The guards growled, shifting into their lycan forms, ready to strike.
"I apologize for intruding on your meeting, but I have urgent business with the king."
It was Ninzu.
....
They had been training for over an hour. The sun was low behind the stone towers of Vargorath. Lara was breathing hard and her arms were already sore, as she moved around Thornak.
The rest of Thornak's men had finished their training and gone to their rooms to prepare for the evening meal, leaving the courtyard empty.
"Again," he said, tossing her the staff. "Faster this time."
They clashed, metal on metal. Her steps were quicker now, and she reacted faster than before. But Thornak's size and strength still overpowered her. He spun, disarmed her, and caught her wrist before she hit the ground.
Lara's chest heaved as she tried to pull free, but Thornak's grip was firm. "You're faster," he said. "But speed alone isn't enough. Strength, timing… and instinct. You need all three."
She nodded, then on impulse she shifted her weight and tripped him.
To her shock, Thornak toppled forward and landed on top of her.
Her breath caught in her throat. She hadn't expected him to fall, let alone on her.
Thornak froze for a heartbeat, his gaze locked on hers, then a slow, teasing smile crept up on his lips.
"If you wanted me on top of you," he murmured, voice low, "all you had to do was ask."
Lara's eyes widened, her cheeks burning red.
"I... I didn't mean…" she stammered, wriggling beneath him, trying to get up, but it did nothing to budge Thornak.
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, teasing whisper.
"You're brave… daring enough to pull the Lycan king on top of you."
Then, without warning, his lips crushed into hers.
Her lips were soft and yielding, tasting like sweet wine. He felt her sigh against his mouth, a soft surrender. He deepened the kiss, his hand moving to cup her neck while his thumb caressed the delicate skin behind her ear. A quiet moan escaped her.
Her body leaned closer, drawn to him as if by instinct. The warmth of his touch spread through her, leaving her breathless. His kiss grew more certain, yet still gentle, as though he was learning every part of her. Her fingers found his chest, clutching lightly at the fabric, needing to hold onto something as the world seemed to fall away around them.
Deep within him, his wolf stirred, a low growl of approval rumbling in his chest. The beast pressed forward, wanting her just as much, urging him to claim, to protect, to never let go. The sound made her shiver, yet she didn't pull away. Instead, she pressed closer, answering both man and wolf with her trembling surrender.
Suddenly, Thornak broke the kiss and got up. It took every ounce of willpower he had to do that. He knew that if he stayed another minute, the restraint he clung to would shatter, for every inch of him was drawn to her. But he needed to hold control, for her sake… and himself.
"We need to go and freshen up before dinner," he said, not looking at her.
Lara felt a strange flutter in her chest. She didn't know why. He was the Lycan king, strong, feared, and surrounded by beautiful and sophisticated lycans. Why would he want her? A wolfless girl.
Was she jealous.
Of course not. What right did she have to be jealous of anyone? A king has many mistresses, and some even married many wives.
And yet, a small, stubborn part of her felt uneasy at the thought of him with anyone else. Her heart gave her away, and she couldn't stop thinking about how much she wanted him to see only her.
Back in her chambers, Seralyn helped her get ready for dinner. She had been dining alone with Liam all week, and the thought of it brought a quiet, warm comfort.
Steam rose from the dishes Mira had just brought, roasted meat, hot broth, spiced roots, and some brown rice. The smell made her stomach rumble.
She was always starving after training with the king. Over the past week, she had trained every evening, sometimes with Jasmine, sometimes with Dain, but she enjoyed the sessions with the king the most.
Lara shoveled the rest of the food into her mouth. She knew it wasn't very ladylike, but when she was alone with her brother, she didn't have to pretend.
Someone knocked on the door.
"My Lady, his majesty is here to meet you?" Her new bodyguard announced.
His Majesty? Why was he here? Panic surged through her. She didn't want him to see her like this. Before she could react, the door swung open and the king stepped inside.
Liam was already up, greeting the king. Lara, perched on a chair with one leg tucked up and wearing only her night dress, froze. Her cheeks burned as she realized exactly how exposed she looked, with food all over her mouth and juices on her cheeks.
Thornak's eyes flicked to her, and a slow, almost imperceptible smirk curved his lips. "Well," he said, "it seems someone has been enjoying their dinner a little too much."
Lara scrambled, grabbing a napkin and trying to wipe her face, but only made it worse. "I… I didn't expect you, Your Majesty," she stammered, her voice tight with embarrassment.
"Clearly," he murmured.
Liam whispered a quick goodnight before slipping out, leaving Lara alone with the king.
As soon as Liam left, Thornak stepped closer. He reached out, cupping her chin gently, and used his finger to wipe the smudge from her cheek.
"You wanted to speak to me about something," she asked. Her face was so red she could feel the heat on her cheeks.
He contemplated it for a bit. There was nothing he wanted from her other than to reciprocate his feelings. But he couldn't tell her that.
Instead, he lowered his head, and his lips met hers. At first, the kiss was slow,, but soon it grew hungry and more demanding. The more he tasted her, the more he felt his legendary control slipping away.
He knew tonight, he might not be able to stop himself.