"Do you like me?" Her eyes trace his face, searching for an answer he seems determined to conceal.
He dares not meet her gaze, knowing a second glance might break his shield and unleash the beast within him. The urge to grab her, to claim her lips with his, is a constant battle. Every fleeting look at her stirs dangerous thoughts—thoughts of tearing away her clothes and laying her in his bed.
The mate bond torments him, stirring emotions he doesn't want yet can't help but desire. The need for her has become a burden, a relentless war between his beast and his will.
"I don't think I like you," he says honestly, his eyes struggling to connect with hers.
Her face doesn't mask her offense, but she takes his words with a calm, flat smile—one that fades as quickly as it appears.
"So, if it's not like, then what is it you require from me?" Her voice cracks as she speaks, though she presses on, her tone betraying her anxiety and curiosity.
She doesn't want him to think she's eager for his response, though she is.
"I need you," he blurts out, no longer holding back his hidden desires. Every effort to create distance between them has failed. The mate bond's weight presses on him, eroding his defenses.
"Need me as… how?" she asks, her confusion evident.
"I need you to move in with me and sleep with me," he says reluctantly, earning a wide-eyed stare from her. Her fingers dig into her palms as her lips part, then press together, her mind racing to process his words.
No, he can't mean that. He doesn't want her as some sort of… bed partner, does he?
"What I meant," he clarifies, noticing her tense posture and tight fists, "is sharing a bed. Nothing more."
He definitely doesn't want another fistfight with her.
"You want me to share a bed with you. Why?"
"To help ease the stress," he replies shortly, unwilling to explain further. He can't tell her that his body craves her presence or that his beast has been wild, desperate to have its mate close. He needs her near to calm the storm raging inside him, even without touching her.
"I'll do it," she says, surprising him. "But first, you have to do me a favor. I want to see Mai. Bring her to me, and I'll be your roommate."
She sees this as her chance to get Mai the pill to counteract the poison's effects. If another day passes without it, Mai might stop breathing.
"I'll have John bring her here," he agrees. "Until then, pack your things. Abi will help you with the move."
The conversation is abruptly interrupted when a wolf woman steps into the room, her voice steady but urgent.
"My King, there's a visitor waiting for you," she informs him.
Steffen's gaze sharpens, but he wastes no time. Rising to his feet, he spares Ella a brief glance. "Stay here," he instructs firmly, nodding toward the wolf woman. "She'll guard you."
Without another word, he strides out of the room, his movements purposeful as he heads for his office. The heavy door creaks open, revealing Samuel seated stiffly in one of the leather chairs.
Steffen steps inside, his presence commanding. Lowering himself into the high-backed chair behind his desk, he regards Samuel with a cold, calculating gaze. The tension in his shoulders is palpable, his hands resting on the desk as he leans forward slightly.
"To what do I owe this visit, Samuel?" His tone is clipped, laced with impatience. "I don't recall a council meeting."
Samuel, a human council member, rarely sets foot in Kini Town unless summoned. His sudden presence is unusual and unsettling—a clear indication of urgency.
"The rogues are at it again," Samuel announces, his voice steady but grim. His dark eyes meet Steffen's, the weight of his words punctuated by the solemnity of his tone.
Steffen's jaw tightens, his knuckles whitening as his hands curl into fists on the desk. Every effort he has made to stave off war feels increasingly futile. The rogues' relentless defiance gnaws at his restraint, and Teslime, their leader, is the sharpest thorn in his side.
Teslime's calculated attacks on humans are no coincidence. They are a deliberate provocation, a challenge to Steffen's authority, a cruel reminder that Teslime doesn't recognize him as king.
"I'll rip the breath from his lungs," Steffen growls, his voice low and dangerous, anger simmering just beneath the surface.
"But first, we need to address their attacks on humans," Samuel interjects. His tone carries a note of caution, his role as the human bridge between the supernatural and mortal worlds ever apparent. "If this continues, the humans won't hold back. A hunt will be declared, and every wolf will be at risk."
Steffen exhales sharply, the weight of Samuel's words sinking in.
"The mayor is already suspicious," Samuel continues, his expression darkening. "The recent deaths in the town haven't gone unnoticed. She's calling for an investigation. If it happens, you know what that could mean."
"I'll handle it," Steffen says firmly, the finality in his voice leaving no room for argument. He intends to send his best men to the city to hunt the rogues and put an end to the chaos.
"Good." Samuel leans back slightly, the tension in his shoulders easing. "And the human girl?"
Steffen's eyes narrow at the question, his fingers gripping a pen as his gaze locks on Samuel with icy precision.
"Why ask about her?" he demands, his voice cold and sharp.
Samuel raises his hands in a placating gesture. "I'm just curious," he says smoothly, though there's a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. "She's a human girl in your world. I want to know if she's doing well."
"She's fine," Steffen replies tersely, his tone leaving no room for further inquiry. "And you don't need to concern yourself with her. She's my responsibility."
The finality in his words draws a faint nod from Samuel, though the curiosity in his eyes lingers, unspoken but not unnoticed.
