Between Three Desires

Chapter one: Esmeralda The blood on his shirt was still warm when I found him. My heart tightened as I rushed into his room. “Kael!" The royal physicians stepped aside. He sat on the edge of the bed, one hand pressed against the wound beneath his ribs, his blood-stained shirt hanging open around it. He looked up at me. "It's nothing, Esmy —” "Don't you dare tell me it's nothing!” I snapped, my voice sharper than I expected. He sighed then raised his hand, dismissing the servants. "Leave us.” When they left, he tried to stand up but I wouldn't let him. “It's only a scratch, Esmy.” He muttered. A scratch? There was enough blood on his shirt to make my stomach turn and he had the audacity to call it a scratch. I sniffled as I picked up a clean towel on the desk beside him. "Then you won't mind if I pour some alcohol on it.” His amusement vanished. “Esmy." “Kael." I answered. We stared at each other until he sighed and held out his hand. “Fine. Take a look.” A lump formed in my throat as I reached for his shirt and pulled it off him. My hands trembled as I roamed my fingers around the claw marks on his chest. “You're an idiot." I whispered. “An i***t who thinks being the alpha's son makes you invincible." That earned me a quiet laugh. I dipped the towel into the herbal oil and pressed it against the wounds. He hissed. "f**k! You're right, I should have stayed in bed." I chuckled despite the tears rolling down my cheeks. “You never listen." I had known Kael since we were children, back when he would sneak out of his father's training session to race me through the woods and swear that one day, when we were older, we would run the world together. "You're shaking,” He murmured. I hadn't realized. My fingers trembled against his skin and suddenly, the sight of his wound became unbearable. “You could have died.” I whispered. His hands closed around my wrist. “But I didn't." "That's not the point, Kael.” My voice rose before I could stop it. "I know.” He said quietly. For once he didn't tease me. He took the cloth from my fingers and set it aside before pulling me into his lap. My forehead rested against his shoulder, careful not to touch the wound and his uninjured arm settled around my waist. For a few moments, neither of us spoke. I listened for his heartbeat. It was strong, steady and alive. He lifted my chin with his fingers and held my gaze. "I can't die without your permission Esmy, know that.” A small smile formed on my lips, my cheeks burning red. He smiled and leaned in as he joined our lips in a slow, passionate kiss. The kiss was tender in a way that made my heart melt. He pulled away, breathing hard. "There's something I need to tell you, Esmy." His voice was low in a way I didn't understand. "Wha—” The door opened suddenly. Alpha Sterling and Luna Hilda entered the room, worry written all over their faces. Luna Hilda exhaled in relief. "Thank goodness you're with him Esmeralda.” Alpha sterling stared at Kael. "You fought bravely, my son.” I stood up as Luna Hilda stepped closer. She sat beside Kael and pulled him into a warm hug. Kael groaned slightly. "I'm fine, mother. Esmy took good care of me.” Luna Hilda smiled, she reached for my hand and gave it a light squeeze. "Thank you.” "Tomorrow is your mating ceremony Esmeralda.” Alpha sterling began, his gaze warm. "Go home and rest, the palace guard will look after Kael for you.” I wanted to say no. I didn't want to leave Kael but I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of teasing me again. "Alright, Alpha.” I said with a light bow. Tomorrow, Kael would stand before our pack and claim me as his mate. Everyone knew it. His friends had been congratulating him for weeks. His father had even arranged for a celebration afterwards. It was the future we talked about since we were children. The future I'd held on through every whispered insult, every sideways glance, every reminder that I was different from the other girls in our pack. I had no wolf. No matter how hard I trained or how desperately I prayed for a shift, nothing had ever answered inside me. But Kael had never treated me as though I were less than anyone else. He'd held my hand when the other children refused to play with me. He'd stood between me and the boys who called me defective. And when we were old enough to understand what it meant to have a mate, he'd promised that no wolf, no title, and no tradition would change what I meant to him. I believed him. I still do. ********** The royal chambers buzzed with activity as the maids put the finishing touches on my hair and gown. Outside, music filled the courtyard and cheers rose above the excited chatter of our guests. Tonight, I would become Kael’s mate publicly. I couldn't stop smiling. I didn't even notice when he entered until I heard the door close behind me. The maids were gone. I turned to him happily. “You couldn't stay away, could you?" I teased, my eyes sparkling. He studied me quietly. "You look beautiful.” My cheeks warmed. “You don't look bad yourself." I crossed the room and wrapped my arms around his neck, rising to kiss him. But he stepped back before our lips could meet. My smile flattened. "What's wrong?” I asked, searching his face. “There's something I need to tell you, Esmy.” he said, his voice was unusually quiet. “Okay." I turned to the mirror and reached for my earring. "You're not about to tell me you've forgotten our ceremony, are you?” I joked, watching him through the mirror. He didn't laugh. My fingers stilled. "Kael?” He swallowed hard. "I'm sorry, Esmy. I don't think I can do this.” I turned sharply, forcing a nervous laugh. "You're nervous. I'm nervous too, but please, don't play with me.” “I'm sorry Esmy." He whispered, guilt clouded his eyes. "We were children when I made that promise, I didn't think it through and now…" “And now what?" I demanded, my heart beginning to pound. He looked away. "Look at me Kael.” My voice trembled as I stepped toward him. “We've loved each other our entire lives. What could have changed?” He finally met my eyes. “I don't know." He confessed helplessly. "I just know I can't take you as my mate.” For a moment, I couldn't breathe. Outside, our pack celebrated the beginning of our future. Inside, Kael was telling me it would never happen. My lips parted but no words came out. “Esmy.." he murmured, taking a hesitant step toward me. I stepped back, my heart racing. For the first time in my life, I didn't want him to touch me. A knock sounded on the door. "What are you doing here Kael?” Luna Hilda asked as she stepped into the room. He hesitated before answering. "I just came to see her, mother." Her eyes settled on me and her face lit up. “Oh Esmeralda, you look breathtaking!" I forced a smile even as Kael stood beside me like he still had the right to. "It's time darling.” She said, taking my hand. “Everyone is waiting for my son to take you as his beautiful mate.” My chest tightened painfully. She knew nothing of what her son had done. And now I had to walk into that hall pretending everything was fine.