Arabella found herself confined within the palace walls. She was restricted from venturing beyond her room whenever Alpha Alexander was present in the palace. Her freedom was tethered to his comings and goings. She could only come out of her room when he departed for work or meetings. The arrangement left her feeling like a captive in her own home. Only a few trusted servants and maids were permitted to converse with her and cater to her needs.
Arabella immersed herself in books, finding solace in the escape offered by the pages.
“I need the book called ‘Knight of the Crimson Moon.’ Have you found it?” Arabella inquired, her voice laced with frustration. She had sent the maid to fetch her favorite book, but the maid returned empty-handed.
“I scoured the library thoroughly, my lady, but regrettably, it remains elusive,” the maid responded cautiously. “If you wish, I can retrieve another book for you,” she offered politely.
“Leave it,” Arabella waved her hand dismissively. “I’ll find it myself.”
“Wait, my lady,” the maid attempted to stop her, but Arabella pressed on without halting.
“Alpha Alexander has departed for work, which means I can finally roam around the palace,” Arabella muttered to herself as she hurried toward the library.
It had always been her sanctuary, a place where she found solace, yet the Alpha Alexander’s presence had barred her from indulging in her love for books.
She stepped out of her room and noticed the hushed atmosphere that enveloped the palace. Servants bustled about, engrossed in their daily tasks. Determined, she made a beeline for the library. There, she could immerse herself in the world of literature, a refuge from the constraints imposed upon her.
As Arabella entered, the librarian stood up immediately upon spotting the Queen, greeting her with the utmost respect.
“My grace,” the librarian said.
Arabella nodded in response and, with her head held high, she swiftly entered the library.
“My grace, would you like some books?” inquired the librarian.
Aware of Zephyr’s strict instructions to monitor her every move, Arabella felt the weight of surveillance bearing down on her, stifling her desire for freedom. Despite the opulence of her room, she yearned for the simplicity of fresh air and space beyond those luxurious walls.
“What more could I possibly find in this library?” Arabella scoffed, her voice tinged with frustration, as she combed through the shelves in search of her beloved tome.
“Which book are you seeking?” pressed the librarian with a hint of urgency in her tone.
“Knight of the Crimson Moon,” Arabella absentmindedly replied, her focus still fixed on scanning the racks for the elusive title.
“That book is with me,” a sudden male voice pierced the air, causing Arabella to startle.
Her heart raced as she instinctively sought cover behind a nearby rack of books. The unexpected voice could mean only one thing-Alpha Alexander’s presence.
But why was he here? Shouldn’t he have been at the King’s office, attending his conferences as usual?
Confusion clouded her mind as her thoughts jumbled, yet amidst the uncertainty, an enticing aroma wafted through the air, drawing her attention. Alexander’s voice held an inexplicable allure, casting an unexpected spell over her. Arabella’s wolf stirred within, reacting to an unfamiliar sensation. It was a connection she had never experienced before. The feeling made her terrified. Why was she feeling this inexplicable pull toward a man who wasn’t her husband?
“Show yourself,” Alpha Alexander demanded, his voice betraying hints of urgency and breathlessness.
Arabella sensed his approaching presence through the heavy, rapid footsteps drawing nearer.
“No!” she snapped, her voice carrying a tone of desperation, causing him to halt in his tracks. “Stay where you are and don’t come any closer. I am King Zephyr’s mate,” she emphasized, her words laced with desperation.
The thought of Zephyr discovering this encounter with Alexander filled her with fear of his potential anger.
“He’s my stepbrother,” Alexander explained, his voice strained, still trying to catch his breath as he battled for control.
Confusion clouded his mind. He had never experienced such intense feelings for any female before, and the fact that it was directed towards his stepbrother’s wife felt inherently wrong, yet it didn’t feel wrong at all.
The moment her sweet scent filled his senses, he found himself irresistibly drawn to her as if under an enchanting spell.
“That’s precisely why it’s inappropriate for you to be here when my husband is away,” Arabella reasoned, her voice shaking with nervousness.
Alexander simply nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. He remained silent, standing there and contemplating his next move.
“Please, just leave,” Arabella pleaded in her trembling voice.
“Alright, I’m leaving. I’ll leave the book for you on the desk,” he replied hastily before swiftly exiting the library. He quickly left the palace, sprinting away. His breathing was heavy as he grappled with controlling his wolf.
He couldn’t fathom what might have occurred had he stayed longer. The tumultuous struggle within him left him conflicted, torn between conflicting desires and instincts he had never encountered before.
The overpowering scent that had threatened to unravel her sanity faded with Alexander’s departure, allowing Arabella to feel like she could breathe again. Emerging from her concealed spot behind the book rack, she cast her eyes around the room and spotted the sought-after book resting on the desk.
Approaching the desk, Arabella reached out and instinctively brushed her fingers over the cover of the book. A subtle shiver ran down her spine as if she could still sense the lingering presence of the forbidden male. Conflicting emotions surged within her, causing a surge of fear to grip her mind at the forbidden feelings that stirred for another man, sensations her body reacted to without her consent.
Startled by her own reactions, Arabella abruptly dropped the book, her heart pounding in her chest. Without a moment’s hesitation, she fled from the library, seeking solace in the refuge of her room. Zephyr’s warnings echoed in her mind. The inexplicable allure that Alpha Alexander seemed to possess, the unsettling power to enchant, was undeniable. The undeniable enchantment in Alpha Alexander’s presence seemed to bewitch females. She decided it was best to seclude herself in her room for as long as Alpha Alexander remained within the palace walls.