At Alexander's threat and the mention of "mate," Cathwulf's eyes widened slightly, her beautiful smile she once had faltering for a moment, before she regained composure, masking it with a polite smile. "My apologies, Alexander," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
Truth be told, I hadn't expected Alexander to speak to her that way, given their apparent closeness. Not everyone could embrace a king so familiarly, so I knew the lady in front of me wasn't just anyone. It was surprising to see him threaten her like she was an outsider.
'I told you he was different,' my wolf growled pridefully, feeling satisfied by Alexander's threat.
"He's not different, Lymah. It is just an insult to his pride that he is told his mate's body is a public property," I said inwardly.
Alexander revealed a slight smile of approval. "Ensure it doesn't happen again, Cathwulf," he replied, his tone carrying an unmistakable edge of warning.
Cathwulf's eyes flickered with barely concealed anger, but her smile remained fixed. "Of course, your highness," she said, her voice now devoid of any warmth. "Since we're strictly back to business, can we please go inside?" She turned on her heels and glided toward the curtain where she came from.
Alexander followed slowly behind her, and I followed behind Alexander. As we walked into the deeper recesses of the shop, all I did was watch Cathwulf's seductive steps. Her long legs moved one after the other in a straight line, her hips swaying gracefully.
One thing I couldn't deny was the woman's beauty that drew one's eyes even when her words cut like knife.
When we got to a door, it opened on its own and we all entered. The room was completely different from the front shop. It was more lavish with an intricate decor that spoke of wealth and power.
The place left me flagabasted when I walked in. It seemed impossible to have such a beautiful place here, given the location. But it was real and I was standing in it.
Alexander strode past Cathwulf to the soft couch and sat on it. As I followed him closely, obeying his command from earlier, I noticed the employees that stood at the corners of the room with their heads bowed.
I stood close to Alexander, and when he noticed I wasn't sitting, his brows furrowed slightly. "Sit, Penelope." He tapped slightly on the couch, close to him, and I obeyed.
"I haven't made any introductions yet. This is Cathwulf. A close companion." While he introduced, Cathwulf walked to the couch opposite from the one we were on, and sat on it.
I stared at the woman with a forced smile that didn't reach my eyes before I turned back to Alexander. "I don't know what to address her as," I said bluntly.
Alexander smiled at my tone. "A lady would be fine."
"It's good to meet you, Lady Cathwulf."
She crossed her legs elegantly, the fabrics of her dress falling perfectly into place. "The pleasure is all mine, Penelope," her voice oozed with condencension.