Seduced by the Alpha prince

All for her

*Barkley*

I sit for the longest time on the bench, allowing the chilled air to seep into my bones, to cool my ardor. It rises so easily with her nearness, with her fragrance teasing me, with images of kissing her taunting me. She is spot on regarding my motives. I knew what she thought about the boar and did nothing to correct her assumptions. I suspect she would take her leave otherwise, and I was determined to have a few moments alone with her.

Seafort and I were at the window in the billiards room, enjoying a bit of brandy, waiting our turn at the table, when we spotted Jayne on the garden path.

“You should take advantage of this opportunity to have her alone,” Seafort said quietly, his gaze focused on the darkness. “Not many will come your way with all these guests about.”

“I’m not going to seduce your luna, Seafort.” I told him.

“Fine. Then I shall secure another.” He twisted around slightly. “Braverton, perhaps.”

My gut tightened at the mention of a man whose title opens doors for him that his behavior would not. “He’s odious.”

“He has sired four offspring on his Luna and three on his mistress, so he can certainly deliver the goods.” Seafort muttered.

I shoot my head, “It’s no secret that he places his own pleasures first.”

“That you don’t is certainly a benefit Jayne would have enjoyed, but the ultimate goal here is to get her with child.” He said.

My teeth were on edge as I watched Seafort’s gaze sweep over the gentlemen drinking their liquor, smoking their cheroots, discussing the hunt, and waiting their turn to smack some balls around.

“Langford, perhaps.” He pondered.

“I have had the misfortune of seeing him without a shirt. Do you truly want to burden your child with the appearance that one of his ancestors may have mated with an ape?” I huffed.

Seafort chuckled low. “Who do you suggest, then? If it’s not to be you, who? Stratsbury?”

In every endeavor, the man is as stiff as a corpse. “No.”

“Fitzhugh? He seems a fine specimen, beautiful actually. No apes in his bloodline. And she-wolves adore him.”

Because they have similar interests. A taste in men.

“This is a pointless exercise,” I grumble.

“Then put an end to it and go work your wiles on Jayne.” He told me.

And so I did. Not that I think I have done much good. My heart isn’t truly in the endeavor, because I know that in order to seduce her, I would have to convince her to betray her husband, her belief in the sanctimony of marriage, and worst of all, herself.

For each of those, I suspect she would never forgive me. But then I have already given her a good many things regarding me not to forgive. What is adding a few more to the list?

She is so damned beautiful, so gracious, so remarkably strong. Many a she-wolf would not have retained her loyalty to her mate as Jayne has. She is extremely proud and noble.

To give her what she wants, I fear I might destroy her. In doing so, I could very well destroy myself.

Finally reaching down, I snatch up my coat. Jayne’s delicate scent wafts toward me, lingering to be enjoyed with another breath. I imagine her fragrance being held by my pillow.

Like my brothers, I enjoy she-wolves and all the wonders they offer. But with Jayne, I fear I risk something I have never risked before: my heart.

With a sigh, I shove myself to my feet and begin walking back toward the manor. It’s going to require a good deal more than a meeting in a garden to convince her that allowing me to get her with child is as much for Seafort’s benefit as hers. My friend harbors a great deal of guilt regarding what happened that long ago night. And well he should.

We had both been fools, and I know that if I do woo Jayne into my arms, the guilt will only increase. But the truth is… and I suspect Seafort damned well knows it… if it’s for Jayne, I would damned well carry any burden.