Crescent Curse

Chapter Nine

Diana's POV

"Look, I know you're upset over finding out who your mother placed in this joke of a wedding. But I'm not scared of her. Nor am I intimidated by your ex-girlfriend."

"You should be. She's—”

"A purebred Lycan?" I countered. "Yes I'm aware. She and her friends have all made it abundantly clear how much stronger they are than I am in our true form." I rake my hand through my Long tendrils of hair, I love my hair. And when I glance back up at Skye and see his eyes following my hand, he does too. I clear my throat and his eyes snap back to mine. "They may be stronger than my wolf, but they aren't more powerful." a cold breeze swept across the room, but none of the windows or the doors to the balcony were open.

"I can handle a little bullying, I'm not a child, Skye. I'm used to the whispering of others who don't understand me. Hell my own parents haven't been alone with me when I..." I stop myself from speaking. I don't know him enough to reveal why my parents, or rather my mother won't see me or allow my younger sibling to come near me anymore. It's a truth I haven't ever accepted, let alone spoke about. It still hurts to think about.

I cleared my throat again of the building emotions. "I can handle them, Skye. Trust me.." I begged, reaching for his hand once more. This time he let me take it. "Please?"

His adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. "Then allow me to mark you!" I shook my head which only made him clench his teeth and let out a lowl growl. "Why not?"

"Because! As a royal, you and I should abide by the rules set by our elders. It is what's supposed to make us better than previous rulers, regardless of who they are." I hate how much I sounded like my grandparents as those words flew out of my mouth. But they were excellent teachers. They taught me everything I know today about being a gentle, yet ruthless future Queen. "So if I accept your mark now, all it will cause is unwanted drama between my kingdom and yours. Do you really want that? Because I don't." Not that I have any rights to my own people anymore, which hurts.

The ridgid lines on his face that showed anger and hurt softened and he sighed softly then looked down at my two small hands covering his. A jolt of electricity shot through me when he rearranged his hand to capture one of mine and squeezed. "You know when I found out we were mates, I didn't think the goddess would have blessed me with someone like you. I knew you were beautiful and caring to your people, but I didn't think you would be... this."

"And what is this?" I asked him softly.

"Smart, kind, unbothered by what others think, and most of all, someone who's willing to overcome difficult situations that have been suddenly thrust upon her." He smiled. "I mean you accepted the marriage arrangement without even batting an eye, and decided to give me a chance knowing I slept with another. I'd say that's the sexiest thing about you so far." Heat coated my cheeks and I looked away.

"I had a lot of people raising me. I learned a thing or two about understanding." Skye reached out and lifted my gaze back to his, a soft smile gracing his lips. I had to force my eyes to stay locked on his and not down to those lockable lips. As if hearing my thoughts his tongue darted out and wet his lips. My control betrayed me as my eyes drifted down to them, and my stomach did a little flip as butterflies filled my insides at the sight.

"Diana, love.." His voice was soft yet lusty in my ears.

"Hmm?" my reply was barely audible as my eyes lingered on those lips. I wonder if they were as soft as they looked. A girl can only hope.

A chuckle sounded and my gaze finally lifted back to his eyes. "Is this you or your wolf?" he asked, a smirk playing on his features.

Heat filed my entire face once more and I released his hand and covered my flaming cheeks and turned away from him. I just stood there admiring him and he let me? How mortifying is that? I mentally began scolding my wolf for not having more self control over her actions, however deep down I wasn't sure if it was her or me that lost complete control just then.

Strong arms wrapped around my midsection and Skye's body covered my back. "It's alright, darling. It just means you feel the same way I do when I'm looking at you thinking no one will see how much I want you." More heat rose and I let out an embarrassing chuckle. At least I'm not alone in that department. He truly is a wonderful man. How could I have almost let him slip away so easily?

"Can I sleep with you?" he whispered before quickly adding. "Not in that way or anything, I just would like to stay the night in your bed. With our clothes on."

I thought about it for maybe two seconds before nodding my head. "I'd like that."