BELLA
“Da Ankora is at the door,” the guard said, bowing to me.
Even though my stubborn mates hadn’t introduced me to those living in the palace, I knew they could tell I was important to them. Why else would they do everything I asked of them if I wasn’t?
“Da Ankora? What are you still waiting for? Let him in,” I said with a wave of my hands, smiling at the guard, who didn’t question my authority. Bowing, he hastened out, like all the legions of hell were after him. Had he been in his werewolf form, I bet he would have his tail tucked between his legs.
“God, Bunny, why did you ask him to let Da Ankora in?” Blue groaned, walking over to me with a lazy frown on his face. “That man isn’t here to check up on us. He’s here to gloat! I just know it.” He stopped in front of me, his gaze narrowed at Chris who was silently chuckling. Something she wouldn’t have done if I wasn’t with her.
“Was that why you were arguing with your brother?” I walked over to Fred and raised on tiptoes to place a kiss on his right cheek. “I see you made lunch for me. Thanks, darling, you are the best.”
“I know I am.” Turning, he wrapped his hand around my waist and kissed me on my lips. It was just a peck, but it made me ache for more.
Licking my lips, I gazed into his eyes, my heart skipping a beat as he drew closer. His fingers brushed against my cheek, sending shivers down my spine.
“Beautiful,” he whispered, his breath tickling my skin. “Have I ever told you how much I love you?” He murmured, making me forget why I even approached him. What I wanted at the moment was to feel his lips on mine, to feel his hot hands on my body. I wanted it all, and he seemed to know.
His eyes locked onto mine, and I sensed the hunger in his gaze. He leaned in, his lips inches from mine. His breath fanned my face, taking his time while giving me enough chance to break from the spell his gaze cast on me.
My pulse quickened, anticipation building. His lips brushed against mine, soft and gentle, sending sparks through my entire body. I felt the warmth of his breath, the tenderness of his touch. His tongue traced the outline of my lips, and I opened up to him, inviting him deeper.
Our lips danced together, a sensual rhythm that left me breathless. His hands cradled my face, holding me close. The world faded away, leaving only the two of us lost at that moment.
I wrapped my hands around his neck, moaning with abandon at the feeling he invoked in me. I felt hot, and I knew in the back of my mind that I needed to stop, but he didn’t make it easier for me to do that.
His kiss deepened, passion unfolding like a flame. I tasted the sweetness of his lips, the hint of desire. Time stood still as we savoured each other, our love, and longing tangled in every kiss. I didn’t want to break from him, but we couldn’t stay locked forever.
Our lips broke apart, and I gazed into his eyes, seeing the love and adoration shining back. “I love you,” I whispered, leaning close to him once more.
Someone coughed, shattering the connection. I turned with a frown, only for my cheeks to colour, when I noticed three pairs of eyes on us. Blue’s gaze was hot as he watched us like he was holding himself from joining. Chris looked like a typical fan girl, eyes sparkling and hands joined as she peered at us with adoration.
Da Ankora was the only one who looked uncomfortable, and he was the one who coughed. Funnily, I knew the other two standing with him wouldn’t have interrupted. Blue would have likely joined, and Chris, being the shameless woman she was, would have watched the free porn we were acting in front of her.
“Can you have a little decency?” Da Ankora walked over to me, frowning in disapproval. “You are no longer in your house where you can do whatever you want, wherever you want.” He averted his gaze, coughing, to hide his discomfort. “You are now in your palace,” he concluded.
“A Palace I was kind enough to let you into.” I took the plate of fried eggs – my reason for approaching Fred – and turned to face him. “Let’s head over to the throne room.”
I turned to leave, but Fred held me back, shaking his head when I looked at him with my brows raised. “The throne room is still under repair. Have you forgotten?”
“Oh?”
In my bid to let Da Ankora know who has the power among us, I forgot the throne room was being repaired. The damage the last fight caused on it was too much, and from what I heard, it would take a long time to get it done.
“Then let’s go to the study.” Shrugging Fred’s hand off my arm, I turned and hurried down the hall, not checking if the others were with me. Of course, they have to be. As I left our living part of the palace, to the general part, I couldn’t help the proud smile that graced my lips.
The crystal chandelier above cast a kaleidoscope of colours across the marble floor, which gleamed like polished glass. To my left, the formal living room beckoned, its plush furnishings and velvet curtains exuding elegance. It was one of the receiving places, but not where I wished to take Da Ankora. I passed by the room, my footsteps echoing off the walls as I made my way towards the study.
The staircase, with its intricately carved bannister, curved gracefully to the right. Humming in pleasure, I ascended the few steps leading to the upper corridor, where instead of family portraits were pictures of wild beasts.
I strolled down the hallway, passing the library on my right. The musty scent of old books wafted out, tempting me to linger. But I pressed on, eager to reach the study.
The hallway’s rich carpet muffled our footsteps as we approached the study’s double doors. I pushed them open, revealing a cosy sanctuary filled with rows of leather-bound books and a stunning mahogany desk.
Stepping inside, I breathed the smell of old leather and parchment.
“So.” I turned to Da Ankora, smiling. “Welcome to Palace.” Gesturing to one of the plush cushions in the room, I strode over to the mahogany desk with my plate of fried eggs still in my hands. Did you think I left that? Nah, nah.