NICKOLAS
I stand by the bed, glaring at my mate as she sleeps, a scowl etched onto my features. The sheets are stained with her blood, mud, and her fucking intoxicating scent-a scent that both infuriates and entices me. A low growl rumbles in my chest, remembering how amazing she scents. I clench my fists tightly, my jaw grinding as I curse the heavens for making her my mate. It could have been anyone but her, yet fate had other plans. Now, I find myself getting hard at the memory of her scent.
They say your mate’s scent is the most intoxicating scent you’ll ever encounter, and they weren’t fucking wrong. I could inhale her essence endlessly and never tire of it. The mere thought of burying my nose in her neck while thrusting into her hard sends a surge of desire coursing through me, my arousal evident in the pulsing of my dick. Fuck! I force myself to regain composure, running a hand across my face in frustration. I needed to fuck, but I couldn’t indulge. The only woman I wanted to be buried deep within was also the last person I desired. I throw my head back, sighing deeply, caught in a whirlwind of conflicting desires.
I stride out of the room and ascend the stairs to my quarters. Once inside, I make a beeline for the bathroom, shedding my clothes along the way. Under the hot spray of water, I can’t help but give in to the forbidden fantasy, my hand moving of its own volition as I pleasure myself to thoughts of her. The intensity of my climax leaves me breathless; the mere idea of being inside her is enough to elicit such an explosive release. Shaking off the lingering sensations, I force myself to focus, stepping out of the shower and toweling off. I select a pair of black jeans and a crisp white T-shirt from my closet before exiting the room, determined to push aside the tempting thoughts consuming my mind.
Descending the grand staircase, I step out of the castle and into my awaiting black Mercedes parked at the entrance. I instruct the driver to head to my uncle’s residence. Despite his royal status, Uncle Leo prefers the seclusion of his own estate, away from the prying eyes of palace life.
A few minutes later, the car comes to a smooth halt in front of a stately two-story mansion nestled amidst lush greenery. I exit the vehicle and stride purposefully to the front door, where Claire, the maid, greets me. Offering her a brief nod, I pass through the threshold and make my way to the dining room, where Uncle Leo and Ava await.
“Hello, Uncle, Ava,” I greet as I enter the room.
“Junior,” Ava responds, rising to peck me on the cheek.
“I’m still pissed off with you,” I remark, taking a seat beside Uncle Leo on his left while Ava settles on his right.
“Why? It’s not like you care about her,” Ava retorts, casually sipping her wine.
“I don’t, but I need the damn girl alive to get my revenge,” I argue, my frustration evident.
“I know, and don’t worry, next time I see her, I promise not to touch a single hair on her head,” Ava assures me with a fake smile.
“Thank you,” I huff, hoping she’ll keep her word.
“What brings you over, son?” Uncle Leo finally chimes in.
“I wanted to speak to Ava about Amelia.”
“What about her?” Ava inquires, her curiosity piqued.
“I fear I might lose control and mate with her,” I confess, the admission hanging heavy in the air, silencing the room.
“Say something,” I urge, trying to break the trance.
Uncle Leo clears his throat, adjusting in his seat. “I’m just shocked to hear you admit such,” he responds, his tone tinged with surprise.
I swallow hard, nodding in acknowledgment. “I know, but that’s how badly I want her,” I confess, my vulnerability laid bare before them.
The extra time I spent in the bathroom is enough to tell me how much I want her. When I drained the blood out of her earlier today, her neck begged me to be marked. It took everything in me not to. Doing it without fucking her would only make me want to fuck her more. The only reason I even drained the blood out of her was to weaken her enough so she wouldn’t have the strength to escape for a while and also to teach her a lesson. As much as I hate her, I can’t fucking touch a hair on her head, so what better way to punish her than to make her think I would drain her dry.
“You want me to cast the chaste spell.”
“No!”
“I just want something less strong.” I don’t want to cut off my limbo completely, but I want to go to sleep tonight and not wonder how many rounds it would take to make her unable to walk for days.
“No problem, I can handle it before you leave,” Ava reassures me.
“Thank you. I also came for another reason,” I say, my voice tinged with urgency.
“What?” Ava’s curiosity is piqued, her brow furrowing slightly.
“Is there a way we can cast a spell to prevent others from using her gifts?” I ask.
“Hmm…” Ava rests her chin on her knuckles, deep in thought. “I don’t know, but I could research and see what I can come up with.”
“Thank you,” I reply.
“You don’t have to thank me, Junior. The last thing we want is someone finding out she has her mother’s gift,” Ava reminds me.
“That’s good to hear,” I say, sinking back into the chair. I pray to the heavens that no one discovers Amelia’s gifts. Rumors have been swirling about her resemblance to Jane, and the thought of someone connecting the dots and seeking to exploit her abilities sends a chill down my spine. I can’t afford the chaos that would ensue. I cling to the hope that Ava will find a solution fast.