Secret Affairs with the Lycan King

Chapter 4

I woke before sunrise, the lingering warmth of Klaus’ body pressed along my back. Slipping from beneath the silken sheets, I dressed quietly.

The prince had mentioned craving chocolate croissants at breakfast. I would surprise him with the treat, a small token of my appreciation for his kindness.

The manor’s kitchens bustled with activity, servants kneading dough and whisking eggs amidst clouds of flour. I lingered shyly in the doorway until the head cook noticed my presence.

“Can I help the little princess?” Her plump face creased in a smile.

“I hoped to make chocolate croissants for the prince’s breakfast,” I explained.

The cook clucked her tongue, taking my arm and steering me firmly from the kitchen. “Now, now, we’ll take care of His Highness’ meal. You run along, your highness.”

I blinked back disappointment as she shut the door firmly. The rich scents of breakfast preparations still lingered, my empty hands useless.

With a sigh, I turned away. I would need to find another way to show my gratitude.

As I slowly climbed the grand staircase back to our chambers, feminine laughter drifted down the marble corridor. I paused, peering around the corner.

Within the study, Klaus lounged in his leather armchair, crystal glass lazily turning in his hand.

Across from him sprawled Jenna, long legs draped over the chaise lounge’s arm, black hair spilling in ripples down her back. Her red lips curved in a feline smile as she toyed with the fur throw.

“Come now, Klaus. Won’t you share a drink with me?” she purred. “It’s been far too long.”

I shrank back before they noticed me, bitterness rising in my throat. Jenna again. Would she forever haunt my steps, a reminder of my own naivety? Pressing myself flat against the wall, I strained to hear Klaus’ response over the roaring pulse in my ears.

“Sure, just a moment.” Klaus chuckled.

Taking my chance, I darted silently back the way I’d come before my presence could be discovered. Jealousy and shame warred within me.

I wanted to trust my husband-to-be’s intentions were honorable, as he’d claimed. But the remnants of girlish infatuation soured in my stomach at the thought of Jenna’s crimson lips on Klaus’ mouth.

I flew down the servants’ stairs and slipped through a side door into the cool morning air, not stopping until I stood panting at the hedge maze’s entrance.

Here, there were no whispers or backward glances, only sweet birdsong and soft grass beneath my feet. Removing my shoes, I stepped lightly onto the garden path, skirts swishing around my ankles.

The neatly trimmed hedges rose high on either side. I trailed one hand along their prickly surface, humming tunelessly to myself.

Could I blame Klaus for clinging to a remnant of happier times, a woman wronged just as he was? I plucked a blade of grass, twirling it between my fingers. However, Jenna’s presence twisted my heart. I resented her for holding some hidden part of my fiancé that I never could.

A twig snapped nearby and I stared, pulse racing. But it was only a small brown rabbit nibbling clover. It twitched its nose at me curiously before returning to its feast. I huffed a quiet laugh.

“You gave me a fright, little one.” The words came out barely a whisper. I drank in the serenity around me, the gentle splashing of the central fountain over stone. If only I could shed my skin and remain here forever, just another small woodland creature.

Restlessness still itched beneath my skin. Rising, I retraced the maze’s looping path back to the manor, giving a wide berth to any windows.

Once I changed into my wolf form, I slipped through a side gate onto a shaded forest trail.

Underbrush crackled beneath my paws, soft and alive. I hasten my pace moving deeper between the ancient trunks.

My wolf nudged inside my mind, likewise soothed by the surroundings.

Our steps quickened, twigs crunching a steady rhythm. I wove between trees and vaulted over gnarled roots with growing confidence.

A stream gurgled nearby, its lulling song drawing me off the path. I scrambled down the rocky bank, inhaling the rich mineral scent of the water. My wolf whined eagerly as I shifted back.

Naked, I slipped into the chilled current, its caress instantly soothing parched places in my soul.

I swam strongly out into the center, floating on my back with the trees waving overhead.

The stream carried me slowly along, its gentle hands untangling my cares. Dipping beneath the surface, I opened my eyes to the darting silver flashes of fish and undulating plants.

I paddled leisurely to shore and climbed onto a flat sun-warmed rock, steam rising from my bare skin.

I sat up abruptly, scanning the dimming forest. How long had I idled this way? Anxiety tightened my stomach. Klaus would be wondering at my absence.

I splashed hastily back into the stream toward my abandoned dress, pulse quickening. The current ran faster now, its soothing hands becoming grasping claws that tangled my legs and dragged me under. I thrashed against the greedy pull.

Breaking the surface with a gasp, I gulped air desperately before the dark water claimed me again. It taunted and buffeted me, predatory in its glee. Lungs burning, I sank beneath the churning surface.

My wolf scrabbled frantically but could find no grip. As my vision faded at the edges, reality warped. Strong hands closed on my shoulders, hauling me upward into blinding light. I coughed and retched water, collapsing onto solid ground.

Gasping raggedly, I peered up at my rescuer through the wet veil of my hair. Hard masculine features gazed back, water streaming down the defined chest rising and falling with exertion. Dark stubble shadowed his jaw, eyes glinting silver in the fading light.

Every inch of my bare skin flushed with awareness under that penetrating stare. His muscled arms still cradled me against his body intimately. I should pull away, thank him for the brave deed and flee this compromising position.

But some primal recognition rooted me in place. Without words, my wolf knew our second chance mate had come for us at last.

Desire flooded my veins, washing away all else. I reached up to trace one broad cheekbone.

“You saved me,” I breathed. His eyes drifted closed at my touch, body swaying infinitesimally closer. That small acquiescence broke the spell. I wrenched myself from his embrace, scrambling back.

Horror doused my ardor with icy certainty. My distorted mind had mistaken this stranger for my fated match, but I already bore the mating mark of another.

Worse, I now recognized the harshly beautiful face looming over me.

“You’re the king,” I gasped. Dmitri’s sensual mouth curved in a slow smile.

“Clever girl. And you are the pretty new bride my brother brought two nights ago.” His tone was amused, as though we made casual conversation over tea. Revulsion curdled my stomach.

“Stay away from me.” My voice shook. I clutched my arms over my nakedness. Klaus’ warnings rang in my memory.

This monster had violated his brother’s mate and stolen his birthright. He would not hesitate to harm me likewise in pursuit of power.