Queen, Alpha, Mate

Chapter 6

Joshua POV

As we walk back to the castle, I can't help but sneak glances at my mate. She's so beautiful, with her red hair and those blue pools of eyes and those cute dimples in her cheek when she smiles. She's so soft to the touch and kind in demeanor, though I can definitely see how people want to stay on her good side. She's a badass lady, everything about her screams that, even though she's a cute awkward little mess right now in my presence. I can't help but enjoy the effect I have on her. If I can already turn her into a puddle here, imagine... Nope, bad brain, don't go there yet, you've just met her. I can't help it though, the mating pull is so strong, and that's what it is too, I suppose; a bond to "mate". I'd love nothing more than to have her and then have her again and again and again... there I go again. Focus Josh, come on.

As we walk through the castle doors and into a leisure room, she calls for tea and sits down on the couch. I sit down next to her, but I don't want to be just next to her. It's too far away. I reach out and pull her onto my lap. She settles against my chest and I inhale her scent deeply. Just that blueberry scent drives me nuts. It makes me hungry to taste everything about her. My skin is heating up and where she touches me, I feel sparks all over. What did I do to deserve something so wonderful?

She moves her face to the crook of my neck. I feel her breathe deeply, her breath hot on my skin. Her lips brush past my chin and my neck as her hands gently stroke my chest. I hold her tightly and I'm about to doze off when I hear voices coming from the next room, getting closer. I recognize Daniel and the girl that was with Diana earlier. I think Katie was her name. Diana's breathing has become deep and steady in my arms. She's asleep, I think. How can a love be so deep for someone I barely know? I think as I place a soft kiss on her forehead. I don't want to be apart from this woman a day of my life.

I look up as Katie and Daniel walk into the leisure room. I place a finger over my lips as they start to talk and motion that Diana is asleep. They quiet down a bit and sit down on the couch opposite of us.

"Sleeping like a baby, I've never seen her like this in broad daylight. What an effect you must have on her. I can't wait until I meet my fated mate. Just don't hurt her, or I might just have to kill you." Katie says to me. I smile and reply "If I were to hurt her, I'd probably beat you to that last part."

Before Katie can reply, Daniel interrupts and says "Okay, that's enough for the death talks. Any news from home, alpha?"

"Not yet, but could you call Alex to let him know we'll be back a few days later than expected?"

"Want me to make up an excuse?" Daniel asks.

"No, just tell him the truth, that I met my mate and need to figure some stuff out before we can come back. He'll understand. Besides, Alex is super capable. I trust the safety of the pack members will be secure in his hands." I reply.

It's always such a shame that we can't mindlink our pack members outside of our respective pack lands. It would make things so much easier if I could just connect with Alex for a bit and tell him what's happened. Anyway, I still have this sleeping angel on my lap, but I think she's needed somewhere else, given the way Katie is shifting in her seat.

I kiss Diana's forehead and her eyes open drowsily. She's looking straight at me as she gives me a brilliant smile.

"I guess it really wasn't a dream." She says and she places a gentle kiss on my shoulder. I stroke my fingers through her hair and I nod towards Daniel and Katie. To let them know she's there. She wakes up promptly and sits up straight. Embarassed to be found in this situation, I suppose. I can see the shift in her demeanor as it goes from cute and awkward to alert and serious. I can see that she has a ton of leading potential.

"Is everything alright?" She asks Katie and Daniel.

Katie laughs and says "Oh don't go all serious on my now, your highness, you were having a clearly brilliant nap just now. Anyway, we just wanted to check up on you. Nothing's the matter, but you'll be expected at dinner soon. I think we're having a roast tonight." She makes a chef's kiss motion.

"Besides," adds Daniel, "I want to meet the woman who will be telling off our alpha for the next one billion years to come whenever he does something stupid."

"And tell him off, I will" Diana says. "Hand on my heart."

She laughs her angel laugh and dismisses the beta and beta-to-be, after which she takes me to her room to freshen up a bit after our walk. I follow her up happily, hoping to get a nap in myself before dinner.