When His Mate Emerges

Chapter 4

Estella’s POV

There was a hickey? s**t!

My eyes flew open at the memory of Lycan Darius’s lips on my neck.

My cheeks heated, and I drew back immediately.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Xander. That’s not a kiss mark. It’s the wound the rogue made." I mumbled, my heart pounding as I quickly covered my neck with my hair.

Xander blinked, puzzled. “Oh, okay, but—”

“I’m tired,”I cut him off, “I just escaped from those thugs. I need to rest.” I pushed Xander away, unwilling to look at that disgusting face any longer. I rushed out, racing back into my room.

The door shut behind me with a click, and I leaned on the wood, trying to breathe and calm my racing heart.

I was tired. So tired of everything. Xander and Lilith’s cheating. And Lycan Darius…

“What the hell is going on?” I groaned out loud, walking from the door to my bed.

The acceptance letter from the Werewolf Academy Art School is right by my bedside.

Xander once promised I would become his Luna, and we would lead the Red Moon Pack together until his father stepped down and he took the throne.

Because of that, I gave up my admission to the Werewolf Academy... even though it was my dream.

But now... I quietly clenched the acceptance letter.

A plan formed in my mind.

Xander wants to shine in the election, fine, I'll give him a surprise.

****

After I called to my uncle, I changed from my dress to a robe, gathered my things, and went to the palace hot springs for a bath.

The palace hot springs were one of my favorite places to be. Hewn from the remains of a cave, it was dark and private, with steam in the air.

The atmosphere was warm, the air heavy with the smell of Jasmine soap.

I walked to the edge of the spring bath, grateful for the steam and darkness. I was so tired. All the running through the woods left my limbs feeling heavy.

With a contented sigh, I began to loosen the belt of my robe. I was just about to push the soft fabric off my shoulders when something flickered in the shadows, and I froze.

“Who's there?!”

I held my breath, my hands on my belt, still as I watched the edge of the hot springs.

Something seemed to move again. Too fast for my eyes to pick up, then his scent.

Dark smoky wood, aged whiskey, and burnt leather enveloped me. I had a second to gasp before I felt his heat on my neck. I inhaled sharply.

“Lycan Darius.” His name fell from my lips like a prayer.

What was he doing here? How was he—He kissed my neck from the back, and my brain went blank.

Greedily, I stretched, tilting my neck to allow him more access. Lords, I was drunk.

My senses addled. The hot mist of the spring. The heat from his lips. The sparks from his fingers as they moved to the belt on my robe and gently tugged it loose.

It was all enough to send fire to my core.

My knees grew weak as I crossed my legs, acutely aware of the wetness gathering there.

I moaned shamelessly, and he paused. His soft chuckles sounded in my ear. Deep, rich, and sending vibrations through my body.

“Did you come here on purpose, because you knew I was here?”

My addled mind began to clear as I panted, shaking my head. “No, I… I had no idea.

I just wanted to take a hot bath. His gold eyes were full of amusement, and he seemed like he wanted to respond when we both tensed up.

Someone else was coming or walking through the springs.

“And all the plans have been finalized? You’re certain?”

The sounds of my breath mingled with Lycan Darius’s as we listened. It sounded like an elder’s voice.

There were two people. He was talking to someone.

“Yes, everything is in place.” My stomach flipped as the echoes of Xander’s voice filled the air. “I’ve got the major vote secured. You know I’m engaged to Herry Roselle’s niece.”

Xander’s self-assured chuckle rang out.

“I’ve got the girl and her vote in my hand,” He bragged shamelessly. “You just have to vote for me and I’ll favor you. You wanted to be Chief Justice, right? Consider it done.”

The sound of their pleased laughter trailed them, decreasing as they left the springs.

They didn’t see us, but my spine was cold. Xander was making real plans, pushing pieces into place.

“The war has already begun.” My lips murmured softly.

Lycan Darius’s hands touched my wrists gently, then my eyes flickered back to him.

His eyes were deep. Contemplative and unreadable as his hands gently moved, tying back the belt of my dress.

“You don’t have to worry,”

I blinked, slightly surprised as his voice warmed me. “Things will not be like this.”

What was he talking about? Us or Xander? Did he know about Xander and Lilith?

My mind was reeling, my skin heating up again at the memory of his touch.

Like ghost fingers, they still left my skin tingling and my heart racing. “About us?” I whispered, my eyes searching his face for some answers.

Before I came to the springs, I had been unsure if Lycan Darius was really my mate. But now my mind was sure, no doubts left. Not with the way my body reacted to him.

As though he could read the dirty thoughts making me blush, he leaned in again. His huge form towered over me as he bent his head to my ear and spoke softly.

“I swear to you—next time we meet,” His lips brushed my ear. “I’ll claim you as mine.”