At the other end, Ella looks around Steffen's room, her fingers grazing the smooth wood of the dresser. The space feels both intimidating and oddly comforting—like the man himself. Abi stands nearby, adjusting the neatly folded sheets on the bed. Her movements are practiced, but her smile is warm, inviting a kind of ease Ella rarely feels.
"Thanks for helping me with this," Ella says, breaking the silence. "I'm not exactly sure where everything should go."
Abi waves a dismissive hand, her soft laugh filling the room. "It's no trouble. The King doesn't let many people into his space. You're… different."
Ella tilts her head, curiosity lighting her eyes. "Different how?"
Abi hesitates, folding a blanket over her arm. "Let's just say he doesn't exactly make a habit of letting anyone—human or wolf—move into his room."
Ella blinks, caught off guard. "So… you're saying I'm the first?"
Abi nods, her expression thoughtful. "You are. He's never done this before, not even for… well, anyone."
The implication hangs in the air, and Ella's curiosity deepens. "What about before he became King? Did he ever have someone special?"
Abi's smile falters for a moment, as though she's choosing her words carefully. "The king's life hasn't left much room for… attachments. Being King means carrying the weight of the pack and others on your shoulders, and for him, that's always come first. There's no time for distractions."
Plus his life is cursed upon to be lonely for infinity.
Ella frowns, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "That sounds… lonely."
Abi's expression softens. "It is. But he doesn't show it. He's always been strong for everyone else."
Ella hesitates before asking the question that's been nagging at her. "What about you? You've known him a long time, right? What was he like before… all of this?"
Abi sits beside her, her voice dropping to a gentler tone. "I've known him not too long, a century I would say" Ella's eyes wides as she call century not too long.
"Even then—loyal to a fault, and fiercely protective. But after he became King, something changed. He built these walls around himself. No one really gets past them." Abi continues,
Ella looks down, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sweater. "But he let me in. Why?"
Abi studies her for a moment, as if weighing how much to say. "I can't answer that, Ella. But I will say this—if he's letting you in, it means something. Even if he doesn't say it outright."
Ella nods, her thoughts swirling. "And no one's ever moved in here before? Not even… women?"
Abi shakes her head, her expression firm. "No. You're the first, Ella. Whatever this is, it's different. And trust me, the king doesn't do anything without a reason."
Ella bites her lip, unsure whether to feel flattered or overwhelmed. "I guess I'll find out soon enough," she murmurs.
Abi stands, her smile returning as she rests a reassuring hand on Ella's shoulder. "Just take it one day at a time. His majesty isn't an easy man to understand, but if anyone can figure him out, it might just be you."
Silence falls, broken only by the creak of the door as it opens. Steffen steps inside, his presence commanding the room. Abi quietly slips out, granting them privacy.
"I've asked John to bring your friend," Steffen says the moment the door clicks shut behind Abi. "They should be here within the hour." His sharp gaze fixes on Ella, catching the flicker of excitement in her eyes that she struggles to hide.
"Thank you," Ella replies with a tight smile, her tone restrained.
"How's the move going?" he asks, his eyes drifting to the folded dresses on the bed. It's obvious she hasn't quite settled in.
"Abi helped, but I need you to tell me where to put my things. I wouldn't want to overstep."
"You're not overstepping. You can put your things wherever you like. I don't usually stay here," he says, already moving toward the bathroom door.
"Then why let me stay here if it's not your usual place?" Ella questions, her voice soft but probing. She watches him pause at the bathroom door, his hand resting lightly on the frame.
"It's the safest part of the castle," Steffen replies, turning slightly to meet her gaze. "No one will bother you here."
Ella studies him for a moment, noting the tension in his shoulders. "You're going out of your way for me. ."
"Because I can." His tone is firm, closing the topic before she can press further. He disappears into the bathroom, leaving her to mull over his words.
Moments later, he returns, his sleeves rolled up and his face freshly washed. "Anything else you need?" he asks, his voice neutral.
Ella hesitates, fiddling with the edge of the blanket on the bed. "I'd like to know which side you like more"
"side?" He arches a brow, leaning against the wall. " Meaning?"
"Which side of the bed do you prefer, am a left person, so?"
"I don't give much thoughts in things like that, have it your way" he briefly responds and before he can say further, a sharp knock echoes from the door.
Steffen straightens instantly, his senses alert. "That'll be John," he says, striding toward the door.
As he opens it, John steps inside, followed closely by a petite woman with wide, curious eyes. Ella's breath catches when she recognizes the woman.
"Mia!" Ella exclaims, her guarded demeanor breaking as she rushes toward her friend.
Mia beams, wrapping Ella in a tight hug. "I didn't think I'd see you so soon!"
John clears his throat, glancing at Steffen. "Everything went smoothly, my king."
Steffen nods in acknowledgment, but his attention shifts to Ella and Mia, his expression unreadable.
Ella pulls back, her hands still gripping Mia's. "Thank you," she says to Steffen, her voice softer now.
He nods again, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer. "I'll leave you two to catch up. John, come with me."
With that, Steffen and John exit, leaving Ella and Mia to their reunion.
"I'm dying" says Mia before loosing grip of her body in Ella's hands.