The Alpha Prince and His Bride

Book 2 Chapter 5

~EDEN~

My heart skipped a beat at the loud possessive growl that most definitely belonged to James.

"What was that?" Hunter asked suspiciously as he begun searching the crowd. "Is there something you're not telling me?" He asked the prosecutor, his voice cold and harsh.

"We see these kind of things every day here, it is nothing for you to be concerned about." The prosecutor answered, his eyes cold and distant. Hunter didn't seem convinced and I couldn't blame him. The growl from James could not be mistaken, it was most definitely a possessive one directed straight at us. Hunter wasn't stupid, he wouldn't let that go so easily.

My heart ached, I could almost feel the pain that James felt and there was absolutely nothing I could do but stand here next to a man I didn't want to be with. Isabella joined us, her eyes worried as she looked at me. She no doubt knew that the growl had belonged to none other than James.

I saw Hunter glimpse at her for a quick second and in that second I caught something that looked an awful lot like desire. That couldn't be possible however, Hunter was known to be completely heartless. He couldn't possibly want anyone. Besides, he made it clear that we were to be married. He wouldn't be desiring my sister if I was the one he'd asked for.

At least I didn't think so. I didn't know him personally, I've only heard stories about the man. However, judging by his behavior, all of the rumors seemed to be true.

"Can I talk to my sister?" Isabella asked.

What was she doing?

The prosecutor glared at her, obviously angry at her intrusion. It wasn't like Isabella to interfere in these things. Especially after all we've been taught here at the council.

Hunter's eyes were on her, this time I was sure I didn't mistake it. He openly stared at her and she knew that for her cheeks were red now. It was not often that I saw my sister flush so easily.

"Isabella," the prosecutor snapped angrily. "This is not the time nor place for an interruption."

Isabella jumped at his tone. Without saying another word she turned to leave, her eyes hurt.

"Wait." Hunter called. His eyes were emotionless as he looked at her. "You can talk to her. I have some important things to discuss with the prosecutor." He said as his gaze travelled to him.

I already knew by the deadly look on his face that this wasn't about to be a friendly conversation and it most likely would have to do with the fact that James just interrupted our entire engagement ceremony.

I needed to find him. I needed to make sure that he left here, it was the only way I could ensure his safety. The council was dangerous. Hunter was even more dangerous. Both of them combined would wreak havoc on all of our lives.

I couldn't let that happen.

I followed Isabella to the corner of the building, where we were sure no one would be listening in on our conversation, especially anyone that belonged to the council.

"What's wrong?" I asked her.

"Our brothers are concerned about James." She said at the exact same time Austin and Lucy joined us.

Lucy pulled me into her arms. "Everything will be okay sister." She assured me.

"My brother is difficult to control especially when he is like this." Austin said. "You're the only one who will be able to stop him from doing anything stupid Eden. He's not in his right senses right now. He doesn't care that he has to go up against the council and Hunter to take you. I don't want to see my brother killed. I will go down with him before I let that happen."

His words tore at my heart. James was my mate. The only man for me. The thought of anything happening to him hurt me more than anything else possibly could. No physical pain would be able to match to my pain now.

"You have to provide a distraction." I told them. "I need to see him."

"We will take care of everything here." Lucy assured me.

When I was sure no one was looking I rushed out the door, passing guards who were too busy tending to new guests. I needed to find James, it was hard for me to stand next to another man that wasn't him, I couldn't imagine how awful he must feel at having to witness it all.

Where could he be?

I decided it was probably best to search the woods first, that's the direction where I'd overheard my brothers say that he was headed.

I didn't know how long I was running for, my feet ached just as much as my heart did.

I gasped as someone gripped me by my waist and pressed my body up against a tree. By his scent alone I already knew whom it was.

James. . .

We stood staring at each other. It was the first time I'd ever felt his hands on me and I would be lying if I said it didn't awaken every single part of my body.

My lips parted and I couldn't find the right words to say. It suddenly occurred to me that James and I hadn't once gotten a chance to actually have a conversation between each other. Now that I was given the chance, I didn't know what to say.

My breath caught at how beautiful this man actually was. He was even more breathtaking up close and it was almost too much for me to handle. My eyes voluntarily scanned every inch of his body. I gasped at what I saw next. It looked as though he'd ripped his shirt, exposing his muscular biceps and chest.

What had he been doing here?

"You need to leave." I forced myself to say.

The hurt look that crossed his face was more painful than someone piercing my heart with a silver sword.

"Why?" He asked, his voice rough and musical at the same time. I gasped as his hand on my waist tightened before he stepped closer into my view under the bright moonlight. Our lips were inches apart now and I had to place my hands on his chest to keep from falling.

"You know why," I whispered. "I'm getting married to Hunter. There isn't any way for us to be together. Why must you come here? It's not safe and it only increases the pain."

His hands slid up my stomach and grazed my breasts before one of his hand stopped directly above my heart. "Can Hunter make your heart race like this?" He whispered, his eyes dark.

I couldn't stop the instant arousal that spread straight from my belly to my sensitive core.

James's nostrils flared as he gazed at me with so much heat that I was surprised I hadn't turned into molten lava yet. I was positive he knew just what he was doing to my body, his eyes said it all. My gaze travelled to his shoulders, the muscles there flexed as he continued to grip my waist. I swallowed, I desperately wanted to run my hands over it.

"Answer me." He growled.

I remained quiet for I already knew the answer. No one, absolutely no one could make my heart race like him. That fact only made the hurt a lot worse than before.

"I know the answer." He whispered hoarsely. "He can't, no one can. You're made just for me Eden. . . Only for me."

His face was inches away from mine now, his sweet breath mingling with my own. I couldn't move, couldn't breathe. His eyes were on my lips, the look he gave me did unspeakable things to my body.

He leaned closer and my eyes fluttered shut as I waited almost desperately for his kiss. However, to my disappointment none came. I opened my eyes to find him gazing down at me, he looked as though he was memorizing every inch of my face.

His lips were right above my ear now. "I'll never let him have you." He promised. "You're mine, only mine. The moment he touches you I'll f*****g kill him."