Chapter 17: Unpredictable Desire

ELAINE

A week had passed since our ceremony, and things were starting to fall into place—well, sort of. Connor and I were still at odds, but we were learning to navigate our differences.

Having him around all the time, constantly sharing his opinions, wasn’t exactly my idea of fun. But I didn’t have much of a choice.

Pretending to be in a relationship with Connor for the sake of the pack didn’t sit well with me either. We were just playing a part, nothing more. It was all part of the agreement we’d made.

My gaze drifted to the pile of papers on Connor’s desk. Like clockwork, he’d spend the first part of the morning in the office, and I’d have no choice but to join him.

While he took care of his kingly duties, I had my own work to do—investigating these damn shackles.

I’d asked my brother Jyn to bring me anything he could find about the Moon Goddess, any hint that might help us escape this mess.

I needed to know if there was a connection. Maybe someone had experienced this before, but our parents would know best. So far, though, we’d come up empty.

“Do you have any training today?” Connor asked.

“Not until tomorrow,” I replied, my eyes still on the book I’d borrowed from his shelf. “I do have a meeting with some of the other alphas, though.”

“Is it about the pack visits?” Connor asked, prompting me to look up.

As new alphas, it was our duty to visit the neighboring packs. It was a way to bond with their members and assure them of our protection. It was tradition, and we had to follow it.

“We need to schedule the visits. They’ll take at least three weeks,” I explained. Connor hummed in response, but kept working on his papers. “So try to get everything in order before we leave.”

“I don’t need you to tell me what to do, Elaine,” Connor grumbled. I rolled my eyes. Why was he so touchy?

Closing the book, I stood and walked over to a nearby table where a servant had left some snacks and drinks. I could feel Connor’s eyes on me.

Ever since our last argument, I’d noticed him watching me more. It was as if he was doing it on purpose.

It was confusing, because I found myself doing the same thing. No matter where he was, I’d find myself watching him.

“What?” I asked, not looking at him.

“Excuse me?” Connor frowned as I turned to face him.

“Do you have something to say?” I asked, gesturing with my hand. Leaning against the table, I met his gaze. His messy brown hair fell into his face, his honey-colored eyes meeting mine.

I swallowed hard and looked away.

I took a sip of my drink as I heard the scrape of his chair. Connor walked over to me, grabbed a drink, and came closer.

“Why do you want to be queen of the pack so badly? I never understood that,” Connor asked. His question caught me off guard.

“Is there something wrong with a she-wolf wanting to be alpha of the pack?” I countered. “It’s been my dream since I was a kid.”

“There’s nothing wrong with it, but I think an alpha like me would do a better job,” Connor mumbled. “Just saying, you know. We ~are~ stronger than you girls.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. The nerve of him.

“Well, excuse me,” I said, feigning offense. “If I remember correctly, I kicked your ass in the ring in front of everyone a few times.”

Connor chuckled and shook his head.

“You did,” he admitted. He moved closer, his breath tickling my ear. “But that was just a moment of weakness.”

His scent filled my senses, making my knees weak. Connor had an effect on me, and I didn’t like it.

“You might be strong, but that doesn’t mean you can lead a pack like Black Rose,” Connor said, his lips just inches from mine. They were full and inviting.

I tried to look away, but he was too close.

I found myself studying his face as if it was the most interesting thing in the room. A small mole near his lip caught my attention.

“This isn’t a joke, Elaine. You should let me handle this,” Connor said, stepping back. I blinked, coming out of my daze.

“And not every alpha is happy with this situation.”

“Even if they’re not happy, they’ll have to deal with it. If you hadn’t interfered, I would be the only one here now,” I said, clearing my throat and taking a sip of my juice.

“And you think I wanted this?” Connor snapped. “I don’t fucking want to be anywhere near you. If there was another way to get rid of you...”

His words hit me hard, like a punch to the gut.

I lowered my head and walked back to my corner. I spent the rest of the morning reading, until Sorin’s mind link interrupted me.

“We have to go,” I said, standing up. We gathered our things and left the office.

We made our way to the meeting room, where several alphas and Sorin were waiting. We greeted a few pack members as we walked to the conference room.

“Hi, everyone,” I said, drawing their attention. Each alpha stood and bowed their heads in respect.

I looked around, spotted Sorin, and gave him a warm smile. “Please, sit. Let’s start our meeting.”

***

“In a week, both the king and queen will visit the neighboring packs for three weeks. Each visit should last a day or two.

“Everyone has their responsibilities, so let’s stick to them,” my father instructed.

After the meeting ended, I stood and thanked him. Despite his initial resistance to me becoming queen of the pack, I was grateful for his support now.

“Be ready to meet everyone, and make sure you have all the paperwork Sorin will give you. Memorize the names of the alphas, okay?” my father advised.

