What About Love?
1210 Words
Lucian’s offer hung in the air, heavy with gold and duty, yet hollow where it mattered most.
"I offer you and your sister a return to your heritage," he said, his voice a low rumble that vibrated in her chest. "Unimaginable wealth, safety, and the position of Luna, a life of purpose."
Talia stared at his chest, afraid to look into those electric eyes. "What about love?" she asked again, her voice barely a whisper.
"I cannot offer you love at this time, Talia. Love is not a luxury I can afford." His tone was steel, but his gaze was soft. "But you will be worshiped. Cherished. Protected. You will have a fortress in which to raise our children."
Children will sense whether their parents love each other, Talia thought, a pang of sorrow piercing through the allure of his offer.
He reached out, tucking a flaming red curl behind her ear. His large hand lingered, cupping the back of her neck, his thumb tracing the pulse that hammered there. Slowly, inexorably, he pulled her in until her forehead rested against his. He inhaled sharply, breathing in her scent until the tension leaked out of her shoulders and she melted into the quiet embrace.
Then, he kissed her.
It wasn’t a polite kiss. It was a claim. It was slow, sensual, and went straight to her core. Talia whimpered, the sound vibrating against his lips. He didn't just kiss her; he tasted her, his lips traveling to the sensitive column of her neck where a mate mark belonged.
"I desire you, Talia," he murmured against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. "I wish I had time to court you properly. But war is coming. We must not only survive; we must thrive. I need you. I promise you will never want anything, and I will be loyal only to you. Once we are mated, there will be no others."
Okay, Goddess, take me now, Kaela howled in her mind, rolling on her back. I am in heat over this man-wolf.
Hush, you traitor, Talia chided, though her own knees felt like water.
Talia hesitated, the memory of the hospital room flashing in her mind. "The healer… she said my injuries were too extensive. She said shifting could tear me apart, that my bones aren't ready."
Lucian’s expression shifted from desire to absolute command. The surrounding air grew heavy, saturated with the scent of ozone and power—the Alpha King’s aura.
"The healer speaks of normal wolves," Lucian said, his voice dropping an octave. "I am not a normal wolf, and you are my intended. I can share my vitality with you. My aura will hold you together, knit your bones, and shield you from the pain. But you must trust me completely."
She looked up at him, her eyes wide with a mix of desire and fear. "Shall we run, Your Highness? Kaela is desperate to meet your wolf."
Lucian pulled back slightly, his brow furrowing. "Only if you can, Talia."
"Kaela trusts him," Talia whispered. "She says his name is Savage."
Oh, he is savage, Kaela purred. Let’s go.
Talia nodded. They stripped, unashamed, the cool air hitting their skin. Talia couldn't help but stare. Lucian was a masterpiece of violence and beauty; muscles corded under bronzed skin. He was nothing like Thomas.
Suddenly, Talia felt the urge to cover herself. She crossed her arms over her chest, shrinking inward. "I… I apologize," she stammered. "I know I am too athletic. I lack the curves of the court she-wolves."
Lucian froze. The air temperature seemed to drop ten degrees. He stepped closer, his eyes blazing. "Why would you apologize for strength?"
"Thomas…" She looked at the ground, shame burning her cheeks. "He compared me to the younger males. He said there was nothing feminine about a warrior’s body."
"Thomas was a fool and a weakling," Lucian growled, the sound vibrating through her bones. He stepped into her space, gently prying her arms away. He brushed his knuckles over her taut n*****s, watching them peak under his gaze. "You are stunning, Talia. Lethal and beautiful."
He lowered his head, tasting her n****e, and Talia’s legs gave out. Lucian caught her, his arm like an iron band around her waist.
"Do you want me to stop?" he asked against her skin.
If you say yes, I will bite you, Kaela threatened. Say no!
Talia shook her head, unable to form words. "No."
Triumph flared in Lucian’s eyes, blue fire igniting. He lifted her effortlessly, backing her against a sturdy oak tree. She wrapped her legs around his waist, gasping as the rugged ridge of his arousal pressed against her entrance.
Yes! Kaela howled. Claim us!
Lucian ground his hips against her, friction sending lightning through her nerves. "Please," she begged, not knowing if she was begging him to stop or to break her entirely. "Lucian… please."
He froze, his forehead resting against hers, his breathing ragged. It took visible effort for him to stop. "Not tonight," he rasped, his voice thick with regret and resolve. "I want your first time with me to be clear in your memory, not a haze of adrenaline and painkillers. We have tested the boundaries. Your rules, Talia. Your pace."
Talia slumped against him, frustrated but awed by his restraint. Thomas would have taken what he wanted. "Thank you," she whispered. "But please… don't leave me like this."
He understood. He kissed her deeply, a soul-searching seal on a silent promise. His hand moved between them, sliding down to the apex of her thighs. He touched her with skillful, worshipful precision. Talia’s head fell back against the bark of the tree, her breath hitching as he played her body like an instrument, driving her higher until she shattered, crying out his name into the forest.
He held her until the tremors subsided, stroking her hair.
"Tonight is about your comfort," he said softly. "Now, let us run. Trust in my power, Talia. Let it flow into you."
"I trust you."
They shifted.
It was not the tearing pain she expected. As her bones rearranged, a wave of cool, blue energy washed over her—Lucian’s power, wrapping around her skeleton, reinforcing her torn muscles. It was euphoric.
Lucian’s wolf, Savage, was massive—a beast of midnight blue-black fur and electric eyes. Talia’s wolf, a ginger shade perfectly matching her human hair, looked small beside him, but Savage lowered his massive head in submission to her.
Kaela pranced, rubbing her flank along his jaw, letting him scent her.
Then, they ran.
They tore through the forest, a shadow and a flame. Talia felt no pain, only the exhilarating power of the King flowing through their pack link. They hunted, they played, they patrolled the borders in perfect sync. For the first time in months, Talia felt whole.
When they finally shifted back, exhausted and lying in the grass beneath the stars, the reality of the human world began to creep back in.
The offer.
The marriage.
The lack of love.
Talia pulled her discarded shirt around her. She looked at the King, who watched her with an intensity that made her breath catch.
"Lucian," she said softly. "I… I need the night to think."
- Writer
