A Princess's Dilemma

LIANA

His confession shocks me, I have to admit. He’s blind? Truly blind?

For a few moments, I curse the Goddess for playing such a twisted trick of fate on me, but then… I listen. As he pours out his truth, I feel something flow through me, so deeply, so profoundly, that… it changes me. The pain he has been through… nobody should have to live with so much pain. The fear of being abandoned because of his secret affliction—I can see it in his eyes.

I can understand the secrecy. As an alpha’s daughter, I know the danger it would put him in to have his weakness known. Wolves and lycans can be ruthless in their pursuit of power. It’s best never to show any vulnerability.

I also know his honesty with me comes at a price, a price he isn’t sure I want to pay. I’m not sure either, until…

The kiss. I give in so willingly but it’s a kiss like no other, like my lips have never been touched by another. Just for a moment, it takes all my doubts away, any ounce of uncertainty, and that in itself is terrifying. I don’t know if I’m ready for the kind of life my future will hold now if we go through with this. But the kiss, oh, the kiss. I am grounded but floating on air all at once. It makes little sense, but it doesn’t have to. I feel alive for the first time, like until this moment I have not been breathing—and now I crave this feeling, like a drowning man craves air. He is my air… and I need more of it. So, so much more.

Guilt washes over me at the thought of Zeke. If he finds out… he’ll howl for hours. My stomach twists uncomfortably. I like Zeke; he’s been good to me—but I have a feeling that kiss has just changed everything…

***

We drive back quietly, but I don’t mind. It’s a comfortable silence. I know he must be a little nervous about having revealed his secret to me, but he can trust me. After all, I know better than anyone what it feels like to be constantly judged.

My father doesn’t want me home for any reason other than nosiness. I know that already. Especially when, the second I get home, all I can feel are his eyes on me.

“Good lunch?” he asks curiously, and I nod easily, giving him a smile.

“Yes, it was great. Saw Sandra.”

“Oh, how is Johnny?” he asks.

“He’s good. You’ll have to stop by soon.”

“I will,” he answers, but his eyes are narrow and thoughtful.

Lucian has gone upstairs to deal with some business with Kia, and I’m talking to Father in his study.

“So… should I ask?” he says with a knowing smile.

“I don’t know what you mean,” I say, playing dumb, but my face flushes.

“Liana, I am your father. I am far from stupid. The king clearly wants something from you.”

I’ve never been popular with male wolves. Zeke is the only one who has ever shown any real attraction to me. I realize with relief, but also with bitterness, that my father doesn’t suspect Lucian’s feelings for me. He’s genuinely puzzled about why Lucian asked me out to lunch.

I swallow nervously. “The king has, uh…” I chew on my lip a minute. My father frowns slightly—and I chicken out. “He’s invited me to the palace for some time.”

How am I supposed to tell my father that I might one day be a queen—and not the alpha of our pack when the time comes? He’s been trying to prepare me for a position of power since the day I was born. But never for this…

“Oh…really? That seems…”

“Yeah, I know. Something about advising him on a matter he’s dealing with, kind of confidential,” I lie.

“Well, that doesn’t sound so bad,” he says quietly, but I can tell he’s fishing for my lie. It’s uncommon for a wolf to find their mate so quickly after coming of age, and nobody would expect the king to want a girl like me for my looks, so it isn’t surprising that his suspicions don’t run in that direction. All the same, he knows something is up. “Well, I’m sure he will talk to me about it when he is ready to. After all, you are a princess. Your leaving for some time will impact us.”

I nod, keeping my face neutral. “I know, Father.”

I’m getting to my feet when he adds, “You shifted…earlier.”

I half turn, looking back at him. “I did.”

He nods. “It’s just been a while since I’ve seen you do that. I’m glad our king was able to convince you.”

I smile a little crooked grin, then leave quickly so as not to be questioned any further on ~our king~.

Oh Goddess. Why did I lie? Well…I know why. I worry about how this whole thing will affect my father and the pack. I am his successor, and although I can’t be alpha, I’m supposed to marry a strong male to keep the title in the family. What will happen to our pack if I leave?

~First things first~. I need to talk to Lucian. If he does want me to go with him when he leaves, then he needs to back up the lie I’ve just told.

Slapping a hand over my face, I jog up the stairs to his room.

***

I pop my ear to his door but hear no voices. I frown and open the door a crack, peeping around its edge. There is no Kia, but water is running in the bathroom.

I look around to be sure I’m alone before I risk slipping into the room and closing the door quietly behind me.

Tiptoeing toward the bathroom, I pick up Lucian’s discarded T-shirt on the floor and inhale deeply. He smells far too good for a man.

I peek around the edge of the bathroom door and try not to squeak.

Holy sweet mother.

His body glistens under the shower of water pouring over him, and a hand runs down thick, rippled abs, leaving a trail of bubbles in its wake. I want to expire, looking at his ridiculously solid rod as he shifts his free hand over it slowly. Leaning against the cool tile with his head thrown back, he looks every bit the godlike figure that he is.

Every molecule in me screams to touch him, to please him better than he’s pleasing himself. He groans deep in his chest with his eyes closed. I really should leave, or at least look away, but my eyes are shamelessly glued to every small movement of his body.

“Are you going to watch me all day, or would you like to come in?”

His voice makes my mouth go dry. Of course, he smelled me. Probably the second I opened the door.

“Maybe I’m just enjoying the show,” I say boldly, and he chuckles. Oh Goddess, I shouldn’t be here…but I can’t bring myself to leave. It’s been a while, and the sight of him makes me hungry.

“By all means, little one.” He runs his hand up his length, squeezing over his tip, and his back arches. My panties drench with need, and he smiles. “Although…your body tells me you want more than to just watch me.”

I squeeze my thighs together, blushing madly.

“Come here,” he whispers darkly, and my body lurches forward as if he pulled an invisible string.

Just as I reach the edge of the shower, I stop. “No,” I say. “I can’t come any closer. This isn’t right…”

“Kissing you felt more right than anything has ever felt,” he says, the water streaming down him in rivulets. I can’t stop watching his hand as it moves leisurely over his own body, caressing and stroking, rubbing and teasing.

I want to be in that shower with him so badly. But I can’t do it. I have responsibilities and loyalties, and I only met this man yesterday. He may be a king, but I am a princess. I have to think clearly.

Oh, fuck…