Seduced by the Alpha prince

Feeling lonely

*Jayne*

“I want you in my bed tonight.”

My heart pounds with unbridled excitement, and tears sting my eyes as I stare at my mate, still dressed, sitting proudly in his chair in my bedchamber. He hasn’t entered my chamber since he lost the use of his legs. He certainly hasn’t invited me into his bed in all that time. That nothing more than holding and snuggling would occur isn’t the point. He wants me.

“Barkley can then have this room.” He adds, halting my thoughts.

My delirious musings come to an abrupt halt, as though I have been running and smacked straight into a brick wall. My entire body withers. My joy crumbles. “Pardon?”

“I went searching for him and discovered he has been given that atrociously small room that was designed to accommodate some king’s personal attendant. That simply will not do, Jayne.” He says.

Is he castigating me? Never has he taken such a tone with me. I straighten my shoulders to toss off the hurt and inform him coolly, “Our private chambers, our suite, are not to be offered to or shared with others. The notion is quite simply beyond the pale.”

“But that room…” he starts, shaking his head.

“Is sufficient for a bachelor. We have married couples and other guests who require the larger rooms.” I point out, trying to defend my choise.

His eyes narrows slightly, “Why not give that room to one of the other bachelors?”

“What does it matter, Seafort? He is probably not sleeping there anyway. I have it on good authority that he will be warming another’s bed while he is here.” Even though Barkley has denied it, I am more likely to believe Luna Inwood, who is closer to the gossip than anyone. Or maybe I just want to believe the worst of him.

My husband’s eyebrows lift at that. “I daresay you’re probably correct.” He leans forward slightly. “And that, Jayne, is precisely why he is such a good choice to get you with child. He has an insatiable appetite where she-wolves are concerned, and you will be but one of a hundred.”

Obviously, my husband’s paralyzed state is extending to his brain. “And that should please me?”

“He has extensive experience. He is sought after. He can make it pleasant for you. And for him, it would be simply… another night. When he leaves your bed, he would not look back. So there would be no remorse, no regret, no… bother.” He explains.

His words chill me. As though nothing would be between us except mechanics. I have enjoyed my mate’s visits to my bed. I had thought it was more than obligation and duty. Has he considered it a… bother? “Have you so little care for me that you see me as nothing more than a broodmare? And so little care for your friendship with Barkley that you view him as nothing more than an adequate stud?”

“It is because I care for you so much that I want you to have this. A child. With no complications.” He says softly.

I shake my head. “I fear you misjudge the ease with which all this will come to pass.”

“He has had many she-wolves in his life, Jayne, and not a single one ever hated him when he moved on.” He says.

“Please cease with this battering, Seafort.” Each word is like a blow to my heart. “I am your mate, your Luna. I took a vow, in sickness and in health, to share your joys as well as your sorrows.”

“And my sorrows would be a good deal fewer if you would do this. Randall!”

His servant steps into my bedchamber, stopping further conversation.

“Good night, Jayne,” Seafort says, just before Randall pushes him from the room.

He leaves me seething. I want to pick something up and throw it at a wall. How can he not fathom what he truly is asking of me? He is the only man who has ever known my body. I can’t so easily share my most private portions with another man, especially not with Barkley.

Joining his body with mine might mean nothing to him, but to me, it means everything.

I ring for my servant, and an hour later I am lying in my bed, in the dark, staring at shadows waltzing over the ceiling. Never in my life have I felt so abandoned and alone.