“Yes, thank you.” I smiled softly as everyone left the room.

“Later tonight, I’ll bring over some files that need your signature,” Sorin murmured from behind me. I spun around, surprised, then offered him a smile. “This one’s the alpha file. Keep it safe.”

“Thanks, Sorin,” I replied. He nodded, returning my smile.

Feeling a hostile gaze on me, I rolled my eyes and dismissed Sorin. Once he was gone, I crossed my arms and turned to face the source of the tension.

Connor’s eyes were a swirling black as I shot him a glare that screamed, ~leave me alone~.

“I told you—”

“You didn’t tell me ~anything~,” I snapped, cutting him off. “Leave Sorin out of this!”

I started to walk away when Connor grabbed my arm, spinning me around. I gasped as his arms encircled my waist.

I looked up, my eyes meeting his dark ones, causing a shiver to run down my spine.

“I should let you do what you want, but damn, I can’t,” Connor murmured. His words left me puzzled.

“Connor, let go,” I demanded, pushing against his arms. This was dangerous. I needed to keep my distance.

“You make it difficult,” Connor growled, his breath hot against my mating mark. A shiver ran through me, causing me to close my eyes. “You’re making it so difficult.”

My heart pounded in my chest, drowning out everything else. I could feel Connor’s breath on my neck as I bit my lip.

My nails dug into his biceps as his lips brushed against my mating mark, a feather-light kiss that left me yearning for more.

“What are you doing to me?” Connor whispered, his tongue finally tracing the mark.

I moaned against his chest as he licked the sensitive area. Pressing myself against him, I could feel his arousal against my core.

My hands clenched, resisting the urge to reach down his pants and touch him. I wanted to taste him, to take him in my mouth.

“Touch me,” Connor commanded, his voice rough and commanding. “Touch me, Elaine.”

I opened my eyes to find him staring back at me. I felt like a moth drawn to a flame.

I reached up, my hand brushing his jaw, and lowered my gaze to his lips. My mind went blank as I closed the distance between us, our lips meeting in a quick, heated kiss.

But it wasn’t enough. I wanted more.

With a growl, Connor tugged my hair, forcing me to look up at him. Then he claimed my lips with a passion that left me breathless.

My body ached with need as Connor’s hands roamed over me, exploring every curve. His hand found my ass, squeezing hard, and I whimpered against his mouth.

The room felt stiflingly hot. My clothes felt too tight, too restrictive. I wrapped my arms around his neck, craving more of his touch, and we lost ourselves in our desire.

But it was short-lived. A knock on the conference room door brought us back to reality.

Startled, I pulled away from him. What was I doing?

The knocking persisted.

“Who is it?” Connor growled.

“Alpha, my king, you’re needed at the border,” one of the pack warriors called out, causing us both to frown.

Pulling myself together, I looked at Connor, his eyes clouded with desire. Once he finished his mind-link, he turned to me.

“We need to go,” Connor grumbled. I nodded, embarrassed by what had just happened.

After adjusting my clothes, I glanced at Connor, who muttered something under his breath. My gaze drifted down his body, stopping at his pants.

He was still hard. I blushed, mortified, and quickly looked away.

“You should take care of that first,” I stammered.

Connor stood there, hands on his hips.

“I know, but the only options are a cold shower, or…,” Connor trailed off. I shifted uncomfortably. What was he suggesting?

“Or what?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

“Or I bend you over that table and fuck you quickly. Your choice,” Connor hissed, causing my face to turn beet red.

“Excuse me?” I choked out.

“It’s simple, Elaine,” Connor smirked, moving closer to me, a strand of my hair twirled around his finger.

“A shower or a quick fuck. But let’s be realistic. The shower is on the second floor. That would waste time.”

“You can’t be serious,” I squeaked.

“Do I look like I’m joking?” Connor gestured towards his erection.

I had to admit, I was so turned on that if I left the room, everyone would know what the alpha had been doing to me. And right now, I wanted a quick fuck just to find release.

“Your choice. You told me not to touch you, so I’ll respect that. But we need to leave, and I can’t go out like this.” Connor gestured towards his bulge again, his hand gripping it roughly.

“And neither can you, especially when you smell so enticing.”

I backed up until I hit the table behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw the round wooden table. All sorts of naughty scenarios flashed through my mind.

“So? Hurry up, Elaine. Make a decision,” Connor grumbled, his breath uneven. “I know you want it as much as I do.”

I closed my eyes, feeling the goosebumps spread across my skin. Biting my lip, I looked at Connor, who smirked with the confidence of an alpha.

Despite my reservations, I was desperate to feel him inside me.

“Fine,” I muttered, meeting his gaze. “Let’s make it quick.”