A Baby for the Alpha King

NEVER TRULY MINE

CLEO

True to the King’s words, art materials and other things filled the house the next day. Isabel was puzzled as she watched people bring more stuff into the empty room.

Her gaze darted at me, holding on to her questions until the people were done placing all the things in the available room, which, apparently, is now the art room s***h library, as they have also brought a lot of books and even set up a nice shelf for them.

I entered the room after they had set up everything, both amazed and a little overwhelmed. Alpha Solan really took it seriously, and now I don’t know if I should be thankful or worried that I’ll disappoint him.

“That’s a lot of stuff. Did you ask all of this of the king?” Isabel asked as she followed me inside.

My face tinted red with her question. “Not exactly. He just learned that I was fond of art and said he’d send me something to start with. I didn’t expect he’d send so many things.”

“The late Luna is a great artist. I think the king is glad you relate to that. Well, at least now you’ll have something else to be busy about other than trying to take my work.” Isabel said with a straight face.

Her remark made me chuckle awkwardly. The number of times Isabel scolded me for trying to clean the house is almost ironic to how many times I’ve been scolded in my old pack for not working fast enough.

Still, I couldn’t help but smile, remembering yesterday. My encounter with the queen wasn’t pleasant, but being with my mate, even just for a few hours, made it worth it. I feel like I’ve finally connected with Alpha Solan in a much deeper sense.

“I know that smile, Cleo. While I understand where it was rooted, I just have to remind you. The king is not your lover. He might be your mate, but he’s not yours to love. Control your emotions if you want to survive here.”

The smile on my face immediately faded with her words. It came back eventually, but didn’t reach my eyes.

“I understand,” I said with composure. “Sorry, I lost my mind for a second.”

Isabel gave a firm nod. “Good. I’m not saying this to hurt your feelings. Please, know that it’s nothing personal.” She said, this time with a softer tone.

I simply nodded this time. Her words are hurtful, but it’s true anyway. Besides, she wouldn’t say a thing if she didn’t care.

“Thank you, Isabel. I’ll just check these out.” I quickly changed the topic and forced myself to be excited about the gifts instead of thinking deeply about them.

My hands touched the canvas, already thinking of what to paint. I doubt I could do what I was imagining in my mind, but I’ll do my best to learn. I pulled a stool and sat while checking on the paint and brushes. These kinds of things were a luxury in this world. I doubt I’d touch any of this if Alpha Solan hadn’t offered. A luxury I never thought of having, and I don’t think I needed either.

I just wanted a simple life with my mate, but given his status, it’s just impossible.

“I’ll leave you to it.” Isabel said after a moment, “I’ll just prepare our lunch. I’ll call you when it’s ready.”

“Thank you,” I thanked her once again and started to focus on figuring out how to start after she left the room.

My eyes roamed over the materials, and I was about to pick a brush when I suddenly felt my chest tighten. The familiar heat quickly spread, coming from my chest to the gut and slowly venturing lower. I gasped, staggering as I tried to stand from my seat.

I collapsed on the ground, crawling as I tried to call for Isabel, but couldn’t find my voice. The heat I felt earlier had already spread through my whole body, making breathing harder than it already was.

“Please… Solan…” I muttered, calling for my mate, wanting his touch, wanting him to be by my side.

My vision continued to blur out, so close to losing consciousness, but I pushed myself to stay awake, afraid of what would happen.

The suffering lasted for what felt like forever. Isabel wouldn’t come back until she’s finished cooking, but I can’t take it anymore. Everything in me yearns for something I don’t truly understand.

My wolf whimpered in my mind, also calling for Solan.

To my surprise, a figure suddenly towered over me. My instincts flared despite being unsure if the blurry figure of Solan was real or not.

“Alpha?” I called, reaching out to him, desperately trying to prove he’s real and that I don’t have to deal with this alone.

I heard low growls as the blurry figure inches closer to me. “I’m here. It’s me, Cleo. You’re safe now.” He assured.

The fear in my heart dissipated in an instant. It’s really my mate. Solan came for me.

Before I knew it, I was already settled on his arms as he gently lifted me off the floor. His scent wafted in my senses, making me gasp and cling to him even more.

“I can’t take it anymore,” I muttered breathlessly, gasping for my dear life. Everything aches, and anywhere our skins touch, it burns deliciously.

Solan let out another growl. “I know. I’ll make it better soon, I promise.”

He continued moving ahead. I heard him talking to someone, but I couldn’t make sense of anything else but his voice. Soon after, I was brought to a familiar place. He laid me on my bed, then started wiping my forehead, beaded with sweat, with a clean towel.

My vision slowly went back to normal, but the feeling inside me only burned realizing how Solan looked at me. It’s just like that first time we met, only that it’s much more intense.

I shuddered, feeling his desire resonate in me. I bit my lip, “Alpha… please.”

Once again, I was pleading for something I don’t entirely understand. His eyes gleamed in desire, and he felt his lips crashing on mine. I loudly gasped, shuddering as I felt a spark run through me the moment our lips met.

Solan wasn’t gentle. At least, not at first. I could feel every ounce of his desire, every unspoken longing that had been building between us the moment we met. The moment we knew we couldn’t be together, not like the way we wanted to.

My breath hitched as his hand cupped the back of my neck. He steadied his breathing, slowly calming down, but still looking at me with desire.

I didn’t know if it was the bond, the heat, or the aching need to feel wanted by my own mate, but all I could do was melt against him. My trembling hands found their way to his chest, clutching at the fabric of his clothing. I could feel his heartbeat, almost too strong in what supposedly weak senses that I have.

“I want you, Cleo. I want my mate.”

My heart jumped in glee with his words. I frantically nodded, my mind clearing up in that moment.

“Please,” I pleaded, clinging my arms around his neck.

Solan quickly obliged, kissing me slowly and deliberately this time as if he was trying to savor each moment, each touch, and the stolen time we had. As the kiss deepened, everything else didn’t matter anymore. It’s almost like the whole world has already forgotten about us.

No status differences, no consequences for our love, and one to break us apart. There was only me and my mate.

But nothing lasts forever, no matter how right it felt. This moment existed in a world where I would never truly be his. When he pulled away, both of us were catching our breaths, both yearning for something we couldn’t have.

I found myself chasing the warmth of his lips again, unwilling to let go of one moment I ever felt that he was mine.

He growled under his breath, hands roaming over my heated body.

“Cleo,” he whispered against my skin, kisses already venturing down.

I closed my eyes this time, suddenly unsure of what to feel. My instincts scream for him to be devoured and everything in between. Meanwhile, my heart and soul plead for his love, wanting to do this out of love and not duty.

Instead, I quietly took everything because no matter how much warmth I felt from his embrace. No matter what our bonds dictate to me, I knew…

He would always be my mate, but never truly mine.