy, I’m calling in my sisters for reinforcements,” she jested. Part of her also tried to not panic. She was so used to Declan’s parents being gone almost all of the time since he became king that she had decided to ignore the fact that they even existed. They were always traveling with their new freedom. Betrothed or not, future in-laws were always intimidating.

Declan chuckled. “That actually may not be a bad idea anyway. Do it after your visit if you think it will help.”

She wanted her sisters there simply because she missed them … and to help with her sudden anxiety about all this.

But they had their own lives. She’d wait and see how this played out before calling for help.

“Okay, we’ll see. But thank you. I’m about done here, so I’m going to head out. Was there anything else you wanted to tell me or go over?” She walked back over to the phone, finger lingering over the end button as she waited for his response.

“Nope. Nothing that can’t wait until this evening. See you soon. Remember, don’t go running to your bedroom,” he teased.

She smirked as she pressed the button. He may be king, but she was going to play her little game until she couldn’t anymore.

Taryn took a look around to make sure everything was shut off and locked up before heading out. Her enforcer followed closely behind her once she left the shop.

As she approached the castle, he peeled off from her and entered through a different door. Finally, she was officially alone.

Taryn headed straight to her room. She wasn’t planning on necessarily locking herself away, but she at least wanted to change before this dinner Declan had planned for them.

She got to her door and tried to open it. It was locked.

“What the …”

She looked up and saw a folded note taped to the door. Taryn ripped it off and read it.

Taryn, I told you not to run to your room when you got home. Meet me on the roof. XOXO - Declan

She could hear the sarcasm through the Xs and Os he had dramatically added. She crumpled the note in her hand and shoved it in her pocket. He thought he was so clever.

Taryn went to one of the bathrooms on her way to the stairs. If she wasn’t allowed to change clothes, she wanted to at least look the part for him.

She shut the door and looked herself over in the mirror. She didn’t look tired, but her hair was disheveled from work that day. She threw some cold water on her face and pinched her cheeks to give them a bit of color.

Now for the hair. She pulled it out of its bun and raked her fingers through it to tame some of the flyaways. It had a huge dent in it from being up, so leaving it down wasn’t an option. Taryn put it back up in a full messy bun with tendrils hanging loosely around her face.

Tousled but sexy, that look was fine by her.

She may be playing hard to get and trying to keep her distance from Declan, but that didn’t stop her from wanting to be attractive to him because she was definitely hot for him.

Satisfied with her look, she left the bathroom and made her way up the spiral staircase. She knew exactly where Declan wanted her to go.

There was a flat section of the roof right above the primary suite of the castle. It had a huge garden and a pool, along with a rather large entertainment area. It was Declan’s favorite place to throw a party.

It was also a great spot for Taryn to grow many of her plants, especially given the direct sunlight and access to fresh air. That was another kind thing that Declan had let her do, which she had appreciated just as much as all of his other gestures.

Taryn took a deep breath, not wanting to give away her anxiety at the surprise. She opened the door to the roof and was in absolute shock at what lay before her.

Declan had transformed the area into a beautiful and romantic picnic spot.

She looked around at the glinting lights. The sun was going down, and the colors were breathtaking, especially from this height.

She spotted a giant blanket spread out on the grassy area with food and wine ready for distribution. Declan stood beside it all, looking handsome as ever, with the orange background illuminating his imposing, handsome figure.

Taryn hated to admit it, but she was pleasantly surprised.